MsBOOM

^JDHarrison hit the nail on the head. Give a general idea of your interests and what you hope to accomplish here and there, but nothing too precise.

Have you looked into UVA? Their Theology, Ethics, and Culture (MA in Religion) track has a Philosophical Theology concentration. As for funding, however, I'm not too sure about.

Everyone that I've become friends with at HDS has asked the same question: how the HELL did we all get in with such poor GRE scores? I have yet to talk to anyone that did any better than you and I on the GRE, hahaha. Your political science perspective and knowledge of Arabic will put you far ahead than most applying to the Islamic Studies program at HDS. As for funding, almost everyone I know has at least 50%.

I applied to their Theology, Ethics, and Culture program last year and got in. I went to a fairly unknown school for undergrad (George Mason University), and GMU has an incredibly smaaaaaaaaall religious studies department. As for the GRE, I didn't do so well either... my stats were just a tad higher than yours. I would recommend taking it again and attempting higher for the writing part at least. Aside from the GRE, I had great LOR's, a strong SOP, and great undergrad stats in the religious studies department. I had no previous connection to professors at UVA, and aside from my letter of admission, I still haven't had any contact with them, haha. In short, I believe you do have a good chance in getting in. If you have more questions, def let me know.

As 11Q13 stated, Harvard loves non-traditional applicants. We've got a whole bunch of different people in the MDiv program here - anywhere from atheists to a Caucasian female Muslim convert who wants to become a Muslim chaplain in a prison setting.

Have you thought about Harvard Divinity School at all? Given Harvard's love for diversity, I'm sure they would love to see you here.

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! esoFJE FUE#U@w@!!!!

Two of mine were from professors from my Religious Studies undergrad, and one was from my English undergrad.

GRE scores are not that important - at least that's my guess anyway. I did extremely TERRIBLE (trust me on this one)... minus the analytical writing part anyway. My professor (who also went to HDS, knows a lot of professors there, etc) told me not to worry about the GRE, either. However, I had to make sure the rest of my application was extremely - and I mean EXTREMELY strong. I think what it all comes down to is FIT. HDS has to be right for you, and vice versa. As for what I'm doing afterwards? I'm throwing myself back into application season and praying and praying that I get into Georgetown for their Religious Pluralism PhD.

Drechie - GRE was definitely required. And I'm not too sure about the financial aid for MTS students, but I will admit that I'll be entering the MTS program at HDS, and the school was extremely generous towards me with aid...

I know UVA has an area of focus in philosophy for the MA in Religious Studies - it's part of the Theology, Ethics, and Culture concentration (I applied in this area as well!). One of my professors from undergrad (her and I are extremely close) got her PhD from UVA in philosophy and religion, and from what I heard from her, UVA's religious studies department is great with philosophy. Here's the link: http://artsandscienc...s/theology.html

Hoping the best for you guys... esp you, Wind!!! Goodness, I can only imagine the pain of waiting -.-

Ahahaha, I should check into who is doing that to me as well! I'm at -114 -.- lmao

This may be a shot in the dark, but is ANYONE going to HDS looking for a roommate? I am freaking out about housing over here! Haha

I will be attending Harvard Divinity School in the fall - and at first, I thought I could find a studio within a 10 mile radius within the $800 range, but that doesn't seem to be the case! Looks like I'll need to find a roommate(s) - but being somebody from the Washington, DC area with NO friends in the area of Cambridge/Boston at all... how could I even go about doing such a thing? Another question I have - My ideal move-in date is August first, but it seems like everyone is asking for a move-in much earlier or Sept 1 (which isn't possible, because my classes start August 30th). Is this because I am looking for housing too soon? Will I find more openings for that time-frame in May/June?

You can always crash it with me! hahaha

Congrats, Alan! Will anyone be at the HDS events next week? I'm driving up from Washington, DC. I'm so excited!

Congratulations!!!! HORRRRAHHHHHHHH!!! Amazing!!!! Congrats!!!!!

Thanks you two!

Pfft. Let's just start our OWN!

Okay, so I Googled, Binged, Yahooed, and all that... and found absolutely NOTHING. I know it exists because now I know of a bunch of professors that used to be presidents of the society... but there's no website! Maybe it's a secret society that you can only find information about once you're eligible to be inducted? Haha.

iPads, imho, seem like giant toys to me. I think I will def stick with the netbook option - I def don't think an air will be too great on my pocket! Amazon is a great idea! Thank you! Hahaha, it took me a second to realize you were joking about the iPad. And d'oh! I should've known about the Qu'ranic scholarship - I'll def shoot Graham an email! Thank you!

Haha, you guys are the best! Made my day! Back to the MA talk - here's a question (you guys seriously give the best advice, no joke). Should I go ahead and already start talking to the professors at Georgetown about their PhD program? I'm really, really wanting to do my PhD there. Is it too soon?

Wind, I was honestly wondering the same thing -.- it's come to the point that I'm afraid of posting . I have no idea!

Thanks, JDM. Excellent advice!