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Hi all, i am from Pakistan, belong to a financially struggling household and persecuted minority group, attended a prestigious liberal arts college here and graduated with undergrad degree in English Lit, and MPhil in International relations.Now i intend to apply for MTS program at Harvard Divinity School in coming session, but i have really average gpa in my undergrad which is 3.07 only. Even though i started and finished that degree under intense pressures, and weirdest circumstances that caused me severe depression. Not to forget, i was working even before starting my degree, due to challenging situations couldn't start my university degree till 24 years of age. Do i stand a chance? Is there someone accepted with similar gpa? I want to specialize in Islamic studies and have intensive research on the subject. Also, i don't need to submit GRE score as i already hold a masters degree and eligible for GRE waiver, even though grad degree is with similar gpa, as the situation wasn't altered much. Shall be grateful for any kind of guidance.

Hi, everyone! I was recently accepted at HDS (Jewish Studies MTS) and YDS (Second-Temple Judaism MARc). I have received a 75% tuition remission from both, so I am at a bit of loss as to which I should choose. On the one hand, YDS boasts one of the few specialized programs in Second-Temple Judaism. On the other hand, HDS might allow more wiggle room to delve into secondary interests (Lurianic Kabbalah and Maimonidean thought, specifically). Likewise, I feel it is important to tighten my grasp on the intellectual history of Judaism from the biblical to the modern period, so I am not sure if HDS is the better fit in that it is more broadly-focused. I also find myself drawn to the culture and multi-faith atmosphere of HDS. Both schools are home to top scholars in the field, and both would provide me with an extraordinary education, which makes it so difficult to choose. Would it be better to go to YDS, where I can specialize right off the bat in Second-Temple Judaism, or would it be better to go to HDS, where I might enjoy a more well-rounded approach? Are there any other factors I should be considering (location aside)? Any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated!

Hi GradChat, I will be starting at Harvard (graduate student) in the fall. I am a female in my mid-twenties and I'm seeking another female student to live with and "apartment search" with together. I'm meeting a realtor in 2 weeks in Boston and I will be searching around the Allston/Brighton/Brookline area, as I'm unfamiliar with the area and I currently live across the country. The search so far has been disheartening. I will be searching for a 2-bedroom apartment and looking to split the costs, as I will be commuting probably every day to campus. My priorities include a location where the commute is reasonable, affordability, of course safety, and a full/decent kitchen that will allow me to cut expenses by cooking at home. I don't smoke/drink. I'm quiet, clean and dependable. I'm willing to compromise and make things work, I'm straight forward and I'm looking for someone who is the same. If anyone is interested, kindly DM me, and we can talk about details over text/call/skype, etc.

Hey there fellow grad school applicants and students, I am finishing 4 Bachelors Degrees at my school (graduating this June). 1. Religious Studies (individual gpa: 4.0), 2. Archaeology (individual gpa: 3.9), 3. Philosophy (individual gpa: 4.0), 4. Film & Television (individual gpa: 3.95) (and a Minor in Biblical Languages) I am from a small denominational university on the West Coast of the US and come from an under-represented conservative denomination (though I myself am not) that doesn't often try to go to Ivy League schools. I have right now an overall GPA of about 3.96 (graduating diploma count) and a currently listed GPA on the transcript (which includes a non-college class) of 3.9. My GRE scores though are so baseline average, there's no point in mentioning them. Just consider it a possibly large negative. I am deeply passionate about the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Judaism. I've applied to the following programs. 1. Yale Divinity School (MARc Second Temple Judaism) 2. Harvard Divinity School (MTS in Hebrew Bible) 3. Oxford University (MPhil Judaism and Christianity in Graeco-Roman World) 4. Princeton Theological Seminary (MTS) 5. Vanderbilt Divinity School (MTS) 6. Duke Divinity School (MTS) 7. Candler School of Theology at Emory (MTS) 8. Boston University School of Theology (MTS) 9. Union Theological Seminary (MA) Debating whether I should apply to University of Chicago Divinity School (since its after the priority financial deadline of Jan 8 and I have bad GRE). What are my chances of getting into any of them? I know that's a broad question, but I'm honestly worried (as any grad student is). My professors are far too confident in my abilities and chances and I'd rather hear from fellow students. Do you guys know anything about how these schools currently judge student applications in the admissions process? Thank you to everyone in advance!

Hi, I have a question about the Admissions Process for Divinity Schools. My situation is a unique one (yeah, I'm sure this is the first time you've all heard that on here) anyway, I'm applying for the MTS/MaR at HDS, YDS, VDS, Union and Wake Forest Div. My undergrad GPA is 3.89/4.0 - INR My grad GPA is 3.96/4.0 - Religious Studies I battled Depression and sought treatment when I was 18 years old and right out of high school (I also had other personal and family problems going on during that time including a family member who was dying of cancer, etc.) and that coupled with immaturity was a disaster. I did not focus on school nor did I ever imagine myself continuing on to graduate school. It just wasn't on my radar. I finished my AA degree with a 3.4 and I never gave it much thought. Things began to turn around in my life, and I transferred to a state school and eventually graduated with my BA and a 3.89 UG GPA with a degree in International Relations and a concentration on Middle East and Central Asian Studies. I'm graduating with an MA in Religious Studies this May with a 3.96/4.0 from the same state university. I pursued an Abrahamic Religions Track, but the degree itself although an MA with graduate coursework was still very generalized and I did not feel specialized (enough) or prepared for the PhD application cycle which has already passed for this year. It's partly my own fault because the program was not specialized in my area of interest nor did it have any notable faculty that was (my major professor specializes in South Asian religions and my thesis was on Iraq). I did not have the opportunity to take languages in the department like Syriac, Coptic, Classical Arabic, etc. because they were simply not offered. I'm pursuing a second Masters degree with the intent that I will be more competitive for PhD Programs, to be around more faculty and other students in my area of interest(s), and improve my language skills in Arabic. I'm a female, I'm a dual national of the U.S. and Iran. I have a background in Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish and French (and 1 year of Greek of the New Testament) which I hope to further build upon. Most of my language skills come from my background and personal pursuits (not academic transcripts) although I have taken up to intermediate Arabic in my Undergrad and 1 semester of Greek in my Grad transcript. I began my SoPs with my fieldwork experience in Iraq working with various minority communities (IDPs and refugees) which became the absolute highlight of my graduate career. My MA thesis explored the transformative role of ritual for the Yezidi Community in the aftermath of the Sinjar Massacre by the Islamic State. But I realized while I was in Iraq that whether I want to pursue doctoral studies or NGO work in the future that I absolutely need to improve my language skills which will be my #1 priority in future years to come. I decided to apply to an array of various programs (some of which are "better" fits than others) just to keep my options open. My real question is that I mentioned my Depression in my SoP. I wrestled with it for months and I rewrote the Sop several times. I framed it in a sort-of-way like "I've struggled with depression, but I maintained a 3.96 Grad GPA." I was hoping that it would be viewed as a positive, that I've made significant progress in my academic pursuit and personal life and I overcame my difficulties (and grew up in a sense) which I felt at the time was honest. Then after I submitted all of my applications, I started googling it and I realized that I might have made an awful mistake even mentioning it in the first place. Many forums and threads even labeled it as a "Kiss of Death" which I'm sure goes along with the fact that most people view mental illness as an excuse and it is still highly stigmatized. I've been worrying about it ever since. I only wrote a few sentences about it and I figured that divinity schools might be more forgiving and compassionate (perhaps I thought wrong and honesty is not what they want). At the same time I feel that it's human to go through these kinds of struggles, life's a journey and I have to forgive myself for what I was going through when I was 18. That's the way I see it. But then again, I'm a person with too much compassion if that's even possible? .....and, if AdCom is going to throw out my application solely because I brought up that I struggled with mental illness at one point, well that's not a place I would want to be anyway. For a job application or interview, I would see it as pointless and detrimental to bring it up because the bottom line is about being able to get the job done. But because I'm applying to Div Schools and because the academic journey should be one where you are constantly learning, re-making yourself (especially when you're so young), and progressing I feel that it's a bit different. For me, I find inspiration and courage in stories of hardships where people turn it around. After all, should higher education only cater to those who hail from highly privileged backgrounds or those who never had to overcome significant challenges in life? I'm also not framing my struggles with mental illness as an "excuse" (as if it were an excuse anyway) for a poor transcript, but I framed it more like I have good GPAs but I have improved and I hope to continue to do so. Ive already submitted all my apps. But any thoughts and (constructive) advice/comments for future reference or to simply ease my mind?

Hi all: First time poster here. I want to ask about how much the GRE Quant section actually matters for admissions to HDS. All aspects of my application are extremely competitive however, there is one setback: my Quant score. While my Verbal scores and AWA are well above averages, my Quant is at a dismal 20%. Could this be a deal breaker for me? Might I be weeded out of the competition before my application ever reaches someone's desk? Thanks for your feedback.

Hi folks! I've recently got off the fence and accepted HDS' offer. So I'm going to live in HDS area for 2 years. I know this question should go to 'City' forum, but, as you know, that forum got too crowded during this season and only little helpful information is offered at the 'Boston' forum. I'd like to hear from current or former HDS student (or BTI friends) on affordable housing ideas at/around HDS (or general Harvard Area). 1) I plan to move in mid-August, when should I start to look for apartments? I've been searching HU Campus Housing page and Harvard Off-Campus Housing, but I don't see any reasonable houses. .. Harvard Campus Housing is extremely expensive and their usual move-in seems like early July- which is too early for me. On the other hands, most of off-campus apartments(from Harvard's off-campus webpage) say the usual move-in date will be SEPT 1st- which is too late (I have to participate in Orientation starts on 24 AUG). 2) What is the "reasonable" rent to pay for a month in off-Cambridge areas? I know the official financial handbook says budget for housing is $11,700 for 9 months which is approximately $1300 per month. But I heard that $1,000 should be a decent budget for rent in *OUTER* cambridge, especially, as long as I am sharing with a roommate. I'm looking for a one-bedrooms for $900 (if I can have a separated room, the other inconveniences should be totally fine) and a shared-room for $600-700. It is possible? And do you have any suggestion or tip for finding a suitable place? 3) That said, any recommendations on where to go (find)? I'm thinking about heading outside of Cambridge. Although I'm going to live without a car during my Boston years (dear friend of mine said having a car in boston/ parking in Harvard areas is a nightmare), it seems like public transportations are quite convenient and nice in Boston Area (and I love using public transportations). I heard there are a fair number of buses that run right into HDS area with some frequency. As for me, I'm also thinking about biking will be a nice option when the weather permits. Besides, I do enjoy walking or running, so if it's within walkable distance (probably 25-30 min. by foot) I'm totally fine! 4) Lastly, how do you think about the CSWR housing?(and what are the chances of actually getting it?) And Does anyone have any information on if people split the rent for some of the apartments at CSWR and how that might be arranged, if accepted? I know it's a bit pricy. But If 3 bedroom houses can be shared and split up into three, I think it's not a bad option (I mostly can't afford the other grad housings and other CSWR housings). My application is almost done now, but I'm hesitant about submitting it. Or any suggestions on where to live, thought on general housing situation, and tips will be appreciated. P.S. If there are any grad cafe folks looking for a roommate/housemate, I'd like to know (or feel free to PM me)

Hi everyone! I have not seen very many posts about HDS generally, and none in this part of the forum. I am officially going to accept HDS' offer next week and thought it would be awesome to start a conversation with other prospective students. How is everyone? Are you as excited to move to Cambridge and study with exceptional profs in an exceptional community????!!! What are you excited about? Afraid of?

Hi everyone, I'm from China, have identified myself as a Confucian since 17 years old. I spent nearly six years in department of philosophy studying Chinese philosophy but roughly six months ago I realized that I want to do something practical to spread Confucius Teaching instead of doing academic work in a College. I think M.Div. programs offer the education I need. I hope to establish Confucian organizations ( monasteries, actually ) in future and spread Confucius Teaching to common people in China. The courses on arts of ministry are exactly what I want. Here are some details about me: Bachelor of philosophy from a TOP 10 university in China. GPA 3.6 Working on my Master of philosophy in TOP 2 university in China GPA 3.6 GRE v162 q164 awa3.5 ( I know my writing is lame but that's what I got....); TOFEL 106 One of my letter will be from a professor in Harvard religion study. Well as far as I know there's no one yet have ever applied for m.div. as a Confucian.I feel pretty thrilled yet helpless to be the first one. I've sent several emails to figure out which of those divinity schools would be willing to enroll a Confucian in m.div. and my conclusion is that 1) Harvard and Chicago University seem pretty welcome to the " Diversity" I may bring to them. 2) Yale and Boston College said that I'm "eligible" to apply, but they are not sure whether I will be fit to the programs. 3) UTS said I can try to apply but they don't think their program would be beneficial to me. So folks, I'm gonna ask the question that have been asked for hundreds of times here: Do I have a chance to make it to Harvard or Chicago University? Also: Do you guys know any other divinity school that is likely to enroll me? First timer here. I would appreciate any advice and information. Thank you!