2020 Religion Application Thread

[bigsh]

5 hours ago, professionalmethodist said:

Anyone heard anything from Garrett?

Not a peep. The admissions folks said late February to early March. I saw someone posted an interview in the results for systematics Phd a couple weeks ago. Not sure what program you're looking at.

[professionalmethodist]

1 hour ago, bigsh said:

Not a peep. The admissions folks said late February to early March. I saw someone posted an interview in the results for systematics Phd a couple weeks ago. Not sure what program you're looking at.

PhD in Church History. I had the same email back about the timing when I reached out to ask the timeline. Their lack of portal has me bugging out. 

[NTNerd]

as we are waiting in agony for results, i thought i'd throw out a question about interviews....do programs usually ask you detailed questions about the content of your writing sample? or would questions be more in the realm of how it connects to what you are interested in pursuing further for doctoral research? I used a paper I wrote for a class a year ago. I did read it again, but it's definitely not fresh. If it's typical for interviews to ask specific questions about it, I should probably spend some time studying it...

[soitgoes]

1 hour ago, NTGal said:

as we are waiting in agony for results, i thought i'd throw out a question about interviews....do programs usually ask you detailed questions about the content of your writing sample? or would questions be more in the realm of how it connects to what you are interested in pursuing further for doctoral research? I used a paper I wrote for a class a year ago. I did read it again, but it's definitely not fresh. If it's typical for interviews to ask specific questions about it, I should probably spend some time studying it...

In my case, the questions on the writing sample were always regarding how it connects to my interest in pursuing further doctoral research.

In one interview, three people from the religious studies department interviewed me at the same time (all with different areas of expertise). It was a quick 20 minute interview and it began with "tell us about your research interests." Unfortunately, I did not prep to answer the question so I stumbled my way through it. I was accepted to the program and the faculty said my interview was excellent. Perhaps I am too critical. Regardless, what I do know is that had I prepped for that answer, it would have been even better. So, make sure you have some sense of how to move about larger questions like "tell us about your research interests," "why did you pick this project?" "what methodologies interest you? regions?" "why us?" "do you have any questions for us?" Each of the questions, including the last one, is an opportunity to give professors information about yourself. You can choose to discuss your writing sample on your own, without them asking for that information: "And that's why I submitted the writing I did, because it shows x, y, z." It will help them connect the dots. (Also don't assume that they will remember your writing off the bat. Get a feel for whether they do).

These faculty members asked me briefly about why I chose the writing sample I did. My sample was also a paper I wrote for a class; I did not edit it, and it was marginally related to my area. Knowing this, I made sure to have a narrative ready on how to help them connect the dots between my sample and my interests: "I chose the writing sample because I enjoyed the subject, it's related to theme x, y, z, which I hope to explore as a graduate student." Just have a narrative ready for how the paper reflects your interests and capacity. I do not think they will push for a detailed discussion of the paper. They may not even have read it throughly. 

In another interview, which was done by my potential advisor, he had already read my file carefully. He asked very specific questions about my background, courses, language preparation. I could tell he was trying to fill gaps in his picture about me. He asked me about my writing sample: why did I choose a paper that's peripheral? Isn't even in my area of studies? Why didn't I choose a paper that reflects my language skills? The paper was interesting, he said, but he was wondering about these questions. So, I gave an answer, linking the paper to my interests and he was content with that. I also told him I could submit other papers if he was interested. And he said sure, and I submitted two other papers and some translations. I think it answered his concerns and I was accepted into that program. 

So I would say: yes be ready to give them answers about the paper but, more broadly, be ready to connect it to your current interests and really explain your thought process in choosing it. How maybe writing that paper influenced your future decisions or interests. The questions they will ask you will be specific to your context, and the gaps they feel they have in your story. Try to think about what they're really asking you to explain, given the questions they have already asked you. Think about your narrative, what information professors have on you, and what gaps they may need to address. Anticipate those—but don't sweat it, and don't over prepare either! 

Super long answer, and perhaps not what you're looking for but there you go!

Edited February 19, 2020 by soitgoes

[NTNerd]

@soitgoes, thank you so much for that super long and detailed answer!! it is extremely helpful, and I'm sure that others on this thread who are going through the process for the first time will find it very helpful as well! 

[soitgoes]

33 minutes ago, NTGal said:

@soitgoes, thank you so much for that super long and detailed answer!! it is extremely helpful, and I'm sure that others on this thread who are going through the process for the first time will find it very helpful as well! 

You are most welcome. It's my first time, too, and it's such an opaque process. One needs all the advice one can get! 

[gls2814]

8 hours ago, NTGal said:

as we are waiting in agony for results, i thought i'd throw out a question about interviews....do programs usually ask you detailed questions about the content of your writing sample? or would questions be more in the realm of how it connects to what you are interested in pursuing further for doctoral research? I used a paper I wrote for a class a year ago. I did read it again, but it's definitely not fresh. If it's typical for interviews to ask specific questions about it, I should probably spend some time studying it...

I applied to 2 Religious Studies programs for North American religions and I got one interview with Columbia. They did not ask me at all about my Writing Sample. It was a very informal-seeming interview. They definitely ask you about the proposal, and even some logistical aspects of it that you might not have thought about before (I know I hadn't). I definitely think they are looking to connect your future research to where you are currently. I found it helpful to reference my writing sample even though they didn't bring it up because it helps to show that you've done related work and that you have the ability to do what you proposed. 

[Dewey]

8 hours ago, NTGal said:

as we are waiting in agony for results, i thought i'd throw out a question about interviews....do programs usually ask you detailed questions about the content of your writing sample? or would questions be more in the realm of how it connects to what you are interested in pursuing further for doctoral research? I used a paper I wrote for a class a year ago. I did read it again, but it's definitely not fresh. If it's typical for interviews to ask specific questions about it, I should probably spend some time studying it...

In my interview for Yale, it seemed way more about getting a sense of me as a potential colleague, rather than just expanding on my application. They didn't ask about my writing sample (though I brought it up at one point), but did ask some questions about my background outside of academia (this likely matters more for so-called "normative" subfields like ethics/philosophy/theology than the so-called "descriptive" subfields), and also about why religious studies (as opposed to politics or philosophy - both of which I could potentially fit into). They had content-based questions related to my proposal that I was mostly prepared for. All in all, I found it to be a pleasant experience - a conversation rather than a defense.

[KaleTomaToe]

First time posting here. I'm in my first application cycle.

Has anyone else heard from Notre Dame (MTS)? I was tracking through all the posts, and it looks like there is one acceptance and one waitlist so far. Neither were in my same sub-discipline. If we haven't heard anything else, are we most likely rejected? There's still no update on my portal.

[Fiat]

24 minutes ago, Hebaram said:

First time posting here. I'm in my first application cycle.

Has anyone else heard from Notre Dame (MTS)? I was tracking through all the posts, and it looks like there is one acceptance and one waitlist so far. Neither were in my same sub-discipline. If we haven't heard anything else, are we most likely rejected? There's still no update on my portal.

It seems like those who are in have already received phone calls and those on the waitlist have received emails, which means are others are likely rejected…

[Barquentine]

2 hours ago, Hebaram said:

First time posting here. I'm in my first application cycle.

Has anyone else heard from Notre Dame (MTS)? I was tracking through all the posts, and it looks like there is one acceptance and one waitlist so far. Neither were in my same sub-discipline. If we haven't heard anything else, are we most likely rejected? There's still no update on my portal.

I haven’t heard anything either for a History of Christianity MTS. Was about to ask the same thing!

[Fiat]

I am just really hoping that Chicago can release their M* decisions today...

[bigsh]

@professionalmethodist I had a moment this afternoon when i looked at my phone and it said Garrett, only to see the admissions newsletter. ?

[professionalmethodist]

14 minutes ago, bigsh said:

@professionalmethodist I had a moment this afternoon when i looked at my phone and it said Garrett, only to see the admissions newsletter. ?

Same. Unnerving. 

[SAH08]

I thought Harvard and PTS might do something today... Guess not. *Sigh* Anyone know anything about either of these programs?

[Dewey]

On 2/18/2020 at 4:06 PM, Dewey said:

I heard from a lil birdie that Columbia will be emailing everybody tomorrow. 

Hmph, perhaps my bird was misinformed!

[_Athena_]

7 minutes ago, Dewey said:

Hmph, perhaps my bird was misinformed!

Darn. Have been checking my email all day to no avail...

[ndmtsapplicant2020]

8 hours ago, Hebaram said:

First time posting here. I'm in my first application cycle.

Has anyone else heard from Notre Dame (MTS)? I was tracking through all the posts, and it looks like there is one acceptance and one waitlist so far. Neither were in my same sub-discipline. If we haven't heard anything else, are we most likely rejected? There's still no update on my portal.

 

5 hours ago, Barquentine said:

I haven’t heard anything either for a History of Christianity MTS. Was about to ask the same thing!

They sent out formal acceptances tonight it looks like. I don't know if that has anything to do with the subdiscipline or not (I'm in World Religions World Church) but in any case I accepted the offer since this was my number one choice.

[Fiat]

1 minute ago, ndmtsapplicant2020 said:

 

They sent out formal acceptances tonight it looks like. I don't know if that has anything to do with the subdiscipline or not (I'm in World Religions World Church) but in any case I accepted the offer since this was my number one choice.

There is nothing new on my portal. So... (I am also History of Christianity MTS)

[rejectedndejected]

2 hours ago, ndmtsapplicant2020 said:

 

They sent out formal acceptances tonight it looks like. I don't know if that has anything to do with the subdiscipline or not (I'm in World Religions World Church) but in any case I accepted the offer since this was my number one choice.

So are we pretty sure that all subfields are out?  No one has posted on the results section aside from 2.  Should we abandon all hope?

[Fiat]

9 minutes ago, rejectedndejected said:

So are we pretty sure that all subfields are out?  No one has posted on the results section aside from 2.  Should we abandon all hope?

I mean, sincere congrats to everyone who's accepted and I understand that schools are competing against each others in enrollment right now but I just think that this whole "informal phone calls" game sucks. If they have already contacted those who are accepted and those on the waitlist then what are they waiting for. Send out the formal decisions already! Sorry I just feel so annoyed by this.

[Rauschenbusch]

4 hours ago, bigsh said:

@professionalmethodist I had a moment this afternoon when i looked at my phone and it said Garrett, only to see the admissions newsletter. ?

That's the worst. Florida State gave me multiple heart attacks that way.

[gls2814]

58 minutes ago, Fiat said:

I mean, sincere congrats to everyone who's accepted and I understand that schools are competing against each others in enrollment right now but I just think that this whole "informal phone calls" game sucks. If they have already contacted those who are accepted and those on the waitlist then what are they waiting for. Send out the formal decisions already! Sorry I just feel so annoyed by this.

I totally understand that frustration. This is my first cycle applying and I had no idea that schools can just call you with an offer.

[LFRT]

7 hours ago, _Athena_ said:

Darn. Have been checking my email all day to no avail...

Haha well, at least I’m not alone in that.

[Dewey]

14 hours ago, _Athena_ said:

Darn. Have been checking my email all day to no avail...

Sorry for the misinformation! I do know for a fact that they have made their decisions (according to a friend in the dept.). I assume it’s an administrative thing that’s left for them to do.