I Decided to Apply for Admissions to Seminary While I Was Drunk

[Xavier27]

I am 43 years old. I have always wanted to study theology since I graduated from high school, but preferred to give a secular direction to what I thought was my calling. I have a B.A. in Education and an M.Ed. in Guidance & Counseling. I don't know if I'm experiencing some kind of middle-age crisis, but I'm dissatisfied with the way I have been living my life. So one night I was having a couple of glasses of wine alone at home, and the idea about applying to theology school came to my mind. I researched a little bit about some schools and found one with reasonable admission requirements and generous financial aid. I don't belong to any church and loved the fact that I didn't need a letter from a pastor. The school is also affiliated to a secular university and accredited by the ATS. After seeing the academic offering, I decided to apply for a Master's in Theology. I was really drunk.

It took me five weeks to write two required essays and gather the required documents like transcripts and recommendations. I am actually a community organizer and my recommendations were strong. I abstained from drinking while I was completing everything, and submitted the application by the priority admission deadline. Well... to my surprise, I was admitted with a tuition scholarship and the chance to be considered for a merit scholarship. I was in shock! The additional requirement for merit scholarship was challenging, but I did my best. I was awarded a merit scholarship with a stipend. WOW... I couldn't believe it!! I was asking myself if it was because I am a great candidate or it was just because the school was too easy. 

I have to admit that I am really excited and proud of myself. The curriculum content is so interesting, but the fact that I was drunk when I decided to apply makes me doubt my decision.

[Boolakanaka]

Oh to be lifted by the “spirits”...

[xypathos]

A little over a year ago I had to write a comp essay that I was struggling with. I knew what I needed to do but it was a case of writers' block and it was a rather philosophical piece on contemporary theodicy. Anyway, after missing my deadline and drawing from earlier conversations, my advisor invites me over to a working group of faculty and grad students that they're hosting at their house. In reality, we all got drunk (to be fair: It was more than a buzz but far less than being dangerous/unprofessional).

The point was that we were all working on something and struggling, aka were overthinking it so the group was a fun gathering that used alcohol to get passed our blocks but also to bounce ideas off each other. With a stack of notes the next day I spent the next 48 hours finalizing it and it's probably the best writing I've done so far.

So, clearly Luther was onto something! Props to the merit scholarship!

[feralgrad]

I could understand feeling weird about it, but you weren't drunk when you were writing your application materials and getting LORs. My impression is that maybe you're nervous about going through a major life/career change. That's understandable, but personally, I think you've got a wonderful opportunity!

Certainly take some time to consider your goals and what you'd want out of this experience, but I'd stop worrying about being drunk that night.

[Boolakanaka]

For whatever it’s worth, whether it was in law school, my post doc law degree or other graduate activities, after most of the primary research is done, I often write with a large 3-4 finger pour of bourbon. Now, that pour typically lasts 3-4 hours, but it certainly lubricates the tedium of writing...