Do I even have a shot?

[Presbygeek]

In the Fall I start my senior year of college, which means it is time for me to start working on those grad school applications.

Where I want to apply: Harvard Divinity School, Boston University School of Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary and then Andover Newton Theological Seminary and Bangor Theological Seminary.

My hope is to get into an M.Div. program. I grew up in Bostona and had many HDS students as friends so it has been my dream to go there since I was very young. Now my question is is there even a shot at me getting in?

About me:

currently have a 3.0 GPA

will graduate with BA in Religion, Minor in Psych

planning on getting recommendations from Pastor (HDS alum and part-time HDS professor), as well as the head of the Presbytery of Boston

Not too sure how my GRE scores will end up.

I'm worried that with a 3.0 GPA it's highly unlikely I can get into HDS or BU.

Any thoughts?

[ddsdevil]

Hi Presbygeek,

I think it depends. Most div schools look at more than just GPA (or at least say that they do). I'm assuming that you are PCUSA. Where are you in the ordination process? If you have started it, that could help you because one criteria for admission (at least for Duke Div where I attend) is "promise for ministry." Therefore, if they see that you are serious about ministry, it could help your chances. This should at least help with PTS. Not sure about Harvard though. HDS is probably one of the hardest to get into. For comparisons sake, Duke Div's incoming average UGPA was around 3.6 for last year's incoming class. My assumption is that HDS's is somewhere in that ball park.

I think Boston will be easier to get into.

Good luck!

[whubbla]

In the Fall I start my senior year of college, which means it is time for me to start working on those grad school applications.

Where I want to apply: Harvard Divinity School, Boston University School of Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary and then Andover Newton Theological Seminary and Bangor Theological Seminary.

My hope is to get into an M.Div. program. I grew up in Bostona and had many HDS students as friends so it has been my dream to go there since I was very young. Now my question is is there even a shot at me getting in?

About me:

currently have a 3.0 GPA

will graduate with BA in Religion, Minor in Psych

planning on getting recommendations from Pastor (HDS alum and part-time HDS professor), as well as the head of the Presbytery of Boston

Not too sure how my GRE scores will end up.

I'm worried that with a 3.0 GPA it's highly unlikely I can get into HDS or BU.

Any thoughts?

It would probably be worthwhile to secure a purely academic letter of recommendation, as well; maybe HDS requires this, anyway (I did not apply, so I don't know). Are you interested in ordination? If so, ddsdevil's suggestions make sense to me, too. Otherwise, work really hard this semester (you can show a higher senior-year GPA) and in preparing for GREs (studying vocab will make a big difference).

[Presbygeek]

I plan on providing at least one academic letter of recommendation. I go to a small school no one has ever heard of (so those are less attention grabbing).

I do plan to become ordained (I'm looking at chaplaincy) and have started the process within the PCUSA.

Thanks!

[JonathanEdwards]

Bear in mind that if you get into any of the Boston schools that participate in the 'Boston Theological Institute' (HDS, BU, BC, Andover-Newton, etc.) you can take classes at any of the others. If you don't get into HDS, but can swing one of the others, load up on BTI cross-registration courses at Harvard and impress your professors with your abilities. You might then be able to transfer to HDS or pull out with an M.T.S. from one of the other schools and apply again to go into the HDS M.Div.

Hope it works out...

[newtothegame]

I go to HDS now. Please do not stress yourself out. I did not submit GRE scores and was admitted. The admissions folks here are very thorough and truly consider your whole application. Focus on putting together a good personal statement. Try for a strong finish at your current school. Make sure to contact a current student before citing any professors you want to work with because we are experiencing a lot of turnover right now.

Good luck!