So who just applied to YDS?

[phoskaialetheia]

I'm not entirely sure, to be honest; I guess it depends on the concentration. I'm in a pretty non-traditional one as far as YDS goes (Asian Religions). 2 of us applied to PhD programs this year and we both got in to our top choices, so I guess that bodes well. If you're interested in doing a concentrated MAR, it's important to remember that you have the resources of the larger university at your disposal. I take half of my classes at the Divinity School and half "downtown" (in other words, not at the Div school - for me, it was mostly at the Dept. of Religious Studies, but people do other things as well). You have much more flexibility in terms of how you design your course of study in the concentrations, since it's mostly up to you and your advisor (I think everyone has to take two bible study classes and 4 semesters of language, but the rest is open). This helps when it comes time to apply to PhD programs, since you'll have completed coursework and written papers that are more in line with your interests. Of course, it's also helpful that you'll be able to get good letters of recommendation from well-known faculty. This is not to say that the Divinity School alone doesn't provide enough opportunities to do this, but it's something to keep in mind.

So, I guess, to sum it up - I'm not sure how it compares to places like Harvard or Chicago, but you wouldn't be closing doors that would otherwise be open by going to YDS.

Thanks, these are some helpful insights. The concentration to which I was just admitted is a smaller one as well, so hopefully that helps. I think if possible I will also be taking several courses at the GDR. These are some good things to consider since the application process is never really over until that PhD offer is in hand. Congrats, by the way, on being admitted to your top choice PhD program!

[Phenomenologist]

Wow, Rajiv, thanks for that outstanding information! I also can add a wee bit:

This year YDS received 550 applications, and 42% were accepted.

Rajiv, thanks for that fascinating information! The concentrated MAR applications going to the particular faculty is an especially helpful insight.

[phoskaialetheia]

Wow, Rajiv, thanks for that outstanding information! I also can add a wee bit:

This year YDS received 550 applications, and 42% were accepted.

Rajiv, thanks for that fascinating information! The concentrated MAR applications going to the particular faculty is an especially helpful insight.

Wow, so applications up from last year and a lower acceptance rate. That is a huge applicant pool. I've also wondered how it breaks down by concentration, but I guess they may never release that information considering their efforts to actively recruit and get the numbers up every year. It might discourage some from applying and push others into applying for a less-than-ideal fit in an effort to manipulate their odds a bit. Thanks for posting this years info. Maybe we'll see each other around in New Haven!

[Phenomenologist]

I'm curious how competitive or not competitive the MAR concentration in philosophical theology is in particular...

[miotch2003]

I'm curious how competitive or not competitive the MAR concentration in philosophical theology is in particular...

Phenomenologist, I got accepted into the MAR Philosophical Theology concentration. Just FYI. My stats are posted elsewhere. Won't be attending Yale, as I have a difficult decision between Duke and Notre Dame.

[Phenomenologist]

Phenomenologist, I got accepted into the MAR Philosophical Theology concentration. Just FYI. My stats are posted elsewhere. Won't be attending Yale, as I have a difficult decision between Duke and Notre Dame.

Duke and Notre Dame are like my two original TOP schools, so that is terrific for you!! Congratulations on such outstanding school offers. (I may still apply to ND for PhD!)