Harvard Divinity School HDS (MTS, MDiv, MRPL) - Fall 2026

[CrazyLuke]

1 hour ago, Jaz said:

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone is having luck with getting into their programs. I wanted to ask if anyone has received any updates about their application? Are people still getting invites? I know HDS is backed up because of the amount of applications they received this cycle. I was just curious to see if anyone got an interview invite this month?

Please help me ease my anxiety 😵‍💫 Thank you.

 

 

Unfortunately, but realistically, I think HDS interview window is now over. Decisions will be available anytime between this Tuesday and Friday. Which program did you apply? Also did HDS mention that they have received a large amount of applications this year in any admission events? 

Edited March 7 by CrazyLuke

[Jaz]

18 minutes ago, CrazyLuke said:

Unfortunately, but realistically, I think HDS interview window is now over. Decisions will be available anytime between this Tuesday and Friday. Which program did you apply? Also did HDS mention that they have received a large amount of applications this year in any admission events? 

I applied to the MTS program. Yeah, they mentioned at their Open House that they received a large number of applications this cycle. That they would continue to send out interview invites at the beginning of March. I'm just not sure if that means yesterday was the last day, or if this Thursday, 03/12/2026, will be the last day they send out invites. And if decisions will be sent out in mid-March (starting Monday, 03/16/2026). At least, this is what I'm hoping for. 🤞🏼

Did you get an interview? Which program did you apply to?

Edited March 7 by Jaz

[CrazyLuke]

8 minutes ago, Jaz said:

I applied to the MTS program. Yeah, they mentioned at their Open House that they received a large number of applications this cycle. That they would continue to send out interview invites at the beginning of March. I'm just not sure if that means yesterday was the last day, or if this Thursday, 03/12/2026, will be the last day they send out invites. And if decisions will be sent out in mid-March (starting Monday, 03/16/2026). At least, this is what I'm hoping for. 🤞🏼

Did you get an interview? Which program did you apply to?

MTS too. And yes I had my interview mid February. Based on the timelines of the previous years, by mid March, they usually mean 10th - 15th. That’s what led me to think the last interviews might have been done this week. 

[FutureDreams]

11 minutes ago, Jaz said:

I applied to the MTS program. Yeah, they mentioned at their Open House that they received a large number of applications this cycle. That they would continue to send out interview invites at the beginning of March. I'm just not sure if that means yesterday was the last day, or if this Thursday, 03/12/2026, will be the last day they send out invites. And if decisions will be sent out in mid-March (starting Monday, 03/16/2026). At least, this is what I'm hoping for. 🤞🏼

Did you get an interview? Which program did you apply to?

I agree, I think the Harvard window has closed to anyone who has yet to receive an interview invite. I was not well when I wrote my application for them, so I knew it wasn't my best work. I recently received a solid offer from Candler and am waiting on 3 additional schools that will likely release decisions between now and the end of the month. My top choice school has a later priority date, so I am worried that the acceptances and timelines to commit will not line up,  but time will tell. 

What other schools did you apply to? Many fantastic schools are still accepting applications, so I would encourage you not to give up and consider all the options still available to you. Candler is a top-tier school (part of Emory) and offers in-person and hybrid programs, and gives access to classes at Emory that are amazing. 

I have come to understand that while Harvard has a great reputation and name, there are many other schools out there that can offer phenomenal experiences (maybe even better ones) that will ultimately still shape our careers in wonderful ways.

[CrazyLuke]

26 minutes ago, FutureDreams said:

I agree, I think the Harvard window has closed to anyone who has yet to receive an interview invite. I was not well when I wrote my application for them, so I knew it wasn't my best work. I recently received a solid offer from Candler and am waiting on 3 additional schools that will likely release decisions between now and the end of the month. My top choice school has a later priority date, so I am worried that the acceptances and timelines to commit will not line up,  but time will tell. 

What other schools did you apply to? Many fantastic schools are still accepting applications, so I would encourage you not to give up and consider all the options still available to you. Candler is a top-tier school (part of Emory) and offers in-person and hybrid programs, and gives access to classes at Emory that are amazing. 

I have come to understand that while Harvard has a great reputation and name, there are many other schools out there that can offer phenomenal experiences (maybe even better ones) that will ultimately still shape our careers in wonderful ways.

Did you get an interview tho?

[Jaz]

35 minutes ago, FutureDreams said:

I agree, I think the Harvard window has closed to anyone who has yet to receive an interview invite. I was not well when I wrote my application for them, so I knew it wasn't my best work. I recently received a solid offer from Candler and am waiting on 3 additional schools that will likely release decisions between now and the end of the month. My top choice school has a later priority date, so I am worried that the acceptances and timelines to commit will not line up,  but time will tell. 

What other schools did you apply to? Many fantastic schools are still accepting applications, so I would encourage you not to give up and consider all the options still available to you. Candler is a top-tier school (part of Emory) and offers in-person and hybrid programs, and gives access to classes at Emory that are amazing. 

I have come to understand that while Harvard has a great reputation and name, there are many other schools out there that can offer phenomenal experiences (maybe even better ones) that will ultimately still shape our careers in wonderful ways.

Hola FutureDreams and CrazyLuke,

Thank you both for the feedback. HDS was the only MTS program I applied to. The rest were PhDs in either History or Religious Studies. I'm still waiting to hear back from UCSB, UIC, and HDS. So far, 3r/0w/0a/3p.

Just in case, I also reached out to my LORs today, telling them I'm interested in applying to MTS programs (as you can tell, I'm freaking out). I'm looking at Princeton, GTS, LMU, and Claremont School of Theology. Due dates are from April to June. 

What is your area of specialization? Mine is Latin American Studies/Mexican Religion.

Do you guys have any additional feedback on respectable MTS programs? I'm all ears.

Thanks  

Edited March 7 by Jaz

[FutureDreams]

56 minutes ago, CrazyLuke said:

Did you get an interview tho?

Me, no - but all applications sent out after my HDS one were SO MUCH stronger. I was very ill and in the hospital before the HDS deadline, so I am okay with how things turned out. I know the significant improvement with the later applications that represent my abilities much better. I could wait it out and apply to HDS again next year, but I already have a good offer and hope a few more might come, and I do not want to risk losing these great opportunities at places that may even provide a better education.

[Jaz]

1 minute ago, FutureDreams said:

Me, no - but all applications sent out after my HDS one were SO MUCH stronger. I was very ill and in the hospital before the HDS deadline, so I am okay with how things turned out. I know the significant improvement with the later applications that represent my abilities much better. I could wait it out and apply to HDS again next year, but I already have a good offer and hope a few more might come, and I do not want to risk losing these great opportunities at places that may even provide a better education.

Yes! Congratulations on your other offers. I'm sure you'll end up in a program that suits you best (financially, socially, and emotionally). I hope I get something this cycle. If not, it wasn't meant to be, and that's okay.

[FutureDreams]

55 minutes ago, Jaz said:

Hola FutureDreams and CrazyLuke,

Thank you both for the feedback. HDS was the only MTS program I applied to. The rest were PhDs in either History or Religious Studies. I'm still waiting to hear back from UCSB, UIC, and HDS. So far, 3r/0w/0a/3p.

Just in case, I also reached out to my LORs today, telling them I'm interested in applying to MTS programs (as you can tell, I'm freaking out). I'm looking at Princeton, GTS, LMU, and Claremont School of Theology. Due dates are from April to June. 

What is your area of specialization? Mine is Latin American Studies/Mexican Religion.

Do you guys have any additional feedback on respectable MTS programs? I'm all ears.

Thanks  

Have you considered Candler? Emory is a top 25 university with incredible opportunities. Similar to Harvard, you are able to access other classes on their campus, their reputation is stellar, and they have decent aid packages. They are still accepting applications, and decisions are made pretty fast once your application is complete - their admissions office is also amazing at answering questions.

[Jaz]

25 minutes ago, FutureDreams said:

Have you considered Candler? Emory is a top 25 university with incredible opportunities. Similar to Harvard, you are able to access other classes on their campus, their reputation is stellar, and they have decent aid packages. They are still accepting applications, and decisions are made pretty fast once your application is complete - their admissions office is also amazing at answering questions.

I'm looking at it right now. Thank you!  Best of luck to ALL of us ❤️ 

[CrazyLuke]

1 hour ago, FutureDreams said:

Me, no - but all applications sent out after my HDS one were SO MUCH stronger. I was very ill and in the hospital before the HDS deadline, so I am okay with how things turned out. I know the significant improvement with the later applications that represent my abilities much better. I could wait it out and apply to HDS again next year, but I already have a good offer and hope a few more might come, and I do not want to risk losing these great opportunities at places that may even provide a better education.

I think you’ve gotten a great offer! Congratulations!

[FutureDreams]

48 minutes ago, Jaz said:

I'm looking at it right now. Thank you!  Best of luck to ALL of us ❤️ 

Take a look at Brite too!

[Nouwen2025]

On 3/6/2026 at 10:58 PM, Jaz said:

I'm looking at it right now. Thank you!  Best of luck to ALL of us ❤️ 

You should look at University of Chicago, Chicago which I think might still be accepting applications? Also Brite, as someone else echoed below!

[kangaroojack]

Decisions are out!!! Congrats to all who were accepted!!!!!!

[CrazyLuke]

Harvard Decisions are out. I am happy to get to know everyone else who is admitted.  Please let me know. This is a big dream coming true! 

[prayingmantis]

was just accepted as an mdiv! congratulations everyone!!!!!

[Jaz]

Hello Everyone,

Unfortunately, I didn't get into their MTS program. However, I'm happy for everyone else. Congratulations!  Make the program your bishhhh. Lol. 

[Rellee]

Also was accepted! So excited as this was the only program I applied to!! See yall in the fall!

[Toweliesghost]

1 hour ago, Rellee said:

Also was accepted! So excited as this was the only program I applied to!! See yall in the fall!

Also accepted; also only applied to HDS.

[CrazyLuke]

18 minutes ago, Toweliesghost said:

Also accepted; also only applied to HDS.

Same here! 

[alex bc]

do we know when the merit-base scholarship decision will be out? Is it attached to the admissions acceptance offer letter? 

[Toweliesghost]

29 minutes ago, alex bc said:

do we know when the merit-base scholarship decision will be out? Is it attached to the admissions acceptance offer letter? 

All aid decisions, both merit and need, are supposed to be released within 24 hours of admission decisions.

[Aronfly]

Congrats to everyone who got an offer from HDS!

I was just informed that I’ve been placed on the waitlist for the hds MDiv program. Does anyone know what that usually means, or whether there’s still a real chance of getting in?

Right now I also have offers from Duke and Union Theological Seminary, with similar funding packages, but the cost of living in New York is obviously much higher. I’d really appreciate any advice or shared experiences!

[blackreligionist102]

2 hours ago, Aronfly said:

Congrats to everyone who got an offer from HDS!

I was just informed that I’ve been placed on the waitlist for the hds MDiv program. Does anyone know what that usually means, or whether there’s still a real chance of getting in?

Right now I also have offers from Duke and Union Theological Seminary, with similar funding packages, but the cost of living in New York is obviously much higher. I’d really appreciate any advice or shared experiences!

Current student at UTS here : ) just wanted to say that if you choose to live on campus (and I recommend that you do if you enroll), the facilities are pretty nice and Union admirably does quite a bit to subsidize the rent. If you do your grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and get an on campus job as many students do, it's quite doable if you don't have a heap of other expenses. New York is full of free/low cost experiences for Columbia affiliates and young people. Union also has a tight knit community that practices mutual aid quite a bit. I'm not saying it's the easiest experience in the world, but for me personally it was well worth it. I'd do it all over again. Try not to let cost of living make or break your decision! You've got 3 amazing options. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!

[Aronfly]

53 minutes ago, blackreligionist102 said:

Current student at UTS here : ) just wanted to say that if you choose to live on campus (and I recommend that you do if you enroll), the facilities are pretty nice and Union admirably does quite a bit to subsidize the rent. If you do your grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and get an on campus job as many students do, it's quite doable if you don't have a heap of other expenses. New York is full of free/low cost experiences for Columbia affiliates and young people. Union also has a tight knit community that practices mutual aid quite a bit. I'm not saying it's the easiest experience in the world, but for me personally it was well worth it. I'd do it all over again. Try not to let cost of living make or break your decision! You've got 3 amazing options. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!

I really appreciate you sharing this! There’s honestly not a ton of detailed information about UTS online, so it’s especially helpful to hear from someone there. Thanks again, and I wish you all the best at Union!