Gordon Conwell/GPA Dilemma

[mch88882]

Does anyone have any good info on this school? I've heard from acquaintances that it's a good school, but rarely see it mentioned online when people are recommending seminaries. My goals are in academia, not ministry. I'd also like to go somewhere that holds relatively moderate views, and I know GCTS is interdenominational.

Also, I'm pretty down in the dumps even thinking about grad school/seminary school. I REALLY want to go and pursue a masters - maybe even a Ph.d - BUT my thirst (for lack of a better word) for academic success started very late in my undergrad career, and that is reflective in my GPA. I graduate this spring and will only have around a 2.2 GPA. The thing is, it's not reflective of my capabilities. However, with a GPA that low, I'm worried I'm going to have a hard time getting in anywhere much less a reputable school. Kinda freaking out - any suggestions?

[Theophilos]

I was up visiting GCTS a couple of weeks ago and was incredibly impressed. I'm not sure why it isn't mentioned more, maybe too "evangelical" for some people's liking. It certainly isn't narrow, though, and there seems to be some great interdenominational dialogue going on there. It has very strong faculty and the feel I got from my visit is that the programs are rigorous and the students are dedicated to their studies. I met with one professor, and he told me that they regularly send students to top PhD programs (The Ivy's, Duke, ND, etc.). On top of that, they are a part of the Boston Theological Institute which allows you to cross-register at the other theological schools in the Boston area - Harvard, BC, and BU to name just three. I'm interested in PhD work too, and it seems like a great place to prep for that. Also, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful campus anywhere.

As to the GPA question, I'd use the spring semester to bolster your application to downplay your GPA. You could do some sort of independent study, or write something that you could highlight on your application. That way, when it comes time to write a personal statement you can highlight your achievements. It might still be tough, but it's not hopeless. After all, the GPA is only part of any application package. Best of luck!

Edited November 29, 2011 by theo.phil.us

[sacklunch]

You might consider a postbacc program somewhere to give potential schools an indication of your new drive. Another option is finishing another BA at a different school?

I don't have any first hand experience with the main campus, but I have taken a class at their Boston campus, and honestly, was extremely disappointed. But I have heard their main campus has a lot more "academic" folks, while the Boston campus is mainly geared toward ministry. Could have just been a fluke, though? - BC student.

[JonathanEdwards]

I'm pretty down in the dumps even thinking about grad school/seminary school. I REALLY want to go and pursue a masters - maybe even a Ph.d - BUT my thirst (for lack of a better word) for academic success started very late in my undergrad career, and that is reflective in my GPA. I graduate this spring and will only have around a 2.2 GPA. The thing is, it's not reflective of my capabilities. However, with a GPA that low, I'm worried I'm going to have a hard time getting in anywhere much less a reputable school. Kinda freaking out - any suggestions?

Hi mch,

Regarding the GPA issue, it can't hurt to talk to admissions counselors at some schools and test their flexibility. As long as you can articulate why your earlier performance wasn’t representative, don’t expect funding, and are willing to do a semester or two on academic probation status, you may be able to gain admission and show what you're capable of in a first master's degree.

[JonathanEdwards]

I took a Th.M. from GCTS’ South Hamilton (main) campus, and was impressed with the caliber of both students and faculty. I’ll chime in with something I posted here last year.

On the relational side, I found Gordon-Conwell a model for respectful behavior among Christians from very different backgrounds. Coming from a previous seminary which had a very boisterous approach to anyone of a remotely different tradition, it was a breath of fresh air. I lived on campus and saw that gracious demeanor exhibited by faculty, staff and fellow students. That same affirming attitude was extended to students, Christian and non-Christian alike, who took classes while registered at one of the other BTI schools, which brings me to the academic side of things.

Gordon-Conwell is part of the Boston Theological Institute, eight schools which allow their students to cross-register for courses at each other. That is a level of recognition which is rare for an evangelical seminary - GCTS is the only one I’m aware of which enjoys this broader relationship. The other schools (Harvard Divinity School, Boston University, Boston College, Episcopal Divinity School, Holy Cross, St. Johns, Andover-Newton), have a good relationship with GCTS because of demonstrated student ability and mutual faculty respect. One proof of this on the student side is in GCTS’ record of placing M.A., M.Div., and Th.M. grads into the best Ph.D. programs in the world. The year I graduated, everyone that I was aware of that wanted to go on for a Ph.D. was able to do so, and at universities like Oxford, Toronto, Cambridge, Harvard, Edinburgh, London, UNC, Queens, etc. On the faculty side, many of the GCTS professors were trained at the same places as their peers at the other BTI schools.

If you’re interested in GCTS, just be aware that the main campus and the branch campus are apples and oranges. The South Hamilton (main) campus has an international student population, primarily attending full-time, many of whom are graduates of extremely competitive institutions. The downtown Boston campus is an outreach effort to a primarily part-time student population underserved by decent theological education. Between graduating and moving to the (unnamed) university where I’m finishing my PhD, I audited a course at GCTS - downtown Boston because I was interested in the topic and really liked the professor. The professor was the same, the material was excellent, but the caliber of students was generally so different that it changed the overall experience. My degree included a mix of coursework from GCTS, BC, and Harvard, and I’d say that the professors and students were roughly equal quality. Both BC and Harvard shined, though, in offering courses with discussion seminars, while GCTS was mostly 20-30 student classroom lectures.

[mch88882]

Thanks for the help, guys.

[11Q13]

you might try kicking major ass on the GRE and submitting it as evidence that you are capable academically

[mch88882]

The more I look around the area online, the less likely it looks like I would be able to afford living there. The cheapest apartments I'm finding online are ~$1000 - and that's for 600-800 sq. ft. studios.

[sacklunch]

If you are interested in Andover Newton they have some really cheap options. I know one guy, for instance, from BC that lives in their student housing. I think it's something like 3-400 a month. And I hear it's pretty nice.

[11Q13]

The more I look around the area online, the less likely it looks like I would be able to afford living there. The cheapest apartments I'm finding online are ~$1000 - and that's for 600-800 sq. ft. studios.

no one here lives without roommates. You should be looking to split a place with 3 or 4 other people. You should be able to find a place around 6 or 700

[mch88882]

My mistake, I should have specified that I'll be bringing a wife and dog (Doberman) if I get accepted.

[benpun]

I graduated from Gordon Conwell in 2010 with a M.Div. I lived on campus with my wife in the family apartments for around $850 for a 1 bedroom. I dont think they allow dogs though. You may be placed on academic probation b/c of your gpa, but I doubt that they won't let you in. Though GCTS is an excellent seminary, I dont think they have very high GPA requirements. I know that you can get in even if you dont have an undergrad degree as long as you take the GRE or something like that. Gordon Conwell is a high-caliber academic seminary, and I think they will prepare you well for a Ph.D., as well as expose you to a variety of viewpoints, while still being firmly committed to classic evangelicalism. One of the best things about GCTS are the automatic scholarships for everyone -- I think it's called the "Graham scholarship." I'm sure you can find out more about that on the website. Best wishes in your search.

Edited December 8, 2011 by benpun

[mch88882]

Thanks for info, benpun - especially the graham scholarship. I think their GPA requirement for NT studies is something like a 2.5 or 2.75. I'm meeting with my advisor tomorrow (who completed his MA at GCTS) and we're going to mull some things over. He already said he'd be more than happy to write me a good letter of recommendation.

[mch88882]

Rats, the graham scholarship is only for M.Div students.

[Theophilos]

Rats, the graham scholarship is only for M.Div students.

The website says it's "available for all degree programs except the MA in Counseling." Fret not!

[flanders]

I currently attend Gordon-Conwell in Charlotte, NC (extension campus) and absolutely love it. My interests are more academic as well, although the Charlotte campus is definitely more ministry focused. I just happened to live in Charlotte, which is why I am doing the Masters here. I think the South Hamilton campus has more students who are academically driven. If you look at the GCTS staff bios you'll see that a lot of GCTS profs actually went to Gordon in South Hamilton and then went on for further study and came back to teach. Many went to Harvard for phd after their Masters at GCTS. If you go into the masters there with academic/phd pursuits in mind I think it could be a great place for you. They have tracks that are more academic in interest and if you know up front that's what you want to do, you can customize your education towards the end goals you have in mind. Plus, as others have mentioned, GCTS is part of the Boston consortium and you can take classes at Harvard.

As far as finances go, I have several scholarships in Charlotte that make it affordable, but I'm not sure what exists up north.

Good luck!