Question about MDiv funding at PTS

[riseaslarks]

Hi all,

I am new to posting here, but I have been lurking around for awhile. My thanks to anyone who applied to an M* program last year. I've learned quite a bit about the process from you. Onto the question:

Does anyone have a rough idea of what percentage of MDiv admits/students at PTS get the 80% PTS Grant?

I am not Presbyterian, so I think 80% is the highest level of aid for which I am eligible. I am trying to figure out if I am applying to even one school where I have more than a 10% chance of getting full or close to full funding. I am also applying to MTS programs at Notre Dame, Yale, and Duke. From the information on their websites and here, it seems that very few students receive significant aid of the sort I would need in order to attend. I know that Notre Dame funds everyone whom they accept, but, from my understanding, they accept only about 10% of their applicants.

Thanks!

[Guest]

Hi there,

As for your original question, I believe that Princeton does fund about 50% of students with that rate. I would actually search this forum because this particular question has been discussed before.

This I know: Duke accepts 20-25 in their MTS and places about 12 people on their wait list. Roughly 33% who apply are accepted and 4 of the 20-25 receive a full tuition scholarship. Duke's MA recently accepted 73% of applicants and most, if not all, receive great funding.

I'm not so sure why this in my head but I believe Yale has a 18% acceptance rate if I'm not mistaken to their MAR program (I don't think they have an MTS), and I presume their funding is phenomenal, though I think they accept many more students than other schools (perhaps around even 80 students? 20 per area is the number that I remember).

Hope those tidbits help. You have a fantastic list of schools there. Best of luck!

[sacklunch]

Hi there,

As for your original question, I believe that Princeton does fund about 50% of students with that rate. I would actually search this forum because this particular question has been discussed before.

This I know: Duke accepts 20-25 in their MTS and places about 12 people on their wait list. Roughly 33% who apply are accepted and 4 of the 20-25 receive a full tuition scholarship. Duke's MA recently accepted 73% of applicants and most, if not all, receive great funding.

I'm not so sure why this in my head but I believe Yale has a 18% acceptance rate if I'm not mistaken to their MAR program (I don't think they have an MTS), and I presume their funding is phenomenal, though I think they accept many more students than other schools (perhaps around even 80 students? 20 per area is the number that I remember).

Hope those tidbits help. You have a fantastic list of schools there. Best of luck!

Wind,

I was recently discussing the MA's acceptance rate (Duke) with another accepted student (who is also on this forum) and we are a bit perplexed. I'm not sure why they don't receive more applications given the resources available, especially considering the much higher number of applicants to the (religion) doctoral program. That said, it seems a bit random. Last year they accepted 73% (24 spots offered, 33 applicants), while in 07-08 they accepted 43% (21 offered, 49 applicants). And this year we only have 9 incoming students (though I have no idea what was actually offered).

Though, again, I'm confused why more do not apply considering the standard 50% tuition waiver (excluding those full scholarships offered by the Divinity School, I have heard that many receive less than 50%). I suppose some do not want a "religious studies" experience?

Alas, I'm not trying to jack this thread, I was just a bit confused and thought others might offer some input (or perhaps I am just reassuring myself of the program's reputation.

cheers

[Guest]

Wind,

I was recently discussing the MA's acceptance rate (Duke) with another accepted student (who is also on this forum) and we are a bit perplexed. I'm not sure why they don't receive more applications given the resources available, especially considering the much higher number of applicants to the (religion) doctoral program. That said, it seems a bit random. Last year they accepted 73% (24 spots offered, 33 applicants), while in 07-08 they accepted 43% (21 offered, 49 applicants). And this year we only have 9 incoming students (though I have no idea what was actually offered).

Though, again, I'm confused why more do not apply considering the standard 50% tuition waiver (excluding those full scholarships offered by the Divinity School, I have heard that many receive less than 50%). I suppose some do not want a "religious studies" experience?

Alas, I'm not trying to jack this thread, I was just a bit confused and thought others might offer some input (or perhaps I am just reassuring myself of the program's reputation).

cheers

I was completely blown away when I saw these statistics myself. First and foremost, I don't believe the school's reputation is in any way effected by these statistics. After all, it is Duke, which is essentially #1 in all the rankings I have seen. I don't know how this varies in other circles, but in my conversations with others I have noticed that there seems to be something about MA programs that make them less noticeable than the offerings of Divinity Schools. I don't know why this is the case, as they appeal to non-Christians whereas Divinity schools seem to strictly attack believers, and also possess an arguably more rigorous in its research thesis process.

In my case, by the time I was aware of the program, it was already too late to apply. Perhaps others have a similar experience. I would also suspect that some are afraid to be outside of a "ecclesial" environment, but I personally wouldn't hesitate for a second. In fact, I would have applied to the MA had I realized its funding and the higher likelihood of getting into the program vs. the MTS program, which gives 22% tuition grants to the remaining students the first year (I'm not excited to see what happens on year two).

On the other hand, I wonder if one like myself, being interested in a purely Christian focus, would have much success applying to the program. Food for thought.

Edited June 27, 2012 by Windfish

[sacklunch]

I was completely blown away when I saw these statistics myself. First and foremost, I don't believe the school's reputation is in any way effected by these statistics. After all, it is Duke, which is essentially #1 in all the rankings I have seen. I don't know how this varies in other circles, but in my conversations with others I have noticed that there seems to be something about MA programs that make them less noticeable than the offerings of Divinity Schools. I don't know why this is the case, as they appeal to non-Christians whereas Divinity schools seem to strictly attack believers, and also possess an arguably more rigorous in its research thesis process.

In my case, by the time I was aware of the program, it was already too late to apply. Perhaps others have a similar experience. I would also suspect that some are afraid to be outside of a "ecclesial" environment, but I personally wouldn't hesitate for a second. In fact, I would have applied to the MA had I realized its funding and the higher likelihood of getting into the program vs. the MTS program, which gives 22% tuition grants to the remaining students the first year (I'm not excited to see what happens on year two).

On the other hand, I wonder if one like myself, being interested in a purely Christian focus, would have much success applying to the program. Food for thought.

I have come to similar conclusions. The department recently sent out a list of the incoming (MA) students, their education experience, and a bit about their proposed interests. I instantly noticed (1) research interests vary substantially (from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, to Eastern religions, to studies in atheist movements) and (2) most, if not all, come from reputable (and familiar) undergraduate schools.

And, yes, to support what you have said, I can only surmise they don't get as many applicants because the program's secular nature (and I guess if I'm honest I have met relatively few agnostics studying religion, though I admit this may be due to my involvement in 'theological' programs).

cheers

[Guest]

I don't know why this is the case, as they appeal to non-Christians whereas Divinity schools seem to strictly attack believers, and also possess an arguably more rigorous research thesis process.

I suppose I should clarify that I meant to say attract as opposed to attack, haha. So far I have found most Divinity schools to be pacifist! I have to stop trying to compose my thoughts too late at night.

Edited June 28, 2012 by Windfish