How competitive are programs with no funding?

[Yetanotherdegree]

My ThM application is in and I expect to hear back in a couple of weeks. Now that it's out of my hands, I'm starting to second-guess my chances.

I meet or exceed all of the published admissions requirements for the degree, including having an MDiv GPA well above the program's published minimum.

If a program lists a series of requirements for admission and does not fund applicants, do applicants who meet or exceed the admission requirements usually get in?

[sacklunch]

I suspect you will have an easy time getting in. Simple fact remains that very few people even apply to ThM's, in part, because most (all?) are unfunded, but also because a lot of folks end up just applying for another two year degree after an MDiv (I know several, who did an MTS after an MDiv, for example). Even at the 'top' schools (HDS, YDS, DDS, VDS, ect ect) I would very much doubt you would not get in. Of course, having a competitive applicant is key, but I have found that those applying for a ThM generally have a pretty strong application to begin with (and are almost ready to apply for doctoral prgs, but just need a little push).

Edited March 3, 2013 by jdmhotness

[Yetanotherdegree]

I suspect you will have an easy time getting in. Simple fact remains that very few people even apply to ThM's, in part, because most (all?) are unfunded, but also because a lot of folks end up just applying for another two year degree after an MDiv (I know several, who did an MTS after an MDiv, for example). Even at the 'top' schools (HDS, YDS, DDS, VDS, ect ect) I would very much doubt you would not get in. Of course, having a competitive applicant is key, but I have found that those applying for a ThM generally have a pretty strong application to begin with (and are almost ready to apply for doctoral prgs, but just need a little push).

Thanks for your answer. In January, as I was deciding to apply, I thought I had a pretty strong application. Now that it's in and out of my hands, I've convinced myself that it's a disaster. Which I suppose says more about how I handle stress than my actual application

[sacklunch]

Thanks for your answer. In January, as I was deciding to apply, I thought I had a pretty strong application. Now that it's in and out of my hands, I've convinced myself that it's a disaster. Which I suppose says more about how I handle stress than my actual application

 

I'm not sure where you applied, but I did a quick search of "ThM" on the results section and found that there are no rejections except for HDS (Duke and Candler acceptances). I guess HDS' program might be more competitive. Makes sense, seeing as they are one of the more competitive places for all degrees.