Anyone Apply for YDS' MARc in Philosophical Theology?

[VictorEremita]

If so, what did you submit as your writing sample? I'm beginning to regret my selection. 

[unacclimated]

I didn't apply to the philosophical theology MAR but instead applied to the comprehensive MAR. I included a 5 page seminar paper I did on Hegel's essay Natural Law. It's extremely dense reading material but it is written clearly and shows I can work intelligently with difficult reading material concisely. Incidentally, I regret both my personal statement and essay which I submitted to HDS for the MTS program. In particular the essay I did for their question, "What are the imperatives and potential pitfalls of graduate study in a multi-faith environment?" 

Edited March 7, 2013 by unacclimated

[VictorEremita]

I didn't apply to the philosophical theology MAR but instead applied to the comprehensive MAR. I included a 5 page seminar paper I did on Hegel's essay Natural Law. It's extremely dense reading material but it is written clearly and shows I can work intelligently with difficult reading material concisely. Incidentally, I regret both my personal statement and essay which I submitted to HDS for the MTS program. In particular the essay I did for their question, "What are the imperatives and potential pitfalls of graduate study in a multi-faith environment?" 

 

Your piece on Hegel sounds like an excellent submission choice. I'd be interested in reading it, in fact. 

I was torn between submitting an excerpt from a longer paper on Heidegger or a brief, five page essay that neatly encapsulated an entire argument. I opted for the later, but I suspect that was the weaker of the two options. The piece I chose, while somewhat sophisticated, was geared more to the layman. But since it was featured on First Things.com, I thought it might provide an extra degree of credibility. It's here, if anyone wishes to comment: 

 

http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2012/10/heidegger-the-reluctant-theologian

As for personal statements, I haven't a clue.

[unacclimated]

I read the article and it was very well written. It shows you have a very good grasp of Western intellectual history and are able to use that knowledge in a constructive and persuasive way. The argument itself moves at a good pace while remaining interesting. If this article is what you submitted for the sample then I would say it was a very good selection. It demonstrates all the qualities that YDS will likely be looking for in a degree candidate. I think regardless of your POI's position on Heidegger, he/she will have to appreciate your cogent argumentation. If anything, I think admission in this case will likely hinge on who you are competing against and the rest of your application profile.

Edited March 8, 2013 by unacclimated

[VictorEremita]

Thanks for the feedback, Unacclimated. At this point in the process it's tempting to start doubting oneself.