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Posted

Very few?  Try getting into Duke, Yale, Harvard, Emory, Chicago, Princeton seminary, Union without an M degree.  Ain't gonna happen.  These are the top dogs (not sure Union is such a top dog anymore but oh well) and they need M degrees. And, yes, I know it is technically possible to gain admission to Harvard with a BA, but only for the "rare, exception" within the 5 to 6% admitted.  Regardless, I'm growing weary of your exception to rule tactic.  How do 3 students purportedly admitted to Princeton U PhD (not seminary) without M degrees disprove, or even weigh heavily against, my point that most of the very top, most competitive programs require an M degree?  Peace and tranquility to you as you reflect upon my response.

The word "require" means that it's necessary for admission; you seem to be confusing it with the word "competitive." Though one might be more competitive at top programs with a master's degree, it isn't required. When half of Princeton's admits (3 out of 6) are straight out of undergrad, that blows a huge hole in your uninformed theory.

Like I said before, Chicago, PTS, and Union are required by accrediting bodies to admit only people with master's degrees into their Ph.D. programs because they are divinity school- or seminary-based programs.

It's hilarious that you refer to providing evidence as "exception to rule tactic."

Posted (edited)

The word "require" means that it's necessary for admission; you seem to be confusing it with the word "competitive." Though one might be more competitive at top programs with a master's degree, it isn't required. When half of Princeton's admits (3 out of 6) are straight out of undergrad, that blows a huge hole in your uninformed theory.

Like I said before, Chicago, PTS, and Union are required by accrediting bodies to admit only people with master's degrees into their Ph.D. programs because they are divinity school- or seminary-based programs.

It's hilarious that you refer to providing evidence as "exception to rule tactic."

 

It's a huge blow only in your mind.  One school that doesn't even compete with the hosts of schools to which I referenced hardly blows my point.  Your point is pointless, in other words.  Sure, you provided "evidence" but it's unrelated to my point.  So my "exception to rule tactic" criticism stands tall and proud.   

 

Like Chicago, PTS and Union, you won't find PhD students at Emory or Yale without M degrees (cue to start feverishly checking for "friends" at these schools without M degrees).  You're taking "required" too literally.  It's completely naive to think one has a serious shot at admission without an M degree unless the school clearly prefers the BA to PhD route.  

 

I just hope some poor, artless soul doesn't follow your advice and apply to these programs without M degrees and with low GRE scores.  Next I fear you're gonna tell us about a "friend" who got into Harvard's PhD with only a GED and an average SAT score.    :unsure:  

Edited by Perique69
Posted

It's a huge blow only in your mind.  One school that doesn't even compete with the hosts of schools to which I referenced hardly blows my point.  Your point is pointless, in other words.  Sure, you provided "evidence" but it's unrelated to my point.  So my "exception to rule tactic" criticism stands tall and proud.   

 

Like Chicago, PTS and Union, you won't find PhD students at Emory or Yale without M degrees (cue to start feverishly checking for "friends" at these schools without M degrees).  You're taking "required" too literally.  It's completely naive to think one has a serious shot at admission without an M degree unless the school clearly prefers the BA to PhD route.  

 

I just hope some poor, artless soul doesn't follow your advice and apply to these programs without M degrees and with low GRE scores.  Next I fear you're gonna tell us about a "friend" who got into Harvard's PhD with only a GED and an average SAT score.    :unsure:

By my count, UVa currently has at least 8 BA-only students. So far, that's Princeton, UVa, and UNC. I'm sure if I researched more schools I'd find plenty of other BA-only students to counter your mendacity. It's interesting to see that you play fast and loose with language the same way you do with facts; you don't get to redefine words that have established meanings in particular contexts - admissions - and then whine about others taking you too literally when they hold you accountable.

I hope some unsuspecting undergrad doesn't take your advice and retake the GRE because he scored in the 98th percentile instead of that sweet spot between the 90th and 97th percentiles (though Duke's scores, for example, hover around the 99th percentile most years) because prestigious programs apparently care so much about numbers of applicants and all the money (from where, you never told us) they make that they'll reject someone for scoring too high - I hope the ridiculous logic of your argument is apparent.

Posted (edited)

By my count, UVa currently has at least 8 BA-only students. So far, that's Princeton, UVa, and UNC. I'm sure if I researched more schools I'd find plenty of other BA-only students to counter your mendacity. It's interesting to see that you play fast and loose with language the same way you do with facts; you don't get to redefine words that have established meanings in particular contexts - admissions - and then whine about others taking you too literally when they hold you accountable.

I hope some unsuspecting undergrad doesn't take your advice and retake the GRE because he scored in the 98th percentile instead of that sweet spot between the 90th and 97th percentiles (though Duke's scores, for example, hover around the 99th percentile most years) because prestigious programs apparently care so much about numbers of applicants and all the money (from where, you never told us) they make that they'll reject someone for scoring too high - I hope the ridiculous logic of your argument is apparent.

 

UVa?  LOL.  I said very top, most competitive programs.  I even named the schools one-by-one yet you continue to use OTHER schools as your justification.  Mind-boggling!  I wish you'd take your own advice about playing fast and loose with language.  

 

If an undergraduate took "my advice" about scoring at the 98th percentile, it would be based on their total misreading of what I actually said. Re-read my posts.  I already said between 90 to 97 is the sweet spot.  As far as scoring too high (i.e., 100%), full professors at Emory, Yale and Harvard told me that they routinely reject applicants with perfect test scores because of a "rigidity" concern.  Having engaged in conversation with you, I clearly see their point.  Still don't believe me though? Who cares? But go ahead and tell me about your "friend" at Idaho State, who was accepted to their Ph.D. in Geology with perfect GRE scores.       

 

You haven't once held me accountable for anything.  You're the most selective reader I've ever encountered.  Your vision is more myopic than a Bob Jones University graduate.     

 

P.S. Sorry for the delayed response.  I was hunting turtles all day yesterday.  Had a late night, too.  

Edited by Perique69
Posted

And with this, you finish proving you don't know anything about PhD programs in religious studies.

 

You're embarrassing yourself. Just stop.

 

It sounds like you're upset because you're favorite school isn't on the top dog list.  Sorry to disappoint you with the Truth.   

Posted

ok, I'm new here, but it seems like someone doesn't play well with others. Also, upvoting your own post?

I think both sides have a point. GRE scores can be used to weed through large pools of applicants and the TT programs do have fairly rigorous standards for acceptance. But, there are always exceptions and an otherwise excellent applicant won't be rejected for less excellent GRE scores. Everyone gets one less than perfect part of the application. if the rest is in good shape, then your GRE won't stop you.

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