Divinity school application tips

[amei]

Hi, I'd love to get some advice on applying to Harvard Divinity school for my MTS. Some background information:

 

I graduated from NYU with an individualized degree in Human Rights, Peace and Non-violent activism, studied abroad three semesters (Czech Republic, Ghana and Uganda). I did a slew of internships in college ranging from two high-end fashion magazines to a few different orphanages, an HIV/AIDS clinic, immigration reform organization and a human rights education non-profit. For the past six years I have been working for a Christian campus ministry (two years in NYC and four in Burlington, VT). I will have an article published in a theological journal this coming fall. I also come from a multiracial background (Chinese, Polynesian, White), for what it's worth.

 

The hold up is this: While my GPA isn't terrible (3.4) there is an F on my transcript from a period of time that was personally quite rough (long story short, came back from a year in Africa and had some serious reverse culture shock/a degree of PTSD from experiences therein and couldn't handle school). Additionally, there is a semester reflected on my transcript wherein I withdrew from classes and took an additional part-time year, thus graduating in five years rather than four.

 

Additionally, I plan on taking the GRE in the fall and don't anticipate doing all that well since it's been years since I've taken an exam (didn't take any in college, either, as was the nature of my program).

 

What recommendations would you have in applying to HDS? Do you think it's a realistic option considering my academic record?

[Rabbit Run]

Yeah, I'd say its realistic. Most of the big name Divinity Schools/Seminaries have admission rates nearing 50% (MTS type degrees will be a little lower than Mdivs though). Be sure to emphasize your experience in humanitarian work/campus ministry in your statement of purpose and also be sure to explain the F in the statement as well. 

 

If you want help on the GRE I've heard that McGoosh is amazing. 

 

Also, another thing to consider is the Mdiv at HDS. It'll be a little easier to get into, doesn't have a lot of reqs. so its essentially a "MTS + 1 year" in some ways, and theres also more potential funding available. 

 

Hope it works out.

[amei]

Thanks a lot!