Apply for Harvard M.Div. as a Confucian?

[ConfucianMdiv]

Hi everyone,

I'm from China, have identified myself as a Confucian since 17 years old. I spent nearly six years in department of philosophy studying Chinese philosophy but roughly six months ago I realized that I want to do something practical to spread Confucius Teaching instead of doing academic work in a College. I think M.Div. programs offer the education I need. I hope to establish Confucian organizations ( monasteries, actually ) in future and spread Confucius Teaching to common people in China. The courses on arts of ministry are exactly what I want.

Here are some details about me:

Bachelor of philosophy from a TOP 10 university in China. GPA 3.6

Working on my Master of philosophy in TOP 2 university in China GPA 3.6

GRE v162 q164 awa3.5 ( I know my writing is  lame but that's what I got....); TOFEL 106

One of my letter will be from a professor in Harvard religion study.

 

Well as far as I know there's no one yet have ever applied for m.div. as a Confucian.I feel pretty thrilled yet helpless to be the first one. I've sent several emails to figure out which of those divinity schools would be willing to enroll a Confucian in m.div. and my conclusion is that

1) Harvard and Chicago University seem pretty welcome to the " Diversity" I may bring to them.

2) Yale and Boston College said that I'm "eligible" to apply, but they are not sure whether I will be fit to the programs.

3) UTS said I can try to apply but they don't think their program would be beneficial to me.

So folks, I'm gonna ask the question that have been asked for hundreds of times here: Do I have a chance to make it to Harvard or Chicago University?

Also: Do you guys know any other divinity school that is likely to enroll me? 

 

First timer here. I would appreciate any advice and information. Thank you!

Edited November 19, 2016 by ConfucianMdiv

[sacklunch]

In short, if you apply to HDS, Chicago, and the other usual suspects, I bet you will get in. As you mentioned, these schools like diversity. But rarely do they get applicants who have  practical interest outside of Christianity (and to a lesser extent Judaism and Islam). Also, your GRE scores are quite good (esp. your verbal/quant) and your awa score is pretty good for an international applicant.

The problem isn't getting in--your unique application makes that highly likely in my opinion (search the forum for more on this; but ill note in passing the well-known fact that even the top divinity schools in this country waver between 40-60% acceptance rates for the MDiv). The difficulty will be finding coursework/faculty who are teaching courses in your areas of interest. Confucianism is not my field nor do I know much about it to be honest. You would be best served by asking faculty working in the field(s) of Confucianism where you should apply. This forum is dominated by students (and early career scholars) working in subfields of Christianity, especially Christian and Jewish antiquity. Many of the students interested in pursuing an MDiv in this country (and thus on this forum) come from Protestant traditions and not surprisingly they have interests in the ancient scriptures of Jews and/or Christians. At times I wonder why this forum bears the name 'Religion' (an antiquated name, to be sure) and not 'theology'. In any case, I mention this to warn you of the prejudicial advice given here (including my own). Most of us are completely ignorant of the interests, academic and pastoral, of 'eastern' traditions. 

Good luck, friend. 

[pterosaur]

Harvard div is a really interesting mixture of religious beliefs, including athiesm. Being a Confucian should not be an issue for them.

[Kunarion]

I agree that you will likely get in with your strong scores and so that schools can say they have a Confucian! Have you looked at the HDS and UChicago course catalogues? I would want to know if there were enough courses that I thought would help me toward my goals... and if those courses count toward requirements of the MDiv degree.

[ConfucianMdiv]

On November 20, 2016 at 10:19 AM, sacklunch said:

In short, if you apply to HDS, Chicago, and the other usual suspects, I bet you will get in. As you mentioned, these schools like diversity. But rarely do they get applicants who have  practical interest outside of Christianity (and to a lesser extent Judaism and Islam). Also, your GRE scores are quite good (esp. your verbal/quant) and your awa score is pretty good for an international applicant.

The problem isn't getting in--your unique application makes that highly likely in my opinion (search the forum for more on this; but ill note in passing the well-known fact that even the top divinity schools in this country waver between 40-60% acceptance rates for the MDiv). The difficulty will be finding coursework/faculty who are teaching courses in your areas of interest. Confucianism is not my field nor do I know much about it to be honest. You would be best served by asking faculty working in the field(s) of Confucianism where you should apply. This forum is dominated by students (and early career scholars) working in subfields of Christianity, especially Christian and Jewish antiquity. Many of the students interested in pursuing an MDiv in this country (and thus on this forum) come from Protestant traditions and not surprisingly they have interests in the ancient scriptures of Jews and/or Christians. At times I wonder why this forum bears the name 'Religion' (an antiquated name, to be sure) and not 'theology'. In any case, I mention this to warn you of the prejudicial advice given here (including my own). Most of us are completely ignorant of the interests, academic and pastoral, of 'eastern' traditions. 

Good luck, friend. 

Thanks! Indeed it is difficult to find courses  relative to Confucianism in both HDS and Uchicago. However, I think it is even more difficult to find a Confucian field education spot. I have a friend I Uchicago who identifies herself as Confucian as well ( applied as atheist though) just create a Confucian group herself to meet the requirement of field education. I have no idea if HDS would allow me to do similar attempts. I think I will figure out a way ; )