Thoughts on academic preparation

[jgrant1118]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and have found many of the topics quite helpful. Now, I would like to get honest feedback on my academic preparation as I prepare applications during this year to either other M.A. programs or Ph.D programs. Any thoughts would be a great help! Here it goes.

I earned a B.A. in Biblical studies with a minor in Biblical Greek (5 semesters) from a rather small liberal arts college. My GPA ended there about a 3.2 due to some fooling around my first two years. My final two years saw semester GPAs around 3.6+ but were unable to help me out. Apparently I woke up a little late in my program.

I am now working on a M.A. (60 hours) in the Hebrew Bible at a seminary. My concentration is in the language and literature of the HB. So far, my GPA is 3.6+. Upon completion, I'll have 2 full years of Hebrew, 1 of Aramaic, and a semester of Ugaritic. I'll be learning German independently.

My interests are rather varied. Besides the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Former Prophets, I have become increasingly interested in Judaic Studies/Rabbinics, though I don't have much formal training outside of the Hebrew Bible. I am also interested in the use of the New Testament as a witness to Judaism in the first century A.D.

So, with my background should I apply to another MA or attempt a PhD? I've had mixed opinions from various schools. Some thought from academic peers would be great!

Blessings.

[johndiligent]

How are your grades in your MA programme?

[jgrant1118]

Besides an early B and B+ all grades have been A, with the exception of one A-.

[jgrant1118]

johndiligent, I see you are applying to Toronto and McGill. Those are two schools I am also looking at. What are your particular interests?

[johndiligent]

johndiligent, I see you are applying to Toronto and McGill. Those are two schools I am also looking at. What are your particular interests?

I'm a social historian, interested in Christian group identity and social behaviour in the 1st century CE. At Toronto, I'm applying to the MA in Religion and at McGill, the MA in Religious Studies.

[johndiligent]

Besides an early B and B+ all grades have been A, with the exception of one A-.

In that case, I think you should apply to PhD programmes instead of MA's. You have decent preparation relative to other PhD applicants. Though the best thing to do is inquire directly with programmes of interest, since they'll be able to give you a much better idea of where you'd be positioned relative to other applicants.

[jgrant1118]

Thanks for your thoughts, johndiligent. Good luck!