Harvard Divinity School

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm currently a junior at Fordham University majoring in Theology. Recently two of my professors approached me about potentially pursuing a doctorate in theology. I absolutely love my courses and really think it may be the right path for me.... I never really cared about my schoolwork before, but since I found my niche in theology, my attitude toward my studies has done a complete 180! </p>

<p>Two of my professors attended Harvard Divinity School, one attended Yale and one U of Chicago. All four have said that HDS would probably be the best fit for me. Would anyone mind ranking my chances?</p>

<p>-Major in Theology; double minor in French and International Humanitarian Affairs; Honors Concentration in American Catholic Studies
-3.65 cumulative GPA by graduation (at this rate, probably a 3.95 major GPA)
-A bunch of related extra-circulars including: executive chair of the Student Liturgical Board, Christian Life Communities (CLC) leader, Retreat leader, Global Outreach leader (service projects to San Diego, Ecuador and probably India), a bunchhh of community service, participant in the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Social Justice, executive board of the Campus Activities Board (I buy $18,000 worth of Broadway tickets for students and help to organize large-scale activities on campus including concerts, lectures and festivals), World Youth Day participant, the campus theatre groups, and I'm starting up a Human Rights Watch club.
-Hoping to intern with either Amnesty International or the Institute for International Humanitarian Affairs next semester.
-I'm a white girl from Connecticut and I'm Catholicly-oriented but I'm coming to find and embrace that there is something "true and holy" in every religion</p>

<p>I'm especially interested in learning how theology and social justice intertwine and how to bring our God-given call for justice to the ground level.</p>

<p>Also, I'm set on doing at least a year of service with either the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Peace Corps or Teach for America. Do you think my potential deferment would hinder or help my chances?</p>

2

<p>Relevant experiences always help your chances unless you end up with weaker letters of recommendation because of it (i.e. your academic contacts forget you). If you’re set/confident on letters, then go for the year of service as it’ll make you stand out. I knew two women who spent a year in Guatemala doing development work after college and went on to Harvard Medical School right afterwards. Your experiences could also help you with your doctoral thesis if you stick with that topic.</p>

<p>I don’t know much about theology admissions, but you seem to have a laser-focused application for the program of study and that’s a big plus in virtually all other kinds of doctoral admissions. I wouldn’t apply to just one school, though, unless you have solid back-up plans.</p>