I want to apply to Union Theological Seminary's Ph.D prg. What can I do to enhance my changces of getting in?

Question

My undergrad grades were not spectactular, but my M.Div. grades are very good thus far. I am only in my first year of the M.Div. program, and have at least 2 years of study left. What things should I be doing while still in seminary to polish my resume? What kind of student is Union looking for? How important are GRE scores? What should I emphasize in the application? How should I prepare for the language exams when it's been so long since I've studied a foreign language? Are there any particular books, positions, or authors that should read or be familiar with before applying? Is it a good idea to establish rapport with faculty members of Union before applying? I need as much information as possible.

Answer 1

Union is "to the left of the rest" as seminaries go. So if you are into liberation theology, postmodern theology, or social justice work, it may be the place for you.

The PhD program is very selective. Your GREs should be outstanding. If you have not yet mastered Greek or Hebrew, and you're doing Biblical studies, your chances of admission are zero. If you are doing Church History, or Systematic Theology, you should have mastered either French or German (reading proficiency, not conversational) before you apply. You will have to pass both French and German for reading before you are allowed to sit for your comprehensive exams.

Most importantly, there should be a particular professor (or two) with whom you want to study. (This is how PhD admissions works everywhere -- the professors choose the students they wish to mentor.) If there is no faculty person whose field of specialization and methodology you find congenial to your own work, then apply elsewhere. For this reason, all PhD applicants (everywhere, in every field) should be familiar with the work of every faculty person in the programs to which they are applying.

Best wishes to you!