Application process: complete
I’m archiving the page that contained the details of my PhD application process. The end result? I was offered admission at one school, with partial funding, wait-listed at another and ultimately unable to be admitted there because they had no funding admitted to Loyola University of Chicago as a part-time student. My plan (subject to change as I get more information) is to try to take courses at the school where I was wait-listed, and then reapply in another year. That will keep me active in philosophy, and allow the faculty to get to know me. Hopefully I will be able to get funding at Loyola for the following fall, or at another institution.
All in all, this process is highly competitive. Although I did quite well (admission to one school with the most funding they could give–although partial, and being ranked number 17 out of 170 applicants at another), I still did not get a full assistantship and tuition anywhere. It is, I am finding, not uncommon for students to apply twice in order to get into a program. Funding for the humanities is always tight (even more so in a time when even the sciences are scrambling to write successful grants). Competition is fierce and schools are now reluctant to admit students without funding, aware that on the other side of the PhD, fields of gold do not await professors.
Arbitrary Marks will continue to reflect my scholarly interests, even as I am in between institutions. I hope to obtain more teaching positions–I have been enjoying the opportunity to teach World Religions at Forest Park Community College–and to present some papers at conferences.
My partner and I are moving to Chicago, so if any readers have ideas for part-time employment for me (I am aiming to make my other part-time job be taking classes, writing and improving my application), please email me at the address on the sidebar. Any information about the neighborhoods there would also be helpful, since we’re still searching out a place to rent.
Thanks to everyone who has been supportive in this process, behind the scenes and via the comments section of this blog. I’ve gained tremendous insight into my interests during the last six months, and also gotten a better feel for the tactics involved in graduate school applications.
This page compiles my discussion of the process of applying for a PhD in philosophy of religion, as well as the schools to which I’m applying. Once a final decision has been made, this page will be archived. Its main purpose is to assist other students in the same process.
Preparation for applying
Thinking through my focus (parts one, two and three)
Campus visits
The application
Writing a personal statement
Taking the GREs
Thread on Leiter Reports about 2006-07 application process
Waiting…and waiting…
Below are some details about the application process for these schools and departments. It’s an expensive and time-consuming process, made somewhat simpler by online applications. Unlike some other disciplines (medicine, for example), there is no central database from which you can send your application to various schools. However, if your school uses ApplyWeb, you will only need one username and password.
University of Chicago Divinity School
December deadline, online applications (unique system)
Decisions sent out week of March 5th.
Rejected 3/12/2007.
Columbia University, New York, NY
December deadline, online applications (ApplyWeb)
Rejected 3/6/2007.
Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA
December deadline, online applications (unique system)
Fee required for GTU and Berkeley ($40 each)
Accepted to GTU on 1/29/07, waiting for Berkeley approval and financial aid.
Full acceptance on 2/12/07, waiting for financial aid package (to arrive mid-March).
Deadline to accept or decline: Monday April 16th.
Declined March 28th, 2007.
Loyola University, Chicago, IL
January deadline, online applications (unique system)
No fee charged if application completed online
Wait-listed 3/10/07: #2 on list.
No funding available, unable to be admitted. 4/15/07.
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
December deadline, online applications (ApplyWeb)
Online decision rendered and available as of 2/24/07.
Rejected 2/28/07.
University of Wisconsin Madison
January deadline, online applications (partial, unique system)
Some forms must be mailed to UW-M
Rejected 3/7/2007.
Yale University, New Haven, CT
December deadline, online applications (ApplyWeb)
Rejected 3/5/2007.
Stock Image by Carol Ormand.