Yale Divinity School

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Application Instructions

Applicants to Yale University Divinity School must supply the following in order to complete the file that is submitted to the Admissions Committee:

1. Completed application form, which may be accessed online.

2. Official transcripts from each college, university, professional school attended.

3. A personal essay apprising the Admissions Committee of reasons for considering theological education, of formative influences in making this decision, of vocational objectives, and of ways in which the Divinity School's resources can prepare the applicant to meet those stated objectives.

4. A writing sample of approximately five pages that illustrates the applicant's ability to analyze and argue on a particular subject of his or her choice (a portion of a senior thesis or term paper is acceptable.)

5. Three letters of recommendation, two of which should address academic potential.

6. A nonrefundable application fee payable by credit card is due at the time of submission.  The fee structure is as follows: $75 for all applications submitted on or before January 15, 2009 or $100 for applications submitted after January 15, 2009.

7. Score of the IELTS test (minimum 7.0) is required for applicants from countries where English is not the primary language of instruction.

The Admissions Committee welcomes, but does not require, personal interviews and visits to the School when classes are in session.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, while not required, may be considered in an application if applicants wish to submit them. Applicants who plan to continue for doctoral study or who choose to submit the GRE scores as further evidence of their academic potential are encouraged to have these scores included in their admission file. For information on the GRE and testing dates, please visit their Web site, or write to:

The Graduate Record Examination
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000

Last updated: May 22, 2007