APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Transcription

1 Student At Large Without Bachelor s Degree APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (For applicants who have not earned a Bachelor s Degree from an accredited institution.) Student At Large Without Bachelor s Degree status allows you to take a course or courses in an area of interest at your own pace without the expectation to complete the requirements set by a degree program, and without the prerequisite of an undergraduate degree. Upon successful completion of a minimum of four courses (and maximum of 8 courses) with a grade of B or better, you may appeal for consideration for admission to the Master of Divinity Program or request approval to pursue a Certificate in Theological Study. Qualifications: In order to be considered for admission, applicants who do not possess a Bachelor s Degree from an accredited institution should demonstrate aptitude for graduate level scholarship. College level course-work, background in the humanities, relevant work and life experience, strong written and oral communication skills, mature intellectual abilities, and the capacity to think critically are advantageous. 1. APPLICATION FORM: Complete the enclosed application form. 2. WRITTEN MATERIALS: a) Autobiographical Statement Please write an autobiographical statement (2000 words or less) incorporating a response to the following: i) Briefly discuss your call or describe what compels you to pursue theological studies. ii) Describe your religious history and/or a personal experience that has led you to pursue theological studies. iii) What are your educational and vocational goals in seeking theological education? iv) What is your view of the church and its ministry and the role you expect to play in them? v) What do you believe to be the two most important issues facing the church over the next five years, and why? vi) What do you regard as your most important life experience? vii) What aspects of CTS and its program of studies have led you to make this application for admission? b) Current Resume: Provide a current resume or a brief description of any of the following: your recent work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, religious or church involvement, and any honors/awards you have received 3. REFERENCES: Student at Large applicants who do not possess a bachelor s degree must submit four (4) written references. At least two of the references must be academic in nature, affirming your aptitude for graduate level scholarship. One may come from a pastor or other ministry professional, and one may come from a professional colleague or personal friend. If you have been out of school for an extended period and are not able to secure an academic reference, please select someone who might be able to speak specifically to your intellectual abilities and gifts for written/oral expression. Complete the top section of each reference form, identify the type of reference (academic, pastoral, professional/personal), sign and deliver it with the envelope provided to each of the four persons named as references on your application form. It is an expected courtesy for you to provide each person with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Each writer should return the completed reference directly to you in a sealed envelope with a signature across the back flap.

2 Reference waiver: Unless otherwise indicated, you waive your right to review letters of reference. Waiving your right will assure freedom of full expression in the evaluation you are asking each person to provide. If you do not wish to waive this right, you must indicate as much on the reference form. Student At Large Without Bachelor s Degree APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS, Page 2 4. TRANSCRIPTS: Request the Registrar of each college, university, or seminary you have attended to send an official transcript of all academic work in a sealed and signed/stamped envelope directly to CTS. Please include transcripts for all post-secondary schools attended, including those at which you did not earn a degree. 5. APPLICATION FEE: A non-refundable $50 application fee is required of all applicants. Payment may be made by check, cash, money order, or credit card. Checks should be made payable to Chicago Theological Seminary. Credit card payments (MasterCard, Visa, Discover Card and American Express) may be made in person or by telephone at Persons serving as volunteers, team members, Corp members, staff and alums of the AmeriCorps, City Year, Peace Corps, and VISTA are eligible for an application fee waiver. Please indicate your method of payment on the Application Checklist. 6. STUDENT AT LARGE WITHOUT BACHELOR S DEGREE APPLICATION CHECKLIST: Sign, date and enclose the checklist with the application. 7. SUBMISSION: Enclose completed application materials, sealed references, application fee, checklist and any supporting documentation in one package and mail to: Chicago Theological Seminary Admissions Office 1407 E. 60 th Street Chicago, IL FACULTY INTERVIEW: Once your application file is complete and ready for review by the Admissions Committee, the Office of Admissions will contact you to arrange a brief personal interview with a member of the CTS faculty. The interview may be done in person or by telephone. 9. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS: All applicants must complete the admissions process within two years of submission of application materials. No applications will be held after two years. Applicants who are not accepted to CTS may only re-apply after two years, and must re-submit an application. 10. APPEAL FOR ADMISSION TO THE MASTER OF DIVINITY, MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP, OR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS: Upon successful completion of a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of eight (8) courses with a grade of B or higher, a Student At Large without a Bachelor s Degree may appeal for consideration for admission to the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Religious Leadership programs or request approval to pursue a Certificate in Theological Education. Appeal for admission/approval is made through the Director of Studies for consideration by the appropriate CTS program committee.

3 Student At Large Without Bachelors Degree APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Expected Semester of Entrance: Fall (September) 20 J-Term (January) 20 Spring (February) 20 Summer (June)20 Please Type or Print Legibly: PERSONAL 1. Full Name 2. Citizenship Last First Middle If not a U.S. citizen, indicate your visa status: 3. Former Name(s) Last First Middle 4. Current Address Personal phone ( ) Number and Street Business phone ( ) City State Zip 5. Current Address to be used until Birth date (optional) Date 6. Permanent (Legal) Address Phone ( ) Number and Street City State Zip 7. Social Security Number (if applicable) EDUCATION 8. List in chronological order all colleges, universities, and seminaries attended or presently attending, and indicate degrees earned or expected. Name and Location of Institution Dates of Attendance Degree or Diploma Date Earned 9. Are you now a candidate for a degree? If yes, specify degree and date you expect to receive it. (A final transcript and evidence of completion of degree must be sent to us promptly.) 10. Are there any particular factors or circumstances we should consider in appraising your academic record? Explain:

4 WRITTEN MATERIALS 11. Autobiographical Statement: Include an autobiographical statement as specified in the Student at Large without Bachelor s Degree Application Instructions. Resume: Include a current resume or a brief description of your work experience, participation in volunteer and community service, religious or church involvement, and any honors/awards you have received. REFERENCES 12. List the names of four persons whom you are asking to write letters of reference. #1 Academic Reference #2 Academic Reference #3 Academic or Pastor/Professional in Ministry Reference #4 Academic or Professional Colleague/Personal Friend Reference CHECK LIST 12. Please sign, date and enclose the Student At Large without Bachelor s Degree Application Checklist.

5 Student at Large Without Bachelor s Degree APPLICATION CHECK LIST Please complete and include this page with your application. CHECKLIST Completed Application Form Autobiographical Statement Current Resume (or written statement) Four letters of recommendation All post-secondary transcripts (Official, sealed copies mailed by schools directly to CTS) $50 Application fee, payable to CTS (Please note: This fee is non-refundable.) Circle method of payment: check credit card cash money order fee waiver Applicant s signature (See below) Please sign below: Applications will not be processed without an applicant s signature. Thank you. 1. I certify that the information contained in this application and in supporting documents is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. 2. I understand that all documents submitted for application become the property of Chicago Theological Seminary and are not returnable to the applicant or transferable to any third party. Signature Date

6 REQUEST FOR REFERENCE To the applicant: Please complete this section before giving this form to the person who will serve as a reference. Note that you automatically waive the right to review references unless you write, I do not waive the right to review references in the space above your signature. APPLICANT NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: DEGREE PROGRAM: Student At Large w/o BA CITY, STATE, ZIP: TYPE OF RECOMMENDATION: Academic Pastor/Ministry Professional Professional Colleague/Personal Friend Signature: Date: To the person completing this form: The person named above has applied for admission to this seminary and is requesting a recommendation from you. Student at Large status is designed to allow students to take a course or courses in an area of interest without the expectation to complete the requirements set by a degree program. We request your candid appraisal of the applicant's capacity for graduate study in theological education. After completing the form, please return the letter to the applicant in a sealed envelope, with your signature over the back flap. PART I: How long have you known the candidate and in what capacity?_ PART II: Please rate the applicant for each of the following characteristics: Intellectual ability Interpersonal skills Creativity Breadth of General Knowledge Oral expression Written expression Initiative Reliability Emotional maturity Motivation for seminary studies Promise as a religious leader Perseverance Superior Top 5% Excellent Top 10% Very Good Top 25% Good Top 50% Below Ave. Bottom 50% Unable to Judge PART III: Please discuss the applicant's character, values, and abilities, with specific reference to strengths and weaknesses as they have bearing on his or her readiness for graduate theological education. Please use the reverse side of this form or attach a separate page. Please type your response. Signature: Name (printed or typed): Position/Occupation: Date: Mailing City, State, Zip: All documents submitted for application become the property of Chicago Theological Seminary and are not returnable to the applicant or transferable to any third party.