Applicants to Yale Divinity School programs are evaluated on the basis of academic ability and potential to do graduate study work, leadership qualities, spiritual maturity, emotional stability, interpersonal communication skills, seriousness of purpose, personal initiative, and creativity.
A Personal Statement. Applicants must submit a personal statement (maximum two pages/double- spaced) 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 applicants to meet their stated objectives.
Academic Writing Sample. An academic writing sample is required (maximum five pages, 12 point double-spaced, not including citation pages), that illustrates the applicant's ability to analyze and argue on a particular subject.
Letters of Recommendation. Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommendation letters must be current and address the applicant's potential for the degree program to which application is being made, two of which should address academic potential.
The application must be complete in order to be properly filed through our online system. It includes: a completed online application, personal statement, writing sample, transcripts of all previous academic work (both graduate and undergraduate), three letters of recommendation, IELTS test scores for those whom English is a second language (minimum score of 7), and the application fee.