Visiting the School of Theology
Although a visit to the School is not necessary, it is often helpful in decision- making as applicants consider graduate theological study. We are happy to welcome prospective students to the School; significant others, family, and friends are also welcome to visit with you.
Each academic year the Admissions Office hosts “Catch-A-Glimpse” days especially for prospective students. These days are usually a Wednesday and Thursday, and begin at 8:30 AM and run to about 4:30 PM. Our Fall dates are October 22 – 23. They offer the opportunity to visit classes, talk with faculty/students/staff, obtain information about financial aid/housing/life in Boston, meet other prospective students, tour the School, and meet with Admissions Office staff. You will be our guest for continental breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, and for lunch on Thursday. Wednesday also offers an experience of community life, with the opportunity to attend Chapel. We suggest that you attend both Wednesday and Thursday; if you can only come one day, we suggest Wednesday for the most comprehensive information. If you would like to register for any or all of these days, please e-mail (include your postal mailing address and telephone number) or call our office.
If none of these days is convenient, most of the above activities can also be accomplished in an individual visit.
You are welcome to visit the School any time the University is open. The University is closed at night, on weekends, for all national holidays, and between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day. The University is open during the summer; however, the School’s summer classes (from May to July) are very limited, and there are no classes offered by the School from July 4 through Labor Day. Please contact the office to see if classes are in session when you plan to visit.
Life in the Admissions Office is very active, and often staff time is booked ahead. In order to make the best use of your time, please contact us prior to your arrival at the School.
Certain considerations may help you to decide when in particular you would like to visit:
- Most of the core required courses for the Master’s level degree programs meet Tuesday through Thursday in the morning, beginning at 9 AM. Doctoral courses are more distributed throughout the day and week.
- On Tuesday at 1 PM, and on Wednesday at 11 AM there are community worship services. Tuesday’s are a prayer service, while Wednesday’s are more formal with The Seminary Singers offering the anthem.
- On Wednesdays at Noon there is Community Lunch: a meal sponsored free-of-charge by one of the School’s student organizations. Speakers offer information and discussion on a topic of current interest during the meal.
If you need accommodation in Boston, we recommend The Walker Center as a place to stay. This is an ecumenical conference center with a bed-and-breakfast component. While it is about 45 minutes from the School by subway, it is located in a very pleasant area and the rate is very inexpensive, especially by Boston-area standards. If you tell them you are a prospective student for the School, they will lower the rate even further for you (although not for other members of your party). Many of our international students live at the Center, so there may be opportunity to meet some of them. You can contact the Center at (617)969-3919 or at reservations@walkerctr.org
Other Boston accommodation can be found at www.boston.com.
We look forward to meeting you!