1. When discerning graduate school and the CSTM specifically, I reflected on past activities and classes that truly gave me joy. I did this not to recreate the activities on my return to school, but to consider exactly what about them “set me on fire” and why. I know I was surprised to see what has given me energy and satisfaction in the past reflected so strongly in the course offerings and degree programs in the CSTM and the School of Social Work! – Elizabeth Perez, M.A./M.S.W. ’24
2. Although networking can be nerve wrecking, I found that speaking with current students and alumni was extremely helpful in my discernment process. They gave honest feedback about their degree program, favorite professors, course planning, living in Boston, and career prospects post graduation. These conversations helped me craft a better perspective around what my life could look like as a grad student. Note: the admissions office is more than happy to connect you to current students/alumni. I also personally reached out to people on LinkedIn. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people were willing to connect with me. – Ivena Saintilair, M.A./M.A. ’24
3. As a first year student, I think it is important to be open to the possibilities that can come from studying theology and ministry. Each person is coming into graduate school for their own reasons and with their own experiences. While holding these close to your heart is important, it is equally as important to be open to learning not only new things in the classroom, but the possibilities that are available after graduation when working in ministry. Remembering why you came to the CSTM is just as important as being open to discovering who you will become. – Rileigh Armstrong, M.A. ’23
4. My first piece of advice would be to get to know your advisor and your professors and try to create an academic and personal relationship with professors that you are drawn to. No matter why you came to the CSTM or what you plan to do after, good relationships with your professors will help with your graduate studies and with opportunities after graduation. My other piece of advice is the importance of being organized in scheduling time for school, family, self-care, etc. It has been incredibly helpful for success in balancing life and not feeling overwhelmed. And if you are overwhelmed, I strongly recommend looking into therapy, worked wonder for me! – Francis Boccuzzi, M.T.S. ’23
5. This is a school of theology and ministry. When you think about your next step, how do those two things interrelate for you? Why do you want to study theology? What type of minister do you want to be? How is God inviting you to grow both theologically and ministerially? It’s important to be able to picture yourself in the classroom and to reflect on what you want that experience to be like. I found it really helpful to talk to faculty (or at least listen to them respond to questions in information sessions) about what they are passionate about and how they envision the school. Listening to their responses enabled me to reflect on if these were people I wanted to study with. The same was true of current students. Being able to hear (and feel!) what brought them to life helped me to discern if I could see myself coming alive here too! – Sister Colleen Gibson, M.T.S. ’23
6. When I was deciding on which school would be the best fit for me to pursue the MDiv, these are a few questions that were on my mind: Where will I be formed in a way that is different from my previous formation experiences? Where will I be both challenged and sustained in my faith and beliefs? Where will I be spiritually “at home”? – Marissa Browne, M.Div. ’24
7. Figure out how public transit might bring benefits to your life. If you can locate yourself in a viable transit environment, graduate school will offer more dynamic opportunities. Even if you never get on a bus or streetcar or subway, other people will, and they’ll bring a livelier intellectual culture with them into your neighborhood, and the neighborhood will respond with a diverse street life. (Even PhD students have to step out for coffee sometimes). – Mike Warner, M.Div. ’24
8. My top tip for discernment is talking with loved ones! Sometimes the people who know us best can help guide us in big decisions. Don’t downplay the importance of a friend saying “I could really see you there” or “That sounds like exactly something you’d love doing!” – Tarah Agathe Valin, M.Div. ’24
9. An important lesson I picked up as I discerned graduate school was to find joy amidst all the uncertainty. While it is good to be calculated with your career moves, you can’t know absolutely everything about how the future will unfold. Keep planning, certainly, but don’t let worry taint the present moment. – Alexander Klee, M.T.S ’23
10. My top tip for incoming students is to not be afraid to approach people and make connections. It seems intimidating, especially if one is introverted, but everyone at the CSTM—faculty, staff, and students—is so willing to help with whatever you need. Everyone is willing to help you in any way that they can. I found a home quickly at the CSTM because of the sincere people that reside here. – Ashlee Hatch, M.Div. ’24