Information to Apply

This checklist will give you an idea of what is required to apply for admission to Trinity. You may submit this material all at one time or individually as you complete the steps. Please download a full checklist here for other guidelines pertaining to your own situation.  All required forms are downloadable here, or contact us for an Admissions Packet to be mailed to you.

All applications should be submitted by July 15 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. If you have questions as you complete this process, please contact the Admissions Office.

___ Completed Application Form. You may attach extra pages as indicated.

___ Application Fee of $25.00. Check made payable to Trinity.

___ Transcripts. All post-high school education transcripts. It is your responsibility to see that  official transcripts (not student copies) are sent by each school you have attended (even if you  did not receive a degree) to the Admissions Office. If you are presently a student, a transcript  should include grades through the preceding term. If you are finishing a degree, you must submit, prior to registration, an official transcript indicating any degree received.  A request  form is included in the Admissions Packet if you wish to use it.

___ A criminal background check from your state of residence. This can usually be obtained  through your state police department. If you have difficulties, please contact our office.

___ Statement of Faith and Covenant.  Please read these carefully, sign and return with your application materials.

___ Financial Statement. All applicants for full-time study must complete the Financial Statement. Even if  you are uncertain of your financial situation, please provide an estimate. This form will be discussed during your admissions interview.  Information on scholarships is available on our web site.

___ References. Using the forms included in the admissions packet, please provide us with references from the following persons:

• Clergy person
• Business Professional OR Academic Professor
• Lay Person

You are responsible for giving these forms to your references.  In turn, they are to send the completed form back to you, in a sealed and signed envelope, for you to include in the completed application you send to us.

___ Graduate Record Examination. This is not an admissions requirement, but if you have taken the GRE within the last five years, we will appreciate your sending us a copy of your scores (verbal and quantitative).

___ Christian Experience or Spiritual Autobiography. Please submit a 1200-word essay (preferably double-spaced typed). You may use the following points as a guide to your thinking, but the essay does not have to rigidly cover these steps. (We are looking for a well-constructed essay, not a list of points a, b, and c.) If you have previously submitted an essay like this to a church or diocesan discernment committee, you may send us a copy of that essay.

• A history of the highlights of your own spiritual journey, including your decision to accept Christ as Savior and to follow Christ as Lord.
• Tell us about your family – spouse, children, or parents. Please include information on any previous marriages, all of your children, and any other family history that may be a significant part of your history. Include your perception of your families' opinion on your pursuit of seminary education.
• What kinds of experiences have you had that may have prepared you for working in the parish ministry or for other forms of ministry to which you may be called? What have you actually done in ministry?
• What do you believe are your greatest strengths? What are your greatest accomplish-ments and why do you consider them as such?
• What do you believe are areas where you need to grow and be stretched? What are some challenges for you?
• Do you believe you can relate to those who espouse theological convictions different than your own?
• What has led you to apply to Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry for your place of theological study?
• List any further information about yourself or your hopes that you feel may be helpful to knowing you better.

___ Writing Sample. In order to have an indication of your skill in written communication, please submit a 1000-word essay on one of the topics below. We will look for clarity of expression, organization, the ability to sustain a discussion of the topic and the ability to support your view.

1. Define "the ministry of reconciliation" as shown in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 and describe what this ministry might look like in the context of the 21st century Church.
2. Trinity's purpose statement is "Forming Christian leaders for mission."  What would you expect a seminary education to look like that would form you academically and personally as a Christian leader for mission?
3. If within the past two years you have completed a graduate level course at Trinity or elsewhere, you may submit an essay from your course.

Admissions Interview.  When your application file is completed, you will be contacted by the Admissions Office to arrange an admissions interview on campus. Interviews cannot be scheduled until all application material is received. Applicants to all degree programs must have an on-campus interview. Interviews are held during the traditional work week (Monday through Friday). If you are married or engaged, we strongly recommend that your spouse or (spouse to be) attend the interview. The actual interview usually consists of a one-hour meeting with members of the Admissions Committee.This is a time for both parties to get to know each other. You are welcome to bring your own questions to this meeting. Admissions decisions are usually made within a few days and you will be notified as soon as possible.