# HDS Admissions Blog ## expand\_more ![HDS Admissions Blog](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/2025-09/Admisisons-Blog-Logo-200px_0.png) Welcome to the Harvard Divinity School Admissions Blog! This is where HDS admissions graduate assistants and other members of the HDS community share their stories, tips, and reflections. From navigating the application process to what everyday life is really like, discover what it truly means to be a part of this welcoming and pluralistic community. Have a specific question? Email [ask\_students@hds.harvard.edu]() to connect with a current student. [### From Campus Green to City Hall: Closing My HDS Chapter ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2026/05/13/campus-green-city-hall-closing-my-hds-chapter) May 13, 2026 As a student at HDS, the time you spend completing a degree will have profound effects, but it also moves very quickly. In this blog post, Janeen Green, MTS '26, reflects on her academic, community, and professional experiences while at HDS ahead of... ![Janeen Green, MTS '26, stand smiling before the entrance to Swartz Hall on he HDS Campus](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/Secondheadshot.jpg?h=a4bfa53e&itok=Gh8BmQEq) [### Understanding the Language Requirement at HDS ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2026/04/29/understanding-language-requirements-hds) April 29, 2026 Harvard Divinity School offers a wealth of resources for learning new languages to enhance your area of study. How do these options work with the language requirement for degree programs, including the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Master of... ![An HDS student facing the camera engages in discussion with another in the HDS Library](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/10062025-StudentPhotoshoot-0616.jpg?itok=jhBapS5D) [### Life at HDS as an Advanced Career Professional ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2026/04/15/life-hds-advanced-career-professional) April 15, 2026 How do current HDS students navigate Harvard Divinity School after years in other industries, fields, or ministries? Read how a restaurateur, a rabbi, and a lawyer integrate what they’ve learned from their professions in the classroom. ![HDS students have a discussion in the library while seated.](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/10062025-StudentPhotoshoot-0581_0.jpg?h=4b8e020e&itok=thn6eok3) [### Creating Spaces of Community at Harvard Divinity School ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2026/03/30/creating-spaces-community-harvard-divinity-school) March 30, 2026 During their time at HDS, students have numerous opportunities to engage in community formation. In this blog post, graduate assistant Janeen Green, MTS '26, details her participation in, and creation of, student organizations and community at HDS and at... ![Four students speak with one another in Swartz Hall, in front of main doors](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/10062025-StudentPhotoshoot-0811.jpg?itok=FTqdSPFV) [### How to Explore Classes Outside of HDS as a Student ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2026/03/19/how-to-explore-classes-outside-hds-as-a-student) March 19, 2026 Curious to know if its possible to incorporate other schools into your academic pursuits at HDS? In this blog post, Elinor Bate, MTS '27, provides an overview of how to navigate the wealth of options available to HDS students at Harvard and beyond. ![Two students look at a book together in a library setting](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-03/10062025-StudentPhotoshoot-0691ADM%20Blog.png?itok=3VCy41sl) [### Housing as an HDS Student ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2026/03/18/housing-hds-student) March 18, 2026 In this HDS Admissions Blog post, graduate assistant Lexi Kallaher, MTS '26, provides resources and advice about important housing questions. ![Stained Glass showing beehive with Latin text banner, 'finis origine pendet'.](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-03/08032021_Swartz_Hall_097.jpg?itok=8HxDzIzH) [### What to Consider in a Strong Writing Sample ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2025/11/24/what-consider-strong-writing-sample) November 24, 2025 HDS Admissions graduate assistants provide advice about the writing sample for an application, including potential topics, editing, and purpose. ![Two HDS students sit next to each other and smile, mid-conversation, in front of the main entrance to Swartz Hall. ](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-11/WS%20photo.jpg?h=274d8e9f&itok=OYc3w36j) [### What to Consider in Your MRPL Project Proposal ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2025/11/12/what-consider-your-mrpl-project-proposal) November 12, 2025 A current master of religion and public life (MRPL) candidate talks about what to keep in mind while writing a project proposal for the program application. ![The HDS campus in fall. The leaves are turning, light is moving through the trees and one student sits at a table.](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-11/11042016-AutumnCampus-073CROP.png?h=920929c4&itok=oxScm97Q) [### How to Write a Strong Statement of Purpose for your HDS Application ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2025/11/03/how-write-strong-statement-purpose-your-hds-application) November 03, 2025 HDS Admissions graduate assistants provide insight into their process for writing the statement of purpose for their applications, including the drafting process, how to review, and what to consider when writing a statement of purpose. ![Two student sit in the HDS cafe laughing at something offscreen](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-11/CROP10062025-StudentPhotoshoot-0428.png?h=920929c4&itok=DkfPQrQi) [### Introducing the 2025-26 HDS Admissions Graduate Assistants ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2025/10/24/introducing-2025-hds-admissions-graduate-assistants) October 24, 2025 The HDS Admissions graduate assistants (L-R), Lexi Kallaher, Candice Mulinda, Janeen Green, and Elinor Bate, share their backgrounds, interests, and areas of study. Prospective applicants can connect with any of the graduate assistants via email (ask... ![All four HDS Admissions Graduate Assistants, on the grass behind the sign for Swartz Hall on the HDS campus.](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-10/Admissions%20Launch%20%20resize.png?h=038f828a&itok=V3l3No6x) [### How to Approach Letters of Recommendation for your HDS Admissions Application ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2025/09/30/how-approach-letters-recommendation-hds-admissions-application) September 30, 2025 HDS Admissions Graduate Assistants provide insights into how they selected writers for their letters of recommendation, a critical component of an application to Harvard Divinity School. Tips include connecting with you recommenders early, keep... ![Swartz Stained Glass Window with centerpiece displaying an open book. Fall tree leaves are visible beyond the window.](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-10/10122022-HDS-Campus-290.jpg?h=59f2bc93&itok=lc9Kjsgi) [### What I'm Taking with Me as a Graduating HDS Student: Kat Woodard ](/admissions-aid/admissions-blog/2025/05/15/hds-takeaways-graduating-student-kat-woodard) May 15, 2025 In this post, soon-to-graduate MDiv student and 2022-2025 Admissions graduate assistant Kat Woodard reflects on her last three years at HDS prior to walking across the Commencement stage. ![A headshot of Kat Woodard](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-08/HDS%20admissions%20blog%20%20takeaways%20graduating%20student.png?h=6149d214&itok=WF-V6r8l)