Applying to ISF

ISF Supplemental Application

Applicants to the Spiritual Formation graduate program must submit the Talbot Application form in addition to the ISF Supplemental Application. Please note several differences in deadlines and other information.

Special Entrance Requirements/Application Considerations

Participation in the graduate programs in spiritual formation presumes a certain degree of ministry or life experience and personal maturity. This is particularly true of the M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, which in not only an academic degree, but involves applied ministry where life experience and relational skills involved in mentoring are crucial. It is also our aim to keep the faculty-student ratio lower than in typical seminary programs. Thus, application consideration will be based on weighing the following factors:

  • Ministry and life experience
  • Personal preparedness for a growth journey
  • Perception of calling and giftedness for ministry in spiritual formation and soul care

Application Deadlines

All items must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than the following dates for consideration:

Fall: April 15
Spring: November 15

Note: Students are encouraged to apply for the fall term given the intensive and sequential nature of the program, courses, and practica experiences. Spring applicants will be considered but limited to taking Bible and Theology courses for the first term.

Processing of Applicants

Your application will be carefully studied. If considered potentially acceptable, we will schedule a time for interview in person or possibly by phone. You application will then be put in a group to be restudied and ranked. You will be notified of acceptance, waiting-list status, or non-acceptance no later than May 30 for fall, or Dec. 30 for spring.

Essays

Three essays in addition to those required by the Talbot application are required to be submitted with the supplemental cover sheet.

  • General Essay - at least 1000 words addressing (a) your understanding of spiritual formation and soul care and (b) why you wish to pursue graduate studies. Include in your essay potential ministerial goals, personal interests, etc.
  • Personal Essay - briefly express how you envision this program practically affecting your personal life while going through the program (time commitments, family, job and financial needs, etc.).
  • Personal Biography - at least 1000 words, particularly focusing on the significant spiritual developments of your life, how they have shaped you as a person, and where you are now in your spiritual development.

References

  • Submit three references as specified in the Talbot application.
  • Submit an additional full-page letter of reference where the person freely discusses why you would be appropriate for the Institute for Spiritual Formation program. This letter should be completed by one of the above references and attached to the reference form.

Current Talbot Student Application

It is not necessary to fill out the Talbot application form, but all Institute supplemental application materials listed must be completed, including the Supplemental Application Cover Sheet, essays, and full-page reference letter.

For application materials and further information, please contact the Institute directly or apply online.

When applying online, please be sure to also download the Supplemental Application and mail it to the Institute.