I will share my college application with you.
Hello Svetozar,
I responded to your inquiry into the program before I noticed that you had applied to both the MDiv and the MTS programs. I need to make it clear that we only accept Franciscan seminarians or seminarians from our local San Diego diocese, so you can not expect to be admitted as a seminarian. If this is alright with you then your next step is to take the TOEFL exam and have the results sent directly to me. It is our policy that all foreign applicants must take the English proficiency examination prior to having their application reviewed. In addition, you will need to have your transcript evaluated by the World Education Service at
www.wes.org. Please get the course-by-course evaluation and have it translated into English if necessary.
Once you have completed these steps you will need to complete the financial declaration form I sent you in the preceding email. All international students must prove they have the financial ability to fund their first year in the USA without assistance from any financial aid. The amount is noted on the form, but I believe it is approximately $38,000.
Lastly, I would like to ask you to revise your statement of purpose to ensure that it is "FOREWARD THINKING" and doesn't give so much personal background. Your application will be reviewed by an academic committee and the information you disclosed in your application is much too personal for their purposes. They want to know what you are doing now, what you want to do in the future, and how the Franciscan School of Theology can help you get there. In short, why do you want an MDiv and MTS degree from FST and what do you plan to do with it?
I am very happy to assist you as you embark upon this application process. Please let me know what questions you have.
Peace and every good,
Christine
I want to become a Priest and I want to evangelize, to preach the Gospel, to change people, to baptise people, to councell people. That is my purpose. But I think I would not be admitted because I dont have $38.000 because I live off from a pension I receive, a disability pension because I was diagnosed with Shizophrenia. But If I study in the USA I wouldnt receive it anymore and I would have 0$, I dont know if it is possible that I work in the USA while studying this would be the only way to be able to provide for myself without fiancial aid? I will see where I can get TOEFL scores here in Austria, I didnt heard of this before and then I will pass the exam. Im sure I will pass it.
Regards, Svetozar Plemic
Hello Christine,
I will revise my statement of purpose. I wanted to point out how I became a Christian, what is my story. And why I want to be priest. Maybe it is not so clear though. I dont mention any theological theory but I mention my personal life what lead me to Jesus Christ. Why I want to be priest or do ministry.
Hello Svetozar,
I applaud your zeal for our good and gracious God. If God is calling you to serve Holy Mother Church as a Catholic priest then I believe He will open the way for you.
Based on what you have shared with me regarding your financial situation it would be imprudent for me to encourage you to continue with the application process as you would not be eligible to receive the necessary form I-20 from FST.
I have included the US regulations below for your review.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement requires documented assurance that international students have sufficient financial resources to meet the costs of study in the United Staes. The funds listed on this form must equal or exceed estimated expenses at the Franciscan School of Theology. Limited tuition aid may be available to international students.
| Estimated Fees for Academic Year 2020-2021 | Tuition and Fees | $ 18,180 US Dollars |
| | Room and Board | $ 12,375 US Dollars |
| | Books and Supplies | $ 1,000 US Dollars |
| | Medical Insurance | $ 1,988 US Dollars |
| | Personal Expenses | $ 3,875 US Dollars |
| | TOTAL | $ 37,418 US Dollars |
As an alternative to relocating to the USA, I would suggest you research universities offering theology degrees online. That way you would be able to pursue your studies at home and continue receiving your current income.
Peace and every good,
Christine
www.mastersportal.com
