Applying to Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic Colleges and Universities

Applying to Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic colleges or universities in the Us depends largely on whether you are pursuing an acdemic or a professional degree.

The large Jewish universities operate much like any other other university or college in the US. This means applying online or by downloading online application form, providing high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, SAT or ACT test scores, and a non-refundable application fee of somewhere around $30-$50. These schools may have rolling admission, which means they acceprt and process applications throughout the year, or they may have stricter deadlines. Schools offering early decision will have still different deadlines, so it's imperative that you check with the individual university you are applying to.

Yeshivas or rabbinical colleges may have quite different requirements, even from each other. Some require some post-secondary study, and may even require a bachelor's degree in order to be admitted. You will need to have knowledge of Hebrew, strong written and oral communication skills, and be committed to a life in line with the values of the conservative Judaism. An interview is sually required in order for the school to get to know you and your character. Others may simply require that an applicant have a high school diploma or GED, be 17 years-old or older, and have a basic knowledge of Hebrew, the Bible and Talmud. Most religious-based institutions require recommendations attesting to student's moral and personal integrity, since it's about community service and community-building.

No matter which kind of school you apply to, two things that are not required but highly recommended are a campus visit and interview with admissions counselor. Knowledge is power, so be sure to seek out the people and resources that can help you get as much information on your desired Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic colleges and universities before you apply.