Anyone going to Seminary?

[SeekJusticeLoveMercy]

I'm graduating in December and it is time for me to start picking out a Seminary to pursue my MDiv (with hopefully a focus in Apologetics or Chaplaincy) Does anyone have any suggestions on what seminaries to apply to for someone who has a 2.5GPA?
Also, if you are currently in Seminary, how are you supporting yourself financially? Are there any jobs that you can have while in seminary that will prepare you for your career after you graduate? I'm wanting to become a Chaplain and from what I've seen there isn't much I can do now to prepare myself for that since I don't have the education requirements needed. Any suggestions?

 

[clay28]

i am studying at bible college, by God's grace, i have given the opportunity to have a tuition because i am supported by the school administrator. But it is in the Philippines

 

[heirmiles]

Hey guys, I just started Seminary online as well.
Clay28, are you studying online as well, or are you from the Philippines?
Seek Justice, Love Mercy, Apologetics and Chaplaincy can really go hand in hand. Apologetics can help to focus the reasoning process in being able to help people see their way through some really messy stuff when hand in hand with Chaplaincy. As a Chaplain you would be working with and serving a lot of people with very different beliefs, a lot of spiritual confusion, etc. So in choosing a Seminary it may be wise to find out if there is field placement or practicum component, if they have developed relationships in the community with different social communities or societies that have chaplaincy or pastoral care in their mandate. If the Seminary doesn't, but you really like their attitudes and what they teach, a trip through the yellow pages in the area, may yield some clues. For instance, Care Homes, Hospitals, even Campuses might already have chaplaincy in place, and a talk with their chaplain may bring about an opportunity for placement. There might be a prison fellowship nearby as well, or a Christian ministry to the homeless or a Christian soup kitchen where a chaplaincy student would be welcome. If you choose to study online, or through distance education, talking with all the clergy in your area (one by one, not all at once) may help you to see what is available where you're living now.
Don't be discouraged with a 2.5 GPA, there are a lot of seminaries that are okay with that, though it may mean a one year period of academic probation - their term, or they may first admit you into a one year Graduate Diploma in something like Christian Studies, and then if you do well, they would have no problem transferring you to an MDiv. That's what my Seminary is allowing me to do (if I can keep my GPA at 80 percent). Remember, God's word might not be negotiable, but most Seminaries are willing to discuss your options with you. Hope this helps.