The Admission Committee uses this statement to understand why you are applying to the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) and how you will benefit from our program. Writing it will also help clarify your own reasons for applying.

Requirements

• 600-1200 words in length, double-spaced
• Include contact information for 2 references
• Upload to the online application

What To Include

1. Your reasons for applying. Explain why you are pursuing your chosen program (master's degree, graduate certificate, continuing education certificate, or non-degree study). What led you to this decision?
2. How this study will serve you. Describe how this program will help you grow in your current or future ministry. If you are not currently engaged in ministry, explain how it will help you explore faith and its implications for the Church and world.
3. Additional background. Share any relevant information about your work, academic, and ministerial experience that will help the committee evaluate your readiness for graduate-level ministry education. Also describe your readiness and commitment. How do you plan to balance the demands of graduate study with your other responsibilities?
4. Two references. At the end of your essay, provide the names and contact information for two people who support your educational goals and have knowledge about your academic abilities and/or professional experience. The committee may contact them during the review process.

Approach

This is simply a chance to tell your story. What experiences have brought you to this point? What do you hope to gain? Writing down your initial thoughts will help with your ongoing discernment about graduate study–both whether the timing is right and how you might make space for it in your life.

Your degrees (undergraduate and graduate) must be verified by official transcripts mailed by the academic institution(s) that granted the bachelor’s degree, the master's degree, and any subsequent credits. Early in the application process, please request that official transcripts from the university or college be sent to avoid a delay in receiving an admission decision. Electronic transcripts sent directly from the issuing college or university are acceptable.

This program does not accept transfer credits.

Your résumé should include professional and/or voluntary ministerial responsibilities

In addition to completing the application requirements, international students whose first language is not English must submit

• official original secondary school transcripts. All transcripts that are not in English must be evaluated. SPANTRAN is a recommended service. An official course-by-course evaluation must be included.
• official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (DET)

If an international applicant is admitted and chooses to enroll, an affidavit of financial support and copy of passport will be required for next steps in the enrollment and visa-issuing processes with the Center for International Education.