Entrance Exams

The summer/fall season of entrance exams at OTS started for applicants hoping to enter the three-year Bachelor of Theology Program.  The exams ran from August 21-23, and consisted of several components.  The first component was an essay to be written on a given theological topic.  A second component of the exam measured the applicants’ familiarity with our fundamental source of revelation about God- the Bible.  In addition to these measures, applicants were tested in general academic readiness, including an understanding of logic.  The culmination of the admissions process was, of course, a personal interview.
As a whole, the exam atmosphere reflected a true spirit of brotherly love, cooperation, and mutual understanding, encouragement, and respect.  This tone was set throughout the admissions process by the academic dean, Alexander Geichenko from the very beginning of the exams. Just as in many other educational institutions, with each new exam, the psychological and emotional tensions grew noticeably.  The interview time became a time to work out applicants’ worries, expectations, and hopes. An excellent interview committee was chosen, consisting of teachers and administrators, and they began inviting applicants one on one to the final interview.  Each applicant had to answer various and, at times, unexpected questions.  The committee then ascertained the applicants’ spiritual maturity, his commitment to his chosen ministry, and his readiness for academic study at the seminary level.
Finally, based on exam scores and interview results, six people were accepted into the 1st year of the Bachelor of Theology Program.  They represent various cities including Odessa, Xharkov, Donetsk, and Kirovograd. We thank the Lord for these people, and we pray for His hand in their development and studies in our seminary