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Admissions Process

We believe entering Lyell Seminary is not just an academic decision—it is a spiritual calling. Our admissions process reflects this. It is slow, thoughtful, prayerful, and personal.

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We want to discern whether this Seminary is the right place for you and whether you are ready for the depth and pace of formation we offer.

 

Below is the full process, step-by-step.

STEP 1 — Prayer and Discernment

Before applying, we ask every prospective student to take time to pray and reflect.

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Ask the Father:

  • Am I ready for deep formation?

  • Am I willing to walk in Torah-pursuant obedience?

  • Am I ready to be mentored?

  • Am I willing to grow in humility and emotional honesty?

  • Am I prepared for slow, serious study?

 

This step is essential. Students who rush into seminary often struggle.


We welcome those who enter with intention.

STEP 2 — Review the Admissions Philosophy and Requirements

Carefully read:

  • Admissions Philosophy

  • Admissions Requirements

  • Formation Model and IEP Overview

 

These pages help you understand the kind of community we cultivate.

 

This is not a conventional seminary.

 

We want you to feel confident that this is the right path.

STEP 3 — Begin the Online Application

The application includes:

  • Personal information

  • Academic history

  • Spiritual autobiography

  • Statement of Torah-pursuant desire

  • Short theological responses

  • Writing sample

  • IEP Introduction Form

  • References section for two recommenders

 

You may complete the application in stages.

 

We evaluate applicants holistically—not by degrees alone.

STEP 4 — Submit Two References

We request:

  1. A Character Reference
    Someone who can speak to your maturity, humility, stability, and integrity.

  2. A Spiritual or Ministry Reference
    Someone who knows your walk with the Father and your desire for Torah and growth.

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References help us discern whether you are ready for the formation journey.

STEP 5 — Application Review by the Admissions Team

Our team prayerfully evaluates:

  • your writing

  • your ability to express spiritual truth

  • your desire for Torah

  • your readiness for the IEP

  • your emotional stability

  • your formation posture

  • your academic potential

  • your integrity with AI

  • your alignment with the Seminary’s mission

 

We read carefully, discuss, and pray.

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Shortlisted applicants move to the interview.

STEP 6 — Admissions Interview

A 45–60 minute conversation with:

  • the President

  • a faculty mentor

  • (when applicable) a member of the Council

 

The interview explores:

  • your spiritual journey

  • your relationship with Torah

  • your academic readiness

  • your emotional and relational maturity

  • your experience with Scripture

  • your ability to receive mentoring

  • your expectations for seminary

  • your posture toward growth

 

You may also ask questions about the Seminary.

 

This is a discernment conversation on both sides.

STEP 7 — Formation Readiness Discernment

After the interview, the Admissions Team conducts a final internal review.

 

We assess your readiness in four dimensions:

  • Spiritual Stability

  • Emotional Honesty

  • Torah-Pursuant Desire

  • Academic Preparation

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Applicants who show genuine readiness move forward.

 

Applicants who need more time may be invited to:

  • delay application

  • enter a preparatory season

  • work with a mentor informally

  • strengthen foundations before joining

 

We are gentle but honest.

STEP 8 — Admissions Decision

You will receive one of four decisions:

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1. Accepted

 

You are invited to join the incoming cohort starting Fall 2026.

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2. Accepted With Conditions

 

A few steps may be required before enrollment, such as:

  • strengthening writing

  • establishing Torah rhythms

  • stabilizing life rhythms

  • receiving additional pastoral guidance

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3. Deferred for Discernment

 

You show potential, but need time for:

  • healing

  • stability

  • deeper prayer

  • emotional grounding

  • maturity in Torah rhythms

 

You are encouraged to reapply.

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4. Not Admitted

 

This decision is rare but necessary to protect community health.
Not being admitted does not speak to your value, but to timing and fit.

STEP 9 — Pre-Semester Formation Preparation

Accepted students complete:

  • IEP Setup Questionnaire

  • Mentor Introduction

  • Technology Setup

  • Summer Guide

  • Recommended Readings

  • Pre-Semester Reflection Assignment

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This ensures you enter the year grounded and ready.

STEP 10 — Orientation and Covenant

Before classes begin, you will:

  • join a virtual orientation retreat

  • meet faculty and cohort members

  • finalize your IEP with your mentor

  • learn the Seminary rhythms

  • review expectations

  • sign the Lyell Community Covenant

  • prepare for the first month of formation

 

This step sets the tone for the year.

What Makes Our Process Different?

Slow, Not Rushed

 

We protect the pace so students begin with clear hearts.

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Relational, Not Transactional

 

We want to know you—not just admit you.

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Prayerful, Not Mechanical

 

We seek the Father’s guidance in every decision.

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Holistic, Not Credential-Based

 

We evaluate the whole person.

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Selective, Not Exclusive

 

We admit those we can serve well.

An Invitation to Begin the Journey

If you desire a Seminary that:

  • honors Torah

  • treasures formation

  • seeks truth

  • cultivates wisdom

  • values spiritual honesty

  • expects academic depth

  • guides you toward intimacy with the Father

then we invite you to take the next step.

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Begin the Application
Review Requirements
Explore Formation at Lyell
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