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Admissions Requirements

Lyell Seminary admits students who are ready for deep spiritual work, careful study, and Torah-pursuant living.


We keep our requirements high because the path is holy, and the work is slow and transformational.

 

We are not looking for perfect people. We are looking for honest, humble, spiritually serious applicants who desire to be formed.

Spiritual Requirements

1. A Growing Relationship with the Father

 

Applicants must demonstrate a living walk with the Father through:

  • prayer

  • Scripture rhythm

  • honesty

  • humility

  • teachability

 

You do not need to be advanced, but you must show sincerity.

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2. Commitment to Torah-Pursuant Life

 

We expect applicants to desire:

  • Shabbat rest

  • holy speech

  • compassion

  • justice

  • generosity

  • honoring parents

  • integrity

  • pursuit of holiness

  • reverence for Scripture

 

You do not need to be established in these rhythms yet. You need to desire them and be willing to grow.

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3. Willingness to Enter Spiritual Formation

 

Every student must commit to:

  • the Individual Encounter Plan (IEP)

  • monthly mentoring

  • emotional honesty

  • resistance → breakthrough → integration

  • prayer rhythms

  • Torah practices

  • boundaries with AI

 

Formation is the center of Lyell Seminary. Applicants must be ready for spiritual work.

Academic Requirements

1. Ability to Read and Write with Clarity

 

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • strong reading comprehension

  • clear writing ability

  • stable grammar

  • basic research skills

  • ability to engage with Scripture thoughtfully

 

We do not expect polished academic writing, but we expect readiness.

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2. Previous Academic Preparation

 

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

 

Exceptions are rare and only considered for applicants with:

  • exceptional maturity

  • strong writing samples

  • significant ministry experience

  • demonstrated spiritual stability

 

We evaluate the whole person, not only the degree.

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3. Capacity for Deep Study

 

Students must show the ability to:

  • manage steady reading

  • reflect thoughtfully

  • complete assignments with integrity

  • engage in Jewish context study

  • maintain consistency

 

This is not a program for casual learners.

Formation Requirements

1. Emotional Stability

 

Students must be able to:

  • handle introspection

  • process emotions honestly

  • receive feedback

  • sustain healthy relationships

  • remain grounded during challenge

 

We do not expect perfection. We do expect stability.

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2. Humility and Teachability

 

Formation depends on:

  • willingness to grow

  • ability to admit resistance

  • openness to mentoring

  • gentle posture toward others

  • desire to learn Torah with humility

 

These qualities matter more than past accomplishments.

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3. Integrity in the Use of AI

 

Lyell Seminary trains students in ethical AI use.


Applicants must agree to:

  • disclose use of AI

  • avoid plagiarism

  • preserve their own voice

  • write from their own mind and soul

 

Authenticity is essential for formation and scholarship.

Community and Character Requirements

1. Respect for the Mission and Culture of Lyell Seminary

 

Applicants must demonstrate alignment with:

  • Torah-pursuant identity

  • spiritual formation model

  • high academic standards

  • community accountability

  • gentleness and kindness

  • shared rhythms of rest and prayer

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2. Relational Maturity

 

Students must be able to:

  • communicate respectfully

  • engage in cohort dialogue

  • maintain healthy boundaries

  • offer kindness and compassion

  • avoid gossip and divisiveness

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The strength of our community depends on the character of its members.

Technical Requirements

1. Reliable Access to Internet and Technology

 

Because Lyell is global and online, students must have:

  • stable internet

  • a functioning computer

  • ability to use digital platforms

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2. Commitment to Time and Rhythm

 

Students must commit to:

  • weekly coursework

  • monthly mentoring

  • Torah practices

  • consistent participation

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Formation cannot happen without rhythm.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Online Application

  • Spiritual Autobiography

  • Academic Writing Sample

  • IEP Introduction Form

  • Statement of Torah-Pursuant Desire

  • Short Theological Responses

  • Two References (character + spiritual/ministry)

  • Interview with the Admissions Team

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Each component helps us discern readiness—not perfection.

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from those who:

  • desire a Torah-pursuant life

  • long for truth and holiness

  • value spiritual formation

  • want intimacy with the Father

  • love Scripture

  • desire Jewish context learning

  • are ready for emotional honesty

  • welcome mentoring

  • seek academic excellence

  • want to be changed from the inside out

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If this describes you, we welcome your application.

Who May Not Be Ready?

We gently discourage applicants who:

  • seek quick credentials

  • want to avoid emotional work

  • resist Torah

  • dislike accountability

  • prefer argument over growth

  • depend on AI for writing

  • desire entertainment instead of formation

  • reject mentorship

  • cannot maintain relational stability

 

Lyell must remain spiritually healthy. These qualities would hinder formation.

An Invitation

If your heart is drawn toward:

  • Torah

  • spiritual depth

  • meaningful scholarship

  • mentoring

  • holiness

  • truth

  • community

  • intimacy with the Father

then we invite you to take the next step.

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Admissions Process
Begin the Application
Learn About Formation at Lyell
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