Seminary Survey
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Did you go to seminary?
*
Yes, in Eretz Yisrael
Yes, not in Eretz Yisrael
No, I did not go to seminary
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Looking Back at Seminary
What year did you graduate from seminary?
*
1993 or earlier
1994–2004
2005–2015
2016–2026
When considering a shidduch for your son(s), how does a girl’s seminary background factor into your decision?
*
I would only consider a girl who attended seminary in Eretz Yisrael.
I would only consider a girl who attended seminary, in Eretz Yisrael or elsewhere.
Seminary attendance would be a positive factor, but not a requirement.
Seminary attendance would have no impact on the girls I consider for my son(s).
Other
How did seminary impact your life? (Select all that apply)
*
It helped me grow in my avodas Hashem (tefillah, tznius, middos, etc.).
It clarified my hashkafos and values.
It helped me develop a deeper connection to Eretz Yisrael.
It influenced the type of shidduch I was/am looking for.
It gave me lifelong friendships.
It gave me a connection to role models who can guide me later in life.
Living away from home helped me gain confidence and independence.
Other
Are you still in touch with any of your seminary teachers or principals?
*
Yes
No
How would you best describe the learning in seminary?
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It was not significantly different from what I learned in high school.
It was much more relevant to my life compared to what I learned in high school.
The ideas were similar to what I learned in high school, but I was more receptive because of the setting.
The learning was on a higher level than what I learned in high school.
The learning was not a significant part of my seminary experience.
Other
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Was It Worth It?
Did your parents pay full price for seminary?
*
Yes, it was important to them.
Yes, they struggle financially, but this was a priority for them.
Yes, they struggle financially, but they believed I needed to attend seminary for shidduchim.
No, they received a discount from the seminary.
No, I attended through college grants and scholarship programs.
I don’t know if they paid full price.
Approximately much did your seminary year cost in total (including tuition and flights)?
*
Type a number.
Did you pay toward any of your seminary tuition and/or expenses? (Select all that apply)
*
No
Yes, I covered my spending money in seminary.
Yes, I covered my flights and spending money in seminary.
Yes, I paid some of my tuition.
Other
Do you think the seminary price tag is justified?
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No. The cost is far too high.
Yes. The seminary experience and the impact it has on girls’ lives is priceless.
The price is high, but financial assistance makes it manageable.
Yes. The price isn’t so different from local seminaries, and the added value of spending a year in Eretz Yisrael makes it worthwhile.
It depends on the girl and how she uses her time. Some girls experience tremendous growth in seminary, while others are mainly looking for a fun year away from home.
Looking back, which statement best reflects how seminary impacted your life?
*
I would not be the person I am today had I not attended seminary.
Seminary had a major impact on my growth, but I believe I could have grown similarly if the seminary was elsewhere.
Seminary did not have a significant impact on my life.
Seminary had no impact on my life at all.
Seminary had a negative impact on my life.
Other
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Skipping the Seminary Year
What year did you graduate high school?
*
1993 or earlier
1994–2004
2005–2015
2016–2026
Why didn’t you go to seminary? (Select all that apply)
*
I wanted to start working and/or attending college.
My friends weren’t going.
I didn’t get into any seminary I wanted to attend.
My parents couldn’t afford it.
I wasn’t interested in attending seminary.
There was no seminary option when I was that age.
Other
When considering a shidduch for your son(s), how does a girl’s seminary background factor into your decision?
*
I would only consider a girl who attended a seminary in Eretz Yisrael.
I would only consider a girl who attended seminary (in Eretz Yisrael or elsewhere).
Seminary attendance would be a positive factor, but not a requirement.
Seminary attendance would have no impact on the girls I consider for my son(s).
What did you do during your first year out of high school? (Select all that apply)
*
I started working.
I started college.
I got married.
Other
Do you regret missing out on seminary?
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No, not at all
Yes, very much
Yes, somewhat
I did at first, but I no longer do.
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Your Seminary Experience
What year did you graduate from seminary?
*
1993 or earlier
1994–2004
2005–2015
2016–2026
When considering a shidduch for your son(s), how does a girl’s seminary background factor into your decision?
*
I would only consider a girl who attended a seminary in Eretz Yisrael.
I would only consider a girl who attended seminary (in Eretz Yisrael or elsewhere).
Seminary attendance would be a positive factor, but not a requirement.
Seminary attendance would have no impact on the girls I consider for my son(s).
Where did you attend seminary?
*
I attended a Lakewood seminary; I dormed.
I attended a Lakewood seminary; I did not dorm.
I attended seminary in another location.
How did seminary impact your life? (Select all that apply)
*
It helped me grow in my avodas Hashem (tefillah, tznius, middos, etc.).
It clarified my hashkafos and values.
It influenced the type of shidduch I was/am looking for.
It gave me lifelong friendships.
Living away from home helped me gain confidence and independence.
It gave me a connection to role models who can guide me later in life.
Other
Are you still in touch with any of your seminary teachers or principals?
*
Yes
No
How would you best describe the learning in seminary?
*
It was not significantly different from what I learned in high school.
It was much more relevant to my life than what I learned in high school.
The ideas were similar to what I learned in high school, but I was more receptive because of the setting.
The learning built upon what I learned in high school and took it to a deeper level.
The learning was not a significant part of my seminary experience.
Other
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Weighing the Investment
Did your parents pay full price for seminary?
*
Yes, it was important to them.
Yes, they struggle financially, but this was a priority for them.
Yes, they struggle financially, but they believed I needed to attend seminary for shidduchim.
No, they received a discount from the seminary.
No, I attended through college grants and scholarship programs.
Did your seminary experience include a mid-year trip to Eretz Yisrael?
*
Yes
No
Approximately how much did your seminary year cost in total (including tuition and mid-year Eretz Yisrael trip, if applicable)?
Type a number.
Did you pay toward any of your seminary tuition and/or expenses? (Select all that apply)
*
No
Yes, I covered my spending money in seminary.
Yes, I paid for the mid-year Eretz Yisrael trip.
Yes, I paid some of my tuition.
Other
Do you think the seminary price tag is justified?
*
No. The cost is far too high.
Yes. The seminary experience and the impact it has on girls’ lives is priceless.
The price is high, but financial assistance makes it manageable.
It depends on the girl and how she uses her time. Some girls experience tremendous growth in seminary, while others are mainly looking for a fun year.
Other
Looking back, which statement best reflects how seminary impacted your life?
*
I would not be the person I am today had I not attended seminary.
Seminary had a major impact on my growth, but I believe I could have developed in similar ways had I not attended seminary at all.
Seminary did not have a significant impact on my life.
Seminary had no impact on my life at all.
Seminary had a negative impact on my life.
Other
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What do you think?
If you were in charge, what changes would you make to the seminary system? (Select all that apply.)
*
I would abolish seminary altogether; girls should begin working or pursuing a degree after high school.
I would abolish seminary overseas; girls should not spend a year away from home at this stage.
I would increase the amount of structured learning time.
I would lower the cost to make seminary more affordable.
I would make it easier for girls to be accepted into seminary.
I wouldn’t change anything; I think the system is working well.
Other
Do you (plan to) send your own daughter(s) to seminary? (Select all that apply)
*
Yes, only to seminary in Eretz Yisrael
Yes, to seminary in Eretz Yisrael or Lakewood
Yes, to a Lakewood seminary
Yes, to seminary in another location
Yes, I believe it’s a life-changing experience every girl should have.
I’m open to sending my daughter(s), but it’s not a must.
No, I don’t think the price is justified.
No, I don’t think it’s the necessity people believe it is.
Other
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