Dear all,

I am in the process of applying for llms at oxford, cambridge and harvard and would appreciate views on my prospects of success. I know the only way to find out for sure is to apply, but notwithstanding that, I'd be interested if anyone knows of applicants to the above institutions with similar backgrounds to mine, and if so whether or not they had been successful.

In brief, my background is as follows:

- Undergrad in law at oxford (graduated 7/8 years ago). Distinction in first year exams; awarded scholarship. Finals result - mid-low 2:1 (complete disaster (obviously)).
- Subsequent experience - training contract and 3 years post qualification experience at 2 magic circle firms
- Handful of published articles
- Recently did evening course at UCL (1 of the 4 modules that make up the UCL LLM) - graded 1st class
- Strong references

Any thoughts welcome (even if they are overwhelmingly negative...)

Thank you!

I must say that I think you've got a pretty good shot at any of the universities you mentioned. Your mid-low 2:1 may get in the way, but with the record that you've managed to get so far, along with good references and a well-written personal statement should do the trick... and I think they'd prefer a mid-low 2:1 from Oxford, than a first class from some overseas university...

Yes i do think you stand a good chance i really dont think the low 2:1 will affect you,,Firstly because you graduated from a top university which people know its not easy to get in and also there´s a lot to study there!
Secondly, you got work experience, published articles and many other stuff! you will be more than welcome there dont worry about that!

I sadly have to disagree.

You certainly have to apply to all three LL.M.s, but I do not think you will get into Harvard. Generally only some people in top 2% of a graduation year get selected there.

Oxford and Cambridge normally do not give much weight to experience, so there again there might be a problem.

Just apply and wait and see :)

I think Harvard will be easier to get in than Oxbridge for someone like yourself; I personally know friends with 2-1s who got into Harvard. Unlike Oxbridge, I understand that harvard looks for what they call "the Harvard mix". Representation of all-round excellent achievers is what I think they look out for. Especially if you are in the Public Service and/or your referees are in the public service, i.e., Judges.