Hi everyone,







I have written two HD theses in legal/political theory which forward the work of a particular professor at HLS.







How much does this factor alone weigh in my favour for admission? Does one professor have that much power to grant admission?







I ask this because out of three people last year from my country (Australia) who were admitted, two were university medalists. This is however not me. Thus, do I even have a shot?







I merely graduated with a high 2.1 LLB, and I start an MSc in Political Theory at Oxford this year. I really want to know if it is even worth applying.







Thank you for your time.

[Edited by dzz on Sep 12, 2020]

HLS factor in GPA and class rank (percentile). I was accepted based on high 2.1 and top 5% of my class with unique work experience and achievements. You shouldn’t speak so poorly of your grade because it is good and your vibe will show in your application. Your high 2.1 means more than citing HLS professors - everyone cites HLS professors. Work experience and ambition is what cements your admission which is why they prefer students who’ve worked at least 2 years post graduation. 

Thanks so much Jay. I read on your other post they take atleast a 67.5 and I cover that. No post-grad work experience, I’m hoping the MSc at Oxford will be enough.

But what I’m saying is that the competition of my high 2.1 against others in my country are university medalists. Yes, they will cite professors, but I’ve literally written 2x 10,000-20,0000 word theses contributing to this professor’s own work/theories.

Would HLS take passion for their personal research area, ability to change the world, and originality over a University medalist who just has extreme intellect in the exam writing game?

HLS factor in GPA and class rank (percentile). I was accepted based on high 2.1 and top 5% of my class with unique work experience and achievements. You shouldn’t speak so poorly of your grade because it is good and your vibe will show in your application. Your high 2.1 means more than citing HLS professors - everyone cites HLS professors. Work experience and ambition is what cements your admission which is why they prefer students who’ve worked at least 2 years post graduation. 

[Edited by dzz on Sep 17, 2020]

Thanks so much Jay. I read on your other post they take atleast a 67.5 and I cover that. No post-grad work experience, I’m hoping the MSc at Oxford will be enough.

But what I’m saying is that the competition of my high 2.1 against others in my country are university medalists. Yes, they will cite professors, but I’ve literally written 2x 10,000-20,0000 word theses contributing to this professor’s own work/theories.

Would HLS take passion for their personal research area, ability to change the world, and originality over a University medalist who just has extreme intellect in the exam writing game?




I understood what you meant. There are others I know who had firsts from Oxbridge & I was still admitted over them (I went to lower ranked Russell Group uni). So again, it’s about select candidates having a holistic approach about work experience & activities in lieu of a first etc. Make sure you rack up as much experience once activities at Oxford to make up for lack of work exp. The lack of work exp will harm you more than not having a first/being a medalist. 

Jay my good sir you’re a CHAMPION. Honest, authentic genuine assistance, no jealousy or bullshit, you deserve everything you work for.



All taken into consideration. It makes sense, and yes, I’ve got a really solid record of community service, leadership and scholarships during university, so it seems that I should just tell them my story, put my best food forward and back myself. Cheers again




Thanks so much Jay. I read on your other post they take atleast a 67.5 and I cover that. No post-grad work experience, I’m hoping the MSc at Oxford will be enough.

But what I’m saying is that the competition of my high 2.1 against others in my country are university medalists. Yes, they will cite professors, but I’ve literally written 2x 10,000-20,0000 word theses contributing to this professor’s own work/theories.

Would HLS take passion for their personal research area, ability to change the world, and originality over a University medalist who just has extreme intellect in the exam writing game?

I understood what you meant. There are others I know who had firsts from Oxbridge & I was still admitted over them (I went to lower ranked Russell Group uni). So again, it’s about select candidates having a holistic approach about work experience & activities in lieu of a first etc. Make sure you rack up as much experience once activities at Oxford to make up for lack of work exp. The lack of work exp will harm you more than not having a first/being a medalist. 

[Edited by dzz on Sep 19, 2020]

Jay my good sir you’re a CHAMPION. Honest, authentic genuine assistance, no jealousy or bullshit, you deserve everything you work for.



All taken into consideration. It makes sense, and yes, I’ve got a really solid record of community service, leadership and scholarships during university, so it seems that I should just tell them my story, put my best food forward and back myself. Cheers again

Thanks so much Jay. I read on your other post they take atleast a 67.5 and I cover that. No post-grad work experience, I’m hoping the MSc at Oxford will be enough.

But what I’m saying is that the competition of my high 2.1 against others in my country are university medalists. Yes, they will cite professors, but I’ve literally written 2x 10,000-20,0000 word theses contributing to this professor’s own work/theories.

Would HLS take passion for their personal research area, ability to change the world, and originality over a University medalist who just has extreme intellect in the exam writing game?