Hello, everyone!

I hope this message finds you well. Recently, I received the news that my application for the Harvard LLM program was not successful. Despite this setback, my determination to achieve this goal remains strong, and I'm committed to reapplying.

I'm reaching out to this community to gather insights and advice from those who have navigated the reapplication process for competitive LLM programs, especially Harvard. If you've been through this journey or have any knowledge on the subject, I'd greatly appreciate your sharing:

How did you approach the reapplication process? Were there specific areas of your application that you focused on improving (e.g., personal statement, test scores, professional experience)?

Feedback from Admissions: Did you seek feedback on your initial application, and if so, how did you incorporate this feedback into your reapplication? In my case, the Admissions reported that no personalized feedback is available.

Perception of Reapplicants: In your experience, is there a stigma attached to reapplying, or is it seen as a sign of commitment? How did you address the fact that you were reapplying in your application materials? My biggest fear is that my "fate" is already locked in the rejection pile at the HLS Admissions committee.

General Advice: Any strategies or tips for strengthening a reapplication would be invaluable. What do you wish you had known before reapplying?

Your experiences, advice, and insights would be incredibly helpful as I navigate this process. Reapplying is a daunting prospect, but I believe in learning from this experience to improve and succeed.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Your support means the world to me as I chase this dream with all I have.

Best regards and blessings to all.

While I haven't personally undergone a similar experience, I've encountered individuals who pursued reapplications after completing an LLM from esteemed institutions like Cambridge. It's evident that while having excellent grades and extracurricular activities is crucial, there may be other factors at play. For instance, despite some individuals possessing impeccable credentials like acceptance into PhD programs at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, they discovered that reapplying with a notable institution on their CV wasn't sufficient to guarantee success.
This underscores the importance of a holistic approach to your application. While academic achievements are undoubtedly significant, it's equally vital to address all aspects comprehensively. Therefore, in addition to refining your personal statement, consider enhancing your application with relevant experiences such as internships with international organizations or gaining exposure in a public authority to demonstrate your commitment to public service. By doing so, you can bolster your chances of success in the reapplication process.
Furthermore, it's worth considering applying to other institutions as well. In my own experience, despite being waitlisted at places like Columbia and UPenn, I ultimately decided that if the admissions office didn't see me as an immediate fit for their school and culture, it would be more beneficial to accept an offer at Duke, where I felt confident I would receive the support and environment I needed to thrive. Therefore, while commitment to your goals is essential, being open to alternative opportunities can lead to fulfilling experiences and opportunities for growth.
Best of luck!

While I haven't personally undergone a similar experience, I've encountered individuals who pursued reapplications after completing an LLM from esteemed institutions like Cambridge. It's evident that while having excellent grades and extracurricular activities is crucial, there may be other factors at play. For instance, despite some individuals possessing impeccable credentials like acceptance into PhD programs at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, they discovered that reapplying with a notable institution on their CV wasn't sufficient to guarantee success.
This underscores the importance of a holistic approach to your application. While academic achievements are undoubtedly significant, it's equally vital to address all aspects comprehensively. Therefore, in addition to refining your personal statement, consider enhancing your application with relevant experiences such as internships with international organizations or gaining exposure in a public authority to demonstrate your commitment to public service. By doing so, you can bolster your chances of success in the reapplication process.
Furthermore, it's worth considering applying to other institutions as well. In my own experience, despite being waitlisted at places like Columbia and UPenn, I ultimately decided that if the admissions office didn't see me as an immediate fit for their school and culture, it would be more beneficial to accept an offer at Duke, where I felt confident I would receive the support and environment I needed to thrive. Therefore, while commitment to your goals is essential, being open to alternative opportunities can lead to fulfilling experiences and opportunities for growth.
Best of luck!