If one is admitted to HLS but does not take up the offer what are his chances on reapplication? Taking into account that one enrolled in a two year non-LLM program and HLS refused to defer the LLM for a period of two years?



Regards

I do not have answers to the question in your post.

However, if I were in your position, I would take study leave from the non-LLM program and proceed with the HLS program. If you don't think that it is worth it to do that then deep down attending Harvard or not doesn't really matter to you and it doesn't matter if you can't defer for two years.

Sorry if it sounds a little harsh but the post is not drafted with the intention to be! It is just basically my perspective as a third party. My recommendation would be to termporarily cease your non-LLM program and proceed with HLS!


Cheers,
Gregory

5 years ago, a friend of mine applied and was admitted in LLM at GULC and HLS. She turned down both to accept a job offer at Shell, London office. She never regretted her choice.*

Though an LLM at HLS is undeniably a prestigious opportunity, millions of people succeed without one. I'm sorry to hear HLS won't grant you a deferral but it's not the end of the world either. You could always try reapplying, if it doesn't work next time, don't worry about it.

You can still mention in your CV you were admitted at HLS. You have the acceptance letter to back it up. The most difficult part isn't graduating from HLS, it's being accepted, and recruiters know this.

* but that was then. Today, I have the same degree as her when she got hired, but Shell doesn't recruit candidates for this position at that level of degree anymore. In that regard, the value of a HLS LLM is probably even greater now than it used to be.

To the original poster:: have you tried with a request of deferral already? Even if your friend didn't succeed that time, this doesn't mean you will not get one, especially if you provide sound reasons. I would advise you to try that first! And please let this forum know....I guess many people are in your position this year!

Neil,

I tried but they said they do not grant deferral for two years that was last year. I am in the process of reapplying this year as i would have completed my other program next year.

I do think that if you have a valid reason for a one year deferral they may grant it. BUT seem to have a big problem with the two year deferral.

I guess i was wondering in evaluating the reapplication of a prior admitted candidate would the admissions committee look favorably towards that application? or is it vice versa?

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, I would guess they do look favorably to those applicants they have already admitted....at a minimum because they woud have already done all the background checks that supposedly they do before sending admissions out.
In theory it may happen that one is not admitted the second time because the pool of applicants has been much greater or of higher standard, or that there have been many stellar candidates from the same country or with a similar background. However I think this is practically impossible in your case, as a two-year degree in Harvard is an extremely good qualification that will weigh enormously in favor of granting admission. Don't worry about admission, you're basically already there! I hope to be able to join you in HLS in 2010/2011, instead...

Nail

i wish both of us luck in trying to get in.

I shall keep you in the loop.

Regards