<p>Hello,</p>
<p>Given the more research and numbers focus that admissions committee tend to have towards screening chemical engineering graduate students, I was wondering whether after two years of bible school (more like service, missionary, etc) after undergraduate and then applying would hurt my chances? I already applied once after college and did get into schools such as Texas, Georgia Tech, etc. But I turned the offers down the last minute and went out West. Should I even apply to the same schools if they accepted me but I turned them down? Thanks.</p>
<p>bummmmmmmmmmp thanks.</p>
<p>I think it will hurt you with some schools, but others will like you more for it. Certainly do not worry about applying to schools you previously rejected - especially in your case where it was for non-academic reasons.</p>
<p>do you mind telling me what kind of schools that this kind of experience would not be beneficial and those that would be beneficial? If it’s the same major (chemical engineering), shouldn’t it be the same throughout? I think I know what you’re talking about but I’m curious to see what your logic is. Other people’s comments are also welcome. Thanks.</p>
<p>Honestly I think it depends more on the individual people at the school who would read your file, as opposed to schools in general.</p>
<p>As lizzard said, I really meant people rather than departments - ultimately, getting in comes down to convincing individual professors to take a chance on you. I do not think the experience itself will be much of a factor, but it tells a lot about your character and personality - and some will like it, some will not.</p>
<p>do you think that I should mention it in the essay since it doesn’t really pertain to anything that will hep me in the process? I was thinking that I could pretty much reuse my essay for the schools that I didn’t apply to the first time. Thanks.</p>
<p>Uh, I would mention it. Grad schools are going to want to know why you did it, and why you’re done doing it now. It obviously has to fit in with your life plan somehow.</p>
<p>Agreed, you need to mention it. Jobs and grad programs both like to account for any large blocks of time. “Graduated in 2008, applying in 2010… what did you do for 2 years? Jail?”</p>