Should I enroll in classes even if I'm denied admission?

[PoliticalScientist]

My situation is different from almost everyone here, because I am fully funded, though not admitted into a program. I work as a political scientist, but only have an MA. My employer has offered to fully fund my PhD in Political Science at any school that I attend part-time, and full-time later, with my class and research time on the clock. I recognize that I

[UnlikelyGrad]

Check with the school. At my local state university, non-degree students aren't allowed to take graduate-level courses if they've been denied admission to a grad program. Also, there's a limit on how many credits (taken as a non-degree student) that can be applied to a graduate degree.

[PoliticalScientist]

The school allows non-degree students to take courses depending upon space. However, they are clear to warn that completing courses successfully might not play into any future admissions decision,and that credits earned are not guaranteed to all transfer into the program if admitted at a future date, and yes, there is a 15 credit hour limit that can be applied towards the PhD. It's seems to be a proceed at your own risk sort of academic tourism. Understanding these caveats, I'm just wondering how major a faux pas it is to go about seeking admission in this way, to in essence, reject the rejection letter.

[natofone]

UChicago allows students to take classes without having been accepted to a degree program. The tuition is about half as much.

[miratrix]

I think it sounds like a smart idea. The possible benefit: you get ahead on grad classes, at least one professor there gets to know you and your work, and it helps your admission the following year. The possible risk: if you don't get in, you wasted some time. So really, why not?

[tnk0001]

I know someone that did just this for a clinical psych program. After being rejected she went ahead and audited classes there and worked with the program and was admitted this year.... so there is hope I suppose