question about reapplying to programs

[glacialflames]

So, 2 years ago, i applied to and got into one of my top masters program choices. But I was young, and just finishing my undergrad, and naive when it came to the cost of masters degrees. So I had to turn it down because i couldn't afford to pay and wasn't about to go into such massive debt.

Now, I'm looking to reapply for a masters to the same program i got into before (because I'm adult-like now and can figure out slightly better how finances work.) And I'm wondering about reapplying. I was considering using essentially the same statement of purpose, just updated a little to reflect the past few years.

Does the fact that I applied and was accepted and then turned them down hurt my chances of being accepted again? And should i rewrite or substantially change my statement of purpose?

Any advice is appreciated.

[mvlchicago]

I feel like most programs should be aware and acknowledge that finances for masters right now is a huge mess and therefore more lenient at the masters level than the PhD. I'd suggest writing a note either to the program director expressing your concern directly and the reason why you dropped it, as well as including a sentence in your SoP ensuring them you have funding in place to do the masters and will not turn them down again for that reason.

[dr. t]

Does the fact that I applied and was accepted and then turned them down hurt my chances of being accepted again? And should i rewrite or substantially change my statement of purpose?

1) No.

2) Only if it needs it.

[pro Augustis]

A friend of mine was in an extremely similar situation. He got into a highly ranked master's program but, because of career related reasons, could not attend at the time. They told him that, if he reapplied in a few years, his application would only be stronger from the experience he picked up in the meantime. Good luck!

[TMP]

Right to the graduate admissions person in the department and find out if you can re-establish your old application and what you need to do to re-apply.  Don't overthink this, especially that they're not even funding you.  They'd be happy to take your $$$.