It's usually pretty easy to get a leave of absence, maybe even moreso at competitive schools. Harvard, for example, lets you take a leave of absence for up to f

It's usually pretty easy to get a leave of absence, maybe even moreso at competitive schools. Harvard, for example, lets you take a leave of absence for up to five years. And even after 5 years you can go back if your petition is approved. MIT has a similar policy. I went to a lesser school but I was allowed to finish up after an 8 year leave of absence.