How to handle university application rejections and what to do next

Applying to universities can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. I remember sitting in chemistry class checking my phone, waiting for what hopefully would be an acceptance from what, at the time, was my dream university. Seeing an email from said university, I eagerly opened it – “I regret to inform you”. After spending months researching institutions, perfecting my personal statement and getting the highest grades I could, getting a rejection felt devastating and like I was a failure. Unfortunately, this is far from a unique experience. However, a rejection does not have to define your future or your potential. In fact, many successful people who have faced rejections in their early life have used them as stepping stones towards greater opportunities. In this post, we’ll address how to handle university application rejections and outline actionable steps to accept, reflect and finally plan for the future.

Accepting the rejection healthily

1. Acknowledge your feelings

Rejection stings, everyone in their life has felt it at some point or another and it’s okay to feel, upset, disappointed or even angry. All in all, it’s okay not to be okay for a little while. Handling university application rejections means going through all the grief that you possess. Allow yourself to experience these emotions rather than bottling them up. Talk to someone you trust – family, friends, teachers or a counsellor – about how you’re feelings. Expressing your emotions is a healthy way to begin the healing process.

2. Don’t take it personally

University admissions decisions are based on a wide range of factors, many of which are simply beyond your control. Rejection isn’t an attack against your personality, capability, intellect or talent. Even if you had an interview, then were rejected, like I was, that is just a judgement against you on a single day and an assessment of your suitability, not your personal worth. It simply means that for one reason or another, the institution was unable to offer you a spot.

3. Reframe the situation

Instead of seeing rejection as the end of the road, consider it as a redirection. This could be an opportunity to discover alternative paths or institutions that may be an even better fit for your goals and aspirations. Consider the stories of people who didn’t get into their dream universities but then went on to thrive elsewhere. For example, Steve Jobs credits his time at Reed College, a smaller liberal arts school, with inspiring his innovative design philosophy. Similarly, many successful individuals have found their niche in institutions that were not their first choice, proving that success is not determined by where you start, but how you use where you are.

4. Celebrate your achievements

Before going into your next steps, take a moment to reflect on all the hard work you put into your applications. A rejection, whilst not the desired outcome, doesn’t diminish your personal worth or accomplishments.

Reflecting on the situation

1. Review your application

After some time has passed, revisit your application objectively. Were there any points that maybe weren’t as strong as you thought? Perhaps your grades or personal statement weren’t as good as you thought they were. Pinpointing your application’s weaknesses will allow you to improve and help you strengthen future applications.

2. Get feedback from the university

Often, universities may give you the reason for rejection on UCAS when your application is concluded as unsuccessful. If this is not available then institutions are often open to sending brief feedback if you contact them directly. If this option is available, take advantage of it to gain insights on what was lacking. Constructive feedback from universities is often the best roadmap for your own future success.

Planning your path forward

Explore alternative universities or courses

If your top-choice universities didn’t accept you, it’s worth considering other institutions. If you haven’t received any offers or you don’t want to go to any universities you have been accepted to, it’s worth checking out UCAS Extra. This is a tool created by UCAS to allow universities to fill their spaces and for you to find a hidden gem that might perfectly suit your needs. Sometimes, the most strategic option, is to take a foundation year or course if your grades are not up to the level of standard entry. A foundation year is an extra year of study before entering year 1 of the undergraduate degree program. It’s used as a way to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on the degree programme. Finding a foundation year, for your desired course is often a great way to still pursue your interests at a university you love, without having the admissions requirements. For some people I know, being rejected from a degree programme realised that the course they had chosen was not for them. Admissions tutors are adept at seeing if individuals have the passion to succeed on a given course. If you are rejected from a course, take the time to reflect on whether you still want to study it.

Reapply in the future

If you’ve got your heart completely set on a particular institution and course, consider reapplying in the next admissions cycle. Use the intervening time to improve your application by gaining relevant experience or boosting your grades. A gap year can not only improve your chances of making it into your first-choice university, but also can be an opportunity for significant personal growth. Rejection is never easy. Thinking over my university rejections and where I am now, I know that I am stronger for having had those experiences. Rejection can often feel like you’ve fallen off a mountain but really it’s just a valley on a way to an even taller summit. The feelings you’ll get about being rejected from a university is inevitable but so is growth from successfully handling university application rejections. Remember, the university for you is out there, and with determination and resilience, you can find your place. Keep moving forward, trust in your ability, and you’ll be able to create a bright and fulfilling future in spite of rejections.