Rejected From University: Can You Still Get In?

Getting rejected by a university can be a tough pill to swallow, but it's important to remember that all hope is not lost. While it's uncommon, universities do sometimes make exceptions and accept previously rejected students. The process for reapplying is similar to regular admissions, and there are a few strategies that can increase your chances of success. Firstly, consider applying as a transfer student instead of after taking a gap year, as this is often more advantageous. Additionally, work on improving your grades, taking more rigorous courses, and demonstrating your interest in the university by participating in webinars and campus visits. If your rejection was due to an error in your application, such as incorrect transcripts or inaccurate reporting of grades, you may also consider appealing the decision. However, keep in mind that this is only successful in rare cases and is usually only applicable if there was an egregious error.

Reapplying to a college after rejection

Receiving a rejection from your dream college can be difficult to swallow. However, if you are determined to attend a specific school, there may still be a chance. While students usually can't reapply during the same admissions cycle in which they were rejected, most colleges allow students to reapply after that time.

Should You Reapply?

Firstly, consider whether reapplying to a college that rejected you in the past is the right decision. Many students who reapply are not accepted the second time around, and a year may not be enough to significantly improve your application. However, if you are determined to attend a particular school, it may be worth trying again. Just remember to keep your expectations realistic to avoid disappointment.

Try to Avoid Taking a Gap Year

Even if your first-choice school rejected you, consider your other options. If you have received acceptance letters from other schools, enroll in one of those, or attend a local community college. This shows your first choice that you are serious about your education and allows you to raise your grades, take part in extracurricular activities, and get a head start on your degree.

Taking a gap year may be seen as a waste of time by some colleges. However, if you do decide to take a gap year, use this time to better yourself. This could include travelling, volunteering, or other activities that demonstrate to your college of choice that you are growing as a person.

Retake Standardised Tests

You can't change your high school grades, but you can retake standardised tests like the ACT or SAT to boost your application. Your previous test scores may have been slightly below what your college of choice looks for, so consider retaking them to improve your application.

Don't Submit the Same Application

When reapplying, make sure to approach your application differently. Do more research into what the school is looking for and plan accordingly. If they want a higher SAT score, for example, focus on that. Rewrite your essay, and try asking different teachers for recommendation letters. Your previous application was denied for a reason, so be sure to change things up the next time around.

Appeal an Admissions Decision

In rare cases, students who are rejected may appeal the decision if there was an egregious error in their submitted application, such as the wrong transcript being sent or grades being inaccurately reported. However, appealing is usually not worth the effort, and you should only consider it if you believe your profile significantly surpasses that of most accepted students.

Remember, eventually winning acceptance to a college that has rejected you may take some patience, strategy, and self-inventory. Good luck!

Appealing an admissions decision

While it is uncommon for an admissions decision to be overturned, it is not unheard of. If you have been rejected by a university, there are a few things you can do to appeal the decision.

First, it is important to act within the given timeframe. Most universities will give you a limited timeline to appeal, which varies by school and applicant status. Freshman applicants are usually given more time than transfer applicants. It is also important to note that you should not rush your appeal. Take some time to process your emotions and appeal within a week or two of the deadline.

Second, find out the university's appeals process and policy. Every university has a different policy when it comes to appeals. If the appeals policy is not published, contact the admissions office for more information. Be sure to follow the university's preferred process for submitting an appeal request.

Third, when writing your appeal, clearly state new and compelling reasons for the appeal. This could include new academic and personal information, as well as extenuating circumstances that were not included in your initial application. Supporting documents, such as transcripts and test scores, may also be required. Make sure to follow the university's guidelines on what to include in your appeal.

It is important to keep in mind that the odds of a successful appeal are low, and in most cases, admissions decisions are final. However, if you believe you have a strong case for appeal, it is worth consulting with a school counselor or private consultant to review your appeal and ensure you have followed the correct process.

Improving admissions odds after rejection

Receiving a rejection from your dream college can be difficult to accept, but it is not the end of the road. Here are some ways to improve your admissions odds after a rejection:

• Appeal the admissions decision: In rare cases, you may be able to appeal the decision if there was an error in your application, such as incorrect transcripts or inaccurate reporting of grades. However, appealing is generally not recommended unless you have a strong case and your profile significantly surpasses that of accepted students.
• Reapply as a transfer student: This is often more advantageous than reapplying after a gap year. Transfer students can demonstrate college-level academic performance and extracurricular involvement, which can offset problems in their high school record.
• Improve your application: Focus on what you can control, such as improving grades and test scores, taking more challenging courses, and enhancing your extracurricular profile. Rework your application essays to showcase your unique qualities and ensure you thoroughly know the school you are applying to.
• Demonstrate interest: Visit the campuses of your top schools, attend virtual information sessions, and connect with college representatives to show your interest. This can sometimes be a factor in admissions decisions.
• Start early: Get a head start on your college applications and essays. Many schools have early decision or early action options, and demonstrating interest early on can work in your favour.
• Build relationships: Cultivate meaningful relationships with teachers and school counsellors who can later provide strong letters of recommendation. Ask for these letters well in advance to secure this important aspect of your application.
• Seek leadership opportunities: Colleges look for students who go beyond just involvement in extracurricular activities. Seek out leadership roles within clubs or start your own club to showcase your initiative and innovation.
• Consider a different path: While it's great to have dream schools, it's important to keep an open mind and explore other colleges that may also be a good fit. Transferring can affect your academic timeline and financial aid, so it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions.

Reasons for rejection

There are many reasons why a student's application to university may be rejected. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Incomplete or Vague Application

An application may be rejected if it is incomplete or missing important information. Each university has different requirements, so it is crucial to review the necessary documents and information for each application. Submitting vague essays or reusing essays from previous applications may also lead to rejection. It is important to be specific, thorough, and tailored to the university's prompts.

Missed Deadlines

Applications that are submitted past the deadline are often rejected. It is beneficial to complete your application ahead of time to allow for a thorough review and to ensure all sections are filled.

Academic Threshold Not Met

Universities often assess a student's academic potential by considering their grades, test scores, and academic achievements. If an applicant's academic profile does not meet the university's requirements or admit rate, they may be rejected.

Errors in the Application

Errors in the application, such as mixing up university names or making other silly mistakes, can raise questions about an applicant's English skills and time management abilities. Proofreading is crucial to avoid these issues.

Strong Competition

Universities receive numerous applications, and sometimes even the most qualified candidates are rejected due to the high volume of applicants. In such cases, it may not always be clear why a particular student was not chosen.

Mismatched Qualifications

In some cases, a student's current qualifications or subject mix may not align with the university's favoured profile. This can result in rejection, especially if the university is looking for specific criteria.

It is important to note that universities are not always required to provide a reason for rejection. However, students can contact the university to request feedback and gain a better understanding of their decision.

Revoking admissions offers

Colleges can and do revoke admissions offers, but not arbitrarily. This usually happens in extreme cases, such as when a student's grades drop significantly during their senior year, or when they engage in violent or illegal behaviour, are suspended or expelled from school, or display serious disciplinary issues. In 2019, several elite colleges in the US also revoked the admissions of students involved in the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal, where wealthy families bribed college coaches and administrators to secure admissions for their children.

In the US, colleges will revoke admissions with or without warning. In 2009, 22% of colleges reported having revoked at least one admission offer during the previous year, with two-thirds of these due to poor grades, a third due to disciplinary issues, and 30% due to dishonesty on applications.

Colleges consider revoking admissions when students display a "significant lack of judgement, integrity, or moral character". This can include social media posts that are offensive, racist, or discriminatory. In 2017, Harvard revoked offers to 10 students who participated in a Facebook group that included jokes about child abuse and the Holocaust, and several other colleges have taken similar action in recent years.

Frequently asked questions