Receiving a college application rejection can be a tough pill to swallow. But for students determined to attend a particular school, all hope may not be lost.
Ultimately, winning admission to the college that rejected you may require some patience, strategy, and self-inventory.
While students typically cannot reapply during the same admissions cycle in which they were rejected, most colleges allow students to reapply in the future, but this generally depends on the circumstances of the rejection, says Sasha Thieme, associate vice provost and executive director of University Admissions at Indiana University – Bloomington.
“If the decision is based on space, the institution may provide the opportunity for the student to consider it for a future semester,” she wrote in an email. “There are also some programs where a student can start abroad in the fall and enroll at the institution for the following spring semester.”
If rejection is based on academic readiness, students often have two options: take a gap year or reapply as a transfer student after earning credits at another four-year institution or community college.
“Surprisingly, some schools have higher acceptance rates for transfer students than in the regular admissions process,” says Pierre Huguet, CEO and founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education. “So, if this is the case for your target school, keep your hopes up.”
The gap year path after rejection due to lack of academic preparation “is much more difficult to succeed in,” says Dan Lee, co-founder of Solomon Admission Consulting. “Colleges ask, ‘If we rejected you last year with the same grades, tests, and activities, why should we change that this year after a gap year?’” Transfer admission success is more likely since students can demonstrate college grades and activities and a high school record becomes much less important. ”
Experts say students must decide whether reapplying to school is worth it, especially if the school they ended up attending was successful. Transferring can impact a student’s academic timeline and financial aid, as credits and scholarships may not transfer with them.
But for students who decide to reapply to the college that rejected them, here are some tips experts share on how to navigate the process and increase your chances of acceptance next time.
Can you appeal the admission decision?
In most cases, especially in early decision applications, admission decisions are final. In rare cases, students who have been rejected may appeal their decision, but only if there is a serious error in their application, such as submitting an incorrect transcript or reporting grades inaccurately.
Lee points to the University of California system as an example of cases where appeals have been successful. Examples include situations in which new information is available, such as a learning difference that affects performance that was diagnosed after applying, or extenuating personal or family circumstances, such as caring for a relative who is so ill that it requires the applicant to attend college near the school that rejected them.
“UCLA’s appeal success rate is usually less than 2%,” he says. “At top colleges other than UCLA, the pass rate is closer to zero.”
Applicants should research each school’s appeals policy and procedures, including deadlines. In most cases, gravity isn’t worth it, Huggett says.
“However, if you believe you have a strong case and your profile significantly exceeds that of the majority of accepted students, it is recommended to consult your school counselor or a private advisor,” he says. “They can help validate your claims.”
How to improve your odds of acceptance after rejection
“Maybe their essay was terrible or their extracurricular descriptions weren’t formatted properly, or they forgot a letter of recommendation,” says Christopher Rehm, founder and CEO of admissions firm Command Education.
Other reasons may include poor SAT and ACT scores, lack of accuracy in high school coursework or Advanced Placement courses, a missed deadline or insufficient information regarding academic and extracurricular achievements. Institutional priorities – certain standards a school is committed to meeting with each individual class – vary each year and can dictate how applicants are selected.
College admissions aren’t always based on merit, and at many elite schools, “they don’t accept the vast majority of qualified applicants,” Lee says.
Some of these things are beyond the applicant’s control, so experts suggest focusing on what is under control. This includes “improving grades and accuracy, taking their extracurricular involvement to a higher level and making a greater impact, reworking all of their essays, and making sure they know the school they are applying to inside and out,” says Livingston. “Make this knowledge clear on the application, and convince admissions officers that they will make an immediate impact if they are accepted and that they belong at that school.”
While taking a gap year may provide students with unique travel and work opportunities, schools typically still want to see evidence of additional college-level academic coursework before reconsidering admission, Thieme says.
The burden of proof for why they should be accepted when they reapply is “stiff” for gap year students compared to transfer students, Lee says.
“Converting admissions means you’re clearing your throat and starting from scratch, so a stellar academic record in college will make up for problems in high school. With a gap year, since the grades are the same and the tests are likely the same, you can rebrand yourself.” “Fully so you can have any chance.”
Is postponement considered a rejection?
Instead of rejecting applicants, many schools postpone their applications or put them on a waiting list. This usually occurs during early decision or early action, but can also occur during regular decision making. This may seem like a rejection, but it’s not.
In these situations, students must submit a “continuing letter of interest,” which indicates that the school remains their first choice and that they will attend if they are ultimately accepted. It also keeps admissions offices informed of any major developments since the application was submitted.
But wait a moment before sending such a letter for your initial emotions to subside, and use tact, says Connie Livingston, chief counsel at college admissions consulting firm Empowerly.
“The admissions officers are exhausted. They need a little break,” she says. “They want to take the pressure off for two weeks, so I always advise students to wait until mid-to-late January to send a letter of continued interest.”
What is the college reapplication process?
Whether a student is applying again as a transfer student or after taking a gap year, the process is similar to regular admission. Students need to apply through the school’s website, demonstrate strong academic qualifications and provide strong letters of recommendation.
Some colleges have specific applications for transfer students while others accept the Common Application. Students who reapply after a gap year may need to contact their high school counselor to obtain their transcripts and possibly new letters of recommendation. Avoid submitting an exact copy of an application that was initially rejected, experts say.
Some schools may ask if the applicant has applied there previously. Others may have a record of a previous application, depending on the school’s record-keeping practices and how recently the first application was made.
Experts say those who have plans to reapply to the school that rejected them should keep their minds open about other opportunities. High school seniors who have not decided to attend college should eagerly explore other schools and keep an open mind. Prospective transfer students must weigh the pros and cons of leaving their current school to start over at a new school.
“Embrace the ‘now’ no matter what,” says Livingston. “Get involved with your current college, do well and excel, make friends and have fun.”
Applying to college can be a daunting process, and receiving a rejection can be disheartening. However, it’s important to remember that being denied admission to a particular college does not have to be the end of the road. Many students choose to reapply to their top-choice schools after being rejected, and there are a variety of strategies and resources available to help improve their chances of acceptance the second time around. From enhancing academic credentials to showcasing personal growth and development, there are numerous ways for applicants to strengthen their candidacy and ultimately achieve their goals of attending their dream college.