How does it feel if your application is rejected by your dream university? You will most likely feel disappointed, stressed, and hit; It's as if all your dreams have vanished in a storm. Don't worry, life is full of choices anyway; there are still many alternative paths that you can take after experiencing rejection from the university. Want to know more details? Read on for this article!
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Method 1 of 3: Managing Your Feelings
Step 1. Take a day or two to feel down
Remember, you have gone through a long process and tried very hard to just apply to the university. This means, of course you can feel sad, upset, and disappointed if your efforts don't get the results you deserve. It's normal to feel upset and disappointed for a day or two; but make sure you don't spend too much time grieving.
Step 2. Don't take rejection personally
Enrolling in a university is a competitive process; You will be faced with hundreds if not thousands of applicants whose abilities are unpredictable. If your dream university doesn't accept your application, don't take it personally; there are many factors involved there. Often, the quota offered is very limited; As a result, many qualified applicants are forced to be rejected. In fact, even the brightest student at your school may be rejected by the university of his dreams.
Step 3. Ask the people closest to you for support
Don't isolate yourself; let your closest friends and relatives comfort and support you. Find people who will always love you no matter what. They can motivate and help you feel better afterwards.
Step 4. Talk to your school counselor
There are several benefits that you will get afterwards. The first advantage is that a school counselor can help you manage your post-rejection feelings. The second advantage, they can also help you evaluate and correct various deficiencies in the application you submit. The third advantage, they will help you understand the university admissions process and explain the alternative options you have.
Step 5. Plan your next steps because you still have a choice
Not being accepted into a dream university is not the end of everything. Even if you are rejected by all the universities you are applying for, various alternative options are still available. There are dozens if not hundreds of universities around the world that can help meet your academic needs and achieve your goals. Do not be discouraged!
Method 2 of 3: Reassess the Role of the University in Your Life
Step 1. Remember, creating a fantastic university experience is far more important than getting into the right university
Based on the Gallup-Purdue Index Report in 2014 which summarized the results of interviews with 30,000 undergraduates in the United States, it was found that “university location has almost no effect on their level of well-being and careers after graduation; what is even more influential is their experience while studying at university”. In other words, the key is “what do you learn” not “where do you learn”. Some experiences that can enrich your skills are taking part in extracurricular activities and internships. It is "what" you do at university that is proven to have a significant impact on the quality of your future career.
Step 2. Realize that there are many different ways you can get an education, build a career, and maintain a life
By informal agreement within the community, the university is one of the important stopping places that everyone should stop at. In fact, if you fail to stop there, there are still many other stopovers that also offer the knowledge and experience you need. For example, you can gain knowledge through internships, discussions with experienced mentors, or practical science courses. You can also stop at other educational institutions that, although not your dream university, can provide similar benefits. While in the process, you can still enrich your relationships, involve yourself in professional and fun activities, create unforgettable experiences, and get a quality education.
Step 3. Be aware of the fact that the journey that comes with university life is not that smooth
Don't assume everything is clear and predictable; in fact, everyone is very likely to get stressed and end up making haphazard decisions. For most people, graduating from high school, entering a dream university, having a dream internship, then landing a fantastic job is a dream that is hard to come true. In fact, many people even have to change majors many times during their university studies.
Method 3 of 3: Reconsidering All Options
Step 1. If your entire application is rejected, reconsider your options
There are several alternative pathways to study other than through university. Take advantage of these opportunities to identify alternative options that can be used as backup plans. Gather information about all the alternative educational pathways available to you.
If you want to become a journalist, for example, consider first taking a journalistic news writing course that is often held by various national media. If you want to become a police officer, it's a good idea to attend a police academy first. After taking these classes, you will be provided with field experience that can enrich your application
Step 2. Consider first pursuing a diploma program (D1-D3)
Diploma programs last 1-3 years and usually focus more on improving one's practical abilities. Taking a diploma program is a powerful way to improve skills at a lower cost. After graduating from the diploma program, you can immediately continue your education to the S1 level.
Step 3. Submit the application for the next admission period
Several universities in Indonesia open two admission periods in one year. This means that there is a possibility that you can register for the even semester which will usually take place after September. Browse the website of the destination university for more accurate information.
Step 4. Question the rejection you received
You can ask the university to reconsider its decision by sending an official letter. But it should be remembered, the possibility of the university to change its decision is very small. However, you should still try it. Give persuasive reasons why they should reconsider your application. Whatever the outcome, at least you've tried your best.
Step 5. Take a gap year
For some people, taking a year off before going to college is the right decision. During this period, you can work, travel, or just enjoy the free time you have. Another advantage, you also have the opportunity to learn to better know yourself, your hopes, and your dreams. Some countries even have an organized gap year program. Don't worry, there's always time to add to your academic experience; at the very least, a year's "rest" can help you understand your dreams and goals better.
Step 6. Fix your application and try to apply again next year
Many factors influence the university to reject or accept someone's application. Look at the weak points in your application and include any feedback you get from the university of your choice, then use that information to improve your application. A few things you might need to fix:
- Value eligibility.
- Personal statements and essays.
- Academic performance.
- Volunteer experience or organizational experience.
- Work experience.
- Extracurricular activities.
- Portfolio.
- Subject value.
- Interview skills.
- Key academic requirements.
Step 7. Keep your positivity
Even if things don't go the way you want right now, you can still try again in the future. Rejection from the university is a common situation. Believe in yourself; if you want it, surely success will come your way.
