If you’ve been rejected from a college, especially one you really wanted to attend, it’s totally normal to be disappointed, sad, or a bit frustrated. There are many reasons a student can be denied from a college, and while the rejection may feel personal, it’s important to not dwell on it. You are still a capable student who can follow your dream path! With this in mind, try following these next steps if you’ve been rejected from a college.

Understanding rejection vs. being waitlisted 

Before taking any action, it’s important to understand the difference between being rejected from a college and being waitlisted. When a student is rejected from a college, they are not offered a spot in an incoming class. If they want to be reconsidered for admission, they would need to reapply the following academic year. 

Being waitlisted, on the other hand, is different. When a student is waitlisted to a college, they are not immediately accepted or rejected. Instead, they are offered a place on a list that the college will contact if spots in an incoming class open up. Students must accept their place on a waitlist if they still want to be considered for admission. If a spot in an incoming class opens up, a student on the waitlist could be contacted by the college–either to be accepted or to be asked to submit additional application material. This could include things like current semester grades, new awards won, or new clubs participated in.

Be sure you understand which of these two scenarios apply to you when receiving a decision from a college. Read our guide on what to do if you’re waitlisted for more information!

See if you can appeal

If you were rejected from a college that you really want to attend, you can attempt to appeal your rejection. When a student appeals their rejection, they are asking a college’s admissions office to re-review their decision–potentially resulting in an acceptance. 

Be aware that not all colleges have appeals processes–and those that do may still not frequently admit students who’ve appealed. To learn whether the college you want to attend has an appeals process, head to their website or contact the admissions department. Be sure to follow all appeal instructions carefully. Depending on the college, you may be required to submit new application materials or make a strong case that there was something missing from your initial application. 

It’s important to understand that appealing your rejection may not bring the results you want, and that there is a strong possibility you could be rejected again. While this can be discouraging, setting your expectations up front may be helpful before starting this process.  

Consider your other options

Take some time to weigh your other options if you’ve been rejected from a college. For example, if you’ve been admitted to other four-year universities, consider attending one of those schools instead. You can re-familiarize yourself with their academic and student offerings and choose the one most similar to the school you were rejected from.

If the college you were rejected from was the only school you applied to, you still have options! If you still want to attend a four-year college, try applying to one of the many colleges in the U.S. that offer rolling admission. Schools with rolling admission accept and review applications as they’re received until all spots in a given class are filled. If your application materials match the school’s requirements for incoming students, you can be accepted! 

If you still want to attend college but aren’t sure if any of the other four-year schools you’ve been accepted to are the right fit, you may also consider attending community college. Community college is a great option if you want to take some time to reevaluate or explore your desired major or career path while reducing college costs. As we explain in the next section, you can always transfer colleges down the road! 

Explore transfer options

Even if you were rejected from a college one year, it’s not a guarantee that you will be rejected again in the future! Some students who don’t get admitted to their top school instead choose to attend another college in the meantime, keeping their GPA high, with hopes of re-applying as a transfer student. If this interests you, be sure you’re aware of your top school’s transfer requirements and acceptance rates to set expectations. When it’s time to apply, be sure you have all of your application materials ready to go. 

Curious about how the transfer process works? Read our ultimate guide about transferring colleges. 

Ask for support

Rejection isn’t easy! Be sure to ask for the support you need to succeed–whether it’s from friends, family, or educators. They can encourage you to stay on your path when times get tough and help you see the bigger picture. Asking for help is a sign of strength and resilience! 

We understand that being rejected from a college can be disappointing and discouraging. However, we want you to remember that rejection can be redirection! You are in control of your path and can do anything you put your mind to!

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