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\nBefore we get into ways to cope and determine your next steps, I\u2019m sorry you didn\u2019t get into grad school. A grad school rejection can be incredibly hard to deal with \u2013 we know from experience.\n<\/p>\n
\nTo start, it\u2019s okay to feel upset, disappointed, or any other emotion. Rejections are tough, and that\u2019s completely normal. Grad school applications are long, complex, and exhausting. After months of effort, receiving rejections can be not only disappointing and demoralizing but also confusing. If you worked hard and already pictured yourself attending the school, the rejection will sting.\n<\/p>\n
\nWhile we don\u2019t recommend dwelling on it for days, it\u2019s okay to acknowledge your sadness and take a break before deciding if you want to re-apply. After a little time to process, it\u2019s important to build yourself back up and figure out what\u2019s next. Below, we\u2019ve outlined steps that have worked well for students (and ourselves) in the past\u2014whether you choose to re-apply or move forward with a new plan.\n<\/p>\n
\nIf I were you, I\u2019d try to put a positive spin on what might feel like a \u201cdream-crushing\u201d experience. Why? Because graduate schools will still be there next year and the year after that. The key is to pick yourself up and keep going. There are plenty of motivational posters (the kind you saw in middle school) that remind you to work hard, not give up, and keep your chin up. Get past the cheesy stuff and choose one to be your motivator.\n<\/p>\n
\nIf you’re truly interested in learning how to get into grad school,<\/em> the lessons from this setback will make you more prepared for the next admissions cycle. Think of it this way: you now have insight into what kind of candidate doesn\u2019t get accepted, and you\u2019ve got 8-10 months to transform yourself into the kind of candidate who does!\n<\/p>\n \nStart by reminding yourself that rejections are incredibly common. Space is limited, and not every qualified applicant gets in every time. Even Sergey Brin, the founder of Google, was rejected from MIT before applying to and graduating from Stanford University! Each year, we see students who were previously rejected get into programs\u2014sometimes even the very program that turned them down before\u2014when they reapply.\n<\/p>\n \nThe grad school evaluation process considers dozens of factors for thousands of applicants, trying to determine the \u2018ideal fit\u2019 for their program in just a few minutes. It\u2019s far from perfect. So, remember that rejection from your dream school isn\u2019t a judgment of your self-worth, hard work, or intelligence. Stay focused on your larger goal and keep working towards it\u2014whether that involves a graduate degree or not.\n<\/p>\n \nMoreover, rejections can sometimes be a chance to find clarity and move forward more certain and focused on your next steps.\n<\/p>\n \nAfter you\u2019ve (if you\u2019re like me) shed some tears over your rejection and accepted that it can happen to anyone, the next step is to pause and reflect on what it means to you. Set aside an hour for some self-introspection and try to answer the following questions:\n<\/p>\n \nOne note on introspection – it doesn\u2019t have to be done in front of your computer! Sitting at your favorite coffee shop, going on a walk, or meditating are all great ways to reflect.\n<\/p>\n \nThis introspection will help you understand what the rejection truly means to you and whether you care enough to reapply next year. If you\u2019re still determined to give it another shot, remind yourself that this rejection just means you need more experience or time to succeed in your mission. Then, move on to the next step.\n<\/p>\n \nOnce you\u2019ve decided to reapply next cycle, the first and most important step is to identify where you can improve your application. There could be many different reasons, so it might be helpful to discuss them with a few friends or mentors to see where you can strengthen your chances.\n<\/p>\n \nWhile late or incomplete applications, missing recommendation letters, or low test scores are common reasons for rejection, sometimes it\u2019s the more nuanced aspects of your profile that hold you back. Things like a \u2018lack of leadership or volunteer experience\u2019 or a \u2018lackluster personal statement\u2019 could be the factors standing in your way.\n<\/p>\n \nExamine every part of your application with an eye on both substance and style. Consider not only the content you\u2019ve written and the skills you\u2019ve highlighted but also how you present the information and the stories you choose to share.\n<\/p>\n \nAnother crucial aspect is to review your work experience and how it aligns with your goals. Have you clearly explained your aspirations and career objectives in your application? Sometimes, connecting the dots between your past experience and future goals is what makes or breaks an application!\n<\/p>\n \nWe often get asked if it\u2019s okay to reapply and whether you\u2019ll be penalized for doing so. Let me clear this up once and for all: No! Any negative connotation around reapplying is completely misleading. If anything, the admissions team appreciates dedication and persistence. What they don\u2019t like is seeing the same candidate with the same application year after year. So, make sure to work on your application, address your shortcomings, and genuinely enhance your profile before reapplying.\n<\/p>\n \nWhile you should definitely review your own application, the best way to understand what led to a rejection is to follow up with an admissions officer at the school you applied to. It\u2019s not always possible\u2014schools have different policies on this\u2014but it\u2019s worth asking!\n<\/p>\n \nWhen requesting personalized feedback from the admissions team, approach it with professionalism and humility. Start with a thank-you note for reviewing your application, then gently request insights on what could be improved next time. Ask if they might be willing to schedule a brief phone call or share feedback via email. I also recommend expressing your continued excitement for the school and your intention to reapply as a stronger candidate.\n<\/p>\n \nBe respectful of their time and input. Whether the feedback is about this year’s mistakes or steps to follow next year, advice from the admissions team can significantly boost your chances for acceptance next time. Plus, it might be noted in your file that they took the time to speak with you!\n<\/p>\n \nWhether or not you hear back from the admissions team, seeking additional feedback is always valuable. Start by reaching out to faculty from the school to see if they\u2019re willing to review your application and offer personal advice. While it\u2019s helpful to consult mentors or friends who helped with your original application, it\u2019s crucial to seek fresh perspectives as well.<\/p>\n Studying the program’s admitted class profile can be helpful (here\u2019s an example from UC Berkeley\u2019s MBA program<\/a>). This provides valuable insight into the type of academic and professional experience the admissions team considers worthy of admission. If you notice many admitted candidates with similar backgrounds, you’ll realize the importance of making your application unique and compelling to stand out.\n<\/p>\n \nYou might also be asking yourself the all-too-common question: how much of a factor was my test score?\n<\/p>\n \nBelieve it or not, a perfect score won\u2019t guarantee admission to your dream school. However, a very low score can hurt your chances of getting into a school that should be within your reach, given your GPA, experience, and letters of recommendation.\n<\/p>\n \nIf you received an okay GRE score, say 152 on both sections, the GRE might not be what’s holding you back. Other factors, like omissions or weaker aspects of your record, could have influenced the admissions board’s decision. That said, improving your GRE score could help offset these other components\u2014especially those that are more fixed, like your undergraduate GPA.\n<\/p>\n \nOn the other hand, if you scored in the low 140s, your GRE score could have been a factor in your rejection. If you find yourself in this group, don\u2019t lose heart. You can improve your score (I often see Magoosh students increase their scores by 16 points). By doing so, you can also improve your chances of getting accepted the second time around.\n<\/p>\n \nBut I don\u2019t just want to give you a pep talk and a pat on the back. Increasing your score, even by 10 points, means you\u2019ll need to work not just harder, but smarter. When reapplying, you usually have the advantage of time. Use that time wisely and put in the effort to improve your score!\n<\/p>\n \nGrad school applications assess more than just your qualifications. The admissions team also considers the school\u2019s strengths and weaknesses, faculty preferences, the size and diversity of the cohort they\u2019re building, and often the available funding.\n<\/p>\n \nSometimes, when you get rejected, it has nothing to do with you. While it’s crucial to analyze your application, talk to professionals, and identify 2-3 areas for improvement before reapplying, it\u2019s also important to recognize that there\u2019s an element of luck in the process. Your job is to put your best foot forward based on the information you have.\n<\/p>\n \nAlong with gathering information and identifying ways to strengthen your profile, it\u2019s equally important to approach the application process with a fresh perspective. Can you see yourself as a brand new applicant, rather than carrying the weight of previous rejections?\n<\/p>\n \nAdditionally, consider how you\u2019ll manage stress during the application process. You\u2019re going to go through it again. How can you make it feel more manageable and positive this time around?\n<\/p>\n \nWe’re here to help! Check out our Graduate Admissions blog<\/a> for more information about strengthening the non-test portions of your application. Then take a free practice test<\/a> to see what your GRE score is at now that it’s been awhile since test day. You may have taken the GRE before the test format changed, so be sure to learn about the new, shorter exam<\/a>. A proven study plan<\/a> is a great way to stay on track with your test prep and make sure you’re learning everything you need. Finally, consider a Magoosh Premium Plan<\/a> to access expert GRE and admissions support, including real ETS questions, custom practice, detailed explanations for all problems, and real application essay examples.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Before we get into ways to cope and determine your next steps, I\u2019m sorry you didn\u2019t get into grad school. A grad school rejection can be incredibly hard to deal with \u2013 we know from experience. To start, it\u2019s okay to feel upset, disappointed, or any other emotion. Rejections are tough, and that\u2019s completely normal. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":25699,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12308],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[12264,12295],"class_list":["post-25698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-grad-admissions"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThen, start think about what\u2019s next<\/h2>\n
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(If you decide to re-apply) Determine how you can improve your application<\/h2>\n
Go straight to the source<\/h2>\n
Try all avenues available<\/h2>\n
Was it my test score?<\/h2>\n
Remember – you can never know for sure<\/h2>\n
Start working with a fresh perspective<\/h2>\n
Need more support with reapplying?<\/h2>\n