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4 Steps for Reapplying to Your Dream College after a Rejection

male student sitting on bench after being rejected by college admissions
Written by CB Community

Top colleges are quite competitive, and the truth is they turn down numerous student applications. It can be frustrating, especially if you had just a handful of college options. But try not to worry as there are a variety of things you can do to still make your college dream come true. Reapply and do everything better to increase your chances of getting admitted. Below are a few things you can do to increase your chances of college acceptance.

1. Take the right Test

It turns out that ACT and SAT aren’t just tests for high school students who are trying to boost their acceptance into top colleges. For example, if you’re planning to pursue a career in law, consider taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a prerequisite to be admitted into most law schools. Therefore to avoid falling short of what your dream college seeks you need to take the test and aim for the highest score. If taking the test for the second time practice using LSAT prep courses and improve your scores.

2. Don’t Take GAP

You may have a lot of interest in a particular school but you end up receiving an acceptance letter from the schools that were your second and third option. It may seem like a waste of time settling for the second or third option, but in reality, it acts as proof to your dream college that you are serious in your studies. They may consider you if you reapply once applications are opened the next year.

Most people opt to take a year off as they await the next application. But you need to be careful with this option, as it may portray you as being lazy to some schools. If you take a year off, be sure to engage in volunteer activities, sports, traveling, or take a short course. It will show you used the opportunity to grow yourself.

3. Avoid submitting the same Application

When it’s time to make another college application, ensure that you use a different approach. Carry out research and get to know what your dream college is looking for in their students. That way, you will brace yourself with sufficient information and adjust your application accordingly. For instance, if you had a low SAT score, you can retake the test. If your essay was the reason for the previous rejection, acquire extra assistance in order to hand in a quality essay. Also, get a better recommendation letter that will pave the way into the college.

4. Improve Yourself

The most crucial thing you can do before the next year’s applications reopen is to improve yourself. Have a plan of what you specifically want to do and what you hope to accomplish. You can take up a job or participate in volunteer programs. Ensure whatever you do during that year enhances your personal growth and also improves your academic record.

Conclusion

Rejection has never been easy. It can be hard to alter the plans you had set for years. The above guidelines give you options to enhance the chance of acceptance into your dream college next year.
For more great college advice, check out the other blogs on College Basics.

About the author

CB Community

Passionate members of the College Basics community that include students, essay writers, consultants and beyond. Please note, while community content has passed our editorial guidelines, we do not endorse any product or service contained in these articles which may also include links for which College Basics is compensated.