Frequently Asked Questions about being rejected and not getting into uni

Student asking questions with lecturer in university office

It’s possible you won’t be successful the first time you apply to university. Well, you can always apply again! Being rejected from the unis you applied to isn’t as bad as you might think. Take a look at the Q&As here and you’ll see lots of options open to you.

My uni applications were rejected, what now?

Student with a headscarf working on their laptop and application papers.


Q: What should I do if I don’t get accepted into any universities?

A: If you don’t get accepted to any universities, don’t panic. You have several options available. First, you should take a look at the reasons why you were not accepted. Did you not have the grades, or was it due to other factors such as a poor application? Once you have identified the problem, you can start taking steps to address it.

Q: Can I apply again?

A: Yes, you can always apply again, either during the regular decision period or as a late application. Just make sure you address the issues that caused your rejection the first time around. Consider applying to college or apprenticeships as well, which can both offer quality education and give you time to improve the quality of your application.

Q: Should I wait to hear back from all the universities before making a decision?

A: Ideally, yes. However, if you have a first choice university that has already given you an offer, you should accept it. If you don’t have an offer from your first choice but do have offers from other universities, you should think carefully about whether you want to decline them and wait to see if another university accepts you instead.

Q: How do I ask for feedback from the universities that rejected me?

A: You can contact the university and request feedback on your application, but don’t expect a detailed answer. Universities receive thousands of applications and can’t provide in-depth feedback on all of them. However, any feedback that you receive can help you improve your application next time.

Q: Can I still get a scholarship if I’m rejected from all universities?

A: Yes, you can still apply for scholarships even if you’re rejected from all universities. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors, including need and merit, so you may still be eligible for some scholarships.

Q: What are some steps I can take to improve my university application?

A: Research the universities you’re interested in and make sure your application shows how you meet their requirements. Work on improving your grades, if necessary, and spend time on your essay to make sure it showcases your strengths. Consider working with a counsellor to help you prepare your application.

Q: Is it possible to get into a university after receiving a rejection?

A: Yes, it is possible. Some universities offer a waiting list option, which means if a student declines their offer, you may be offered their spot. Otherwise, you can consider applying through Clearing or reapplying the following year and making sure to address any issues that caused your rejection the first time around.

Q: What should I do if my first choice university rejected me?

A: If your first choice university rejected you, you should consider your other options. Don’t get hung up on one choice – there are many great universities out there. Take a look at the other universities that have offered you a place, and consider whether any of them would be a good fit for you.

Q: Can I still apply to university after finishing college?

A: Yes, you can still apply to a university degree after finishing college. In fact, many students do this because it gives them time to improve their grades and transfer to a university that they originally only applied to.

Q: Can rejection from all universities be a blessing in disguise?

A: It can be stressful receiving a rejection from all universities, but it can also be an opportunity to think about other paths and options. Consider an apprenticeship, for example, or take time to think about what career you’d like to pursue. You may find that not getting into your dream university is ultimately still a move in the right direction.