Skip Navigation
Edvisors Star Logo
Edvisors Logo
  • Compare Lenders
    • PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
    • REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS

    featured articles

    • Best Private Student Loans for June 2025
    • Student Loan Comparison: Federal Loans vs Private Loans
    • Parent PLUS Loans vs Private Student Loans
    • How Does Interest on Student Loans Work?
    • Private Student Loan Cosigner: Everything you Need to Know
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.19% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Compare Lenders
    • Best Student Loan Refinance Companies for June 2025
    • Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans
    • Student Loan Forgiveness: How to Get Student Loans Forgiven
    • Repayment Plans for Private Student Loans
    • Parent PLUS Loan Forgiveness
    • View All Articles >
    Earnest Private Student Loan

    Variable rates as low as: 5.88% APR (with Autopay)*

    Fixed rates as low as: 4.35% APR (with Autopay)*

    Apply Now
  • Scholarships
    • COLLEGE GRANTS
    • COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
    • EMPLOYER
    • MILITARY

    featured articles

    • What's the difference between scholarships and grants?
    • Graduate Fellowships
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • How to Find Scholarships
    • Top Tips for Winning Scholarships for College
    • Apply for Free Scholarships for College
    • Most Popular Scholarships for College Students in 2025
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • What is Federal Work Study Program?
    • Employer Tuition Assistance Programs: How Do They Work?
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • GI Bill
    • Military Service Academies
    • ROTC Scholarships
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College
  • Plan for College
    • CAREERS
    • COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
    • FAFSA
    • SCHOLARSHIPS
    • PAYING FOR COLLEGE
    • STUDENT LIFE BLOG

    featured articles

    • Best Job Search Sites June 2025
    • Resumes That Get Noticed
    • High Paying Careers
    • STEM Careers
    • View All Articles >
    Are you ready for college? You are with GradGuard

    featured articles

    • Determining College Academic Fit: Reach, Match and Safety Schools
    • Need-Blind Admissions
    • How Long is a College Essay
    • When are College Applications Due
    • How to Write a Good College Essay
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students
    • FAFSA Deadlines for 2025-2026
    • FAFSA FAQ - Your FAFSA Questions Answered
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • Most Popular Scholarships for College Students in 2025
    • Apply for Free Scholarships for College
    • College Scholarships for Kids
    • Most Prestigious Undergraduate Scholarships
    • Las mejores becas para estudiantes hispanos y latinos
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • How to Pay for College
    • Tuition Payment Plans
    • Pros and Cons: Borrowing From My 401K to Pay for College
    • Paying College Tuition with a Credit Card
    • Best Ways to Pay for College Without Financial Aid
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • Financial Aid Disbursement: When and How You Will Get It
    • Should I Pay Off My Student Loans Right Now
    • How to Minimize Student Loan Debt
    • View All Articles >
    Are you ready for college? You are with GradGuard
  • Student Loans
    • FAFSA
    • PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
    • FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS
    • REPAY STUDENT LOANS
    • LENDER REVIEWS

    featured articles

    • Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students
    • FAFSA FAQ - Your FAFSA Questions Answered
    • FAFSA Deadlines for 2025-2026
    • FAFSA School Codes
    • FAFSA 2023-2024 Guide & Resources
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.19% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Best Private Student Loans for June 2025
    • Student Loan Comparison: Federal Loans vs Private Loans
    • Parent PLUS Loans vs Private Student Loans
    • How Does Interest on Student Loans Work?
    • Private Student Loan Cosigner: Everything you Need to Know
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.19% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students
    • FAFSA FAQ - Your FAFSA Questions Answered
    • The complete guide to federal undergraduate student loans
    • What are Federal Parent PLUS Loans and How to Apply
    • Financial Aid for Graduate School
    • Compare Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.19% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Best Student Loan Refinance Companies for June 2025
    • Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans
    • Student Loan Forgiveness: How to Get Student Loans Forgiven
    • Repayment Plans for Private Student Loans
    • Should You Refinance Federal Student Loans?
    • Parent PLUS Loan Forgiveness
    • View All Articles >
    Enter the Repayment Relief Sweepstakes

    featured articles

    • Sallie Mae Student Loan Review
    • College Ave Student Loan Review
    • SoFi Student Loan Review
    • Ascent Student Loan Review
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.19% APR1

    Apply Now
  • Credit Cards
    • CARD REVIEWS
    • BEST CREDIT CARDS
    • CREDIT CARD FAQS

    featured articles

    • Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card Review
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.

    featured articles

    • Best Credit Cards for 2025
    • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
    • Best 0% Introductory APR Credit Cards
    • Best Secured Credit Cards for 2025
    • Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.

    featured articles

    • How to Build Credit?
    • What Age Can You Get a Credit Card?
    • What is a Secured Credit Card?
    • What is an Unsecured Credit Card?
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.
  • Money Management
    • BANKING
    • BUDGETING
    • SAVING
    • DEBT MANAGEMENT
    • CREDIT
    • INVESTING
    • RISK MANAGEMENT

    featured articles

    • What is Online Banking
    • Student Checking Accounts
    • Debit Cards with Rewards
    • View All Articles >
    Chase College Checking Visa Debit

    featured articles

    • Best Budgeting Apps June 2025
    • Budgeting Tips
    • Budgeting for Beginners
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • Financial Goals
    • How to Save Money as a College Student
    • What is an Emergency Fund
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • How to Pay Off Debt
    • Debt Relief
    • What is a Debt Management Plan
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • How to Check Your Credit Score
    • Best Credit Building Apps June 2025
    • What is Credit?
    • View All Articles >
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.

    featured articles

    • Investing for Beginners
    • Best Investment Apps June 2025
    • Understanding the Stock Market
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • What is Risk Management
    • How to Prevent Identity Theft
    • What is Insurance
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money
  • Student LIFE Blog
  • Compare Lenders
    • Private Student Loans
    • Refinance Student Loans
  • Scholarships
  • Plan for College
  • Student Loans
  • Credit Cards
  • Money Management
  • Student LIFE Blog
Login
Register
  • Dashboard
  • My Profile
  • Logout
Search Box Form
Win a $2,500 Scholarship
Need money for college? Enter our monthly scholarship sweepstakes.
Enter Now
Advertiser Disclosure
×

Edvisors (“Edvisors Network, Inc.”) provides independent advertising-supported platforms for consumers to search compare and apply for private student loans. Loan offers from participating lenders that appear on our websites are not affiliated with any college and/or universities, and there are no colleges and/or universities which endorse Edvisors’ products or services. Lender search results do not constitute an official college preferred lender list. Edvisors receives compensation from lenders that appear on this site. This compensation may impact the placement of where lenders appear on this site, for example, the order in which the lenders appear when included in a list. Not all lenders participate in our sites and lenders that do participate may not offer loans to every school.

Edvisors is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular loan or financial aid. Lenders are solely responsible for any and all credit decisions, loan approval and rates, terms and other costs of the loan offered and may vary based upon the lender you select. Please check with your school or lender directly for information related to your personal eligibility.

Edvisors has endeavored to provide accurate information. However, the results provided by lenders are for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed, as such, Edvisors assumes no responsibility for errors or omission in the information provided.

Advertiser Disclosure
×

Edvisors (“Edvisors Network, Inc.”) provides independent advertising-supported websites. The Edvisors websites’ goal is to provide relevant and helpful content and comparison tools to better assist consumers to search and compare financial products or services. The offers, products or services listed on our websites are from third-party advertisers or companies from which Edvisors receives compensation. This compensation may impact the placement of where products or advertisements appear on this site, for example, the order in which the products appear when included in a list. Not all providers participate in our sites and providers that do participate may not offer the entire suite of applicable credit cards or financial products provided by the provider or available in the marketplace.

Edvisors is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular credit card, financial product, or service. The third-party providers are solely responsible for any and all credit decisions, loan approval and rates. Terms and other costs of the credit card or financial product may vary based upon the provider you select. Not all consumers will qualify for the advertised rates and terms.

Edvisors does not purport to offer financial advice related to the purchase or sale of financial products or services. We are not an investment, brokerage, or financial advisory service. Information provided with respect to financial products and services are solely intended for educational purposes. In addition, we recognize each person may have unique and individualized financial needs and we recommend and encourage you to seek the expert advice of qualified professionals regarding your specific financial needs.

Edvisors has endeavored to provide accurate, up to date information. However, because credit card offers and financial products change frequently and do not originate with us, we recommend you check the offering provider for complete terms and conditions, rates, costs, and other fees. Providers do not commission, review or approve the information available on the site. Information provided on the site is for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed, as such, Edvisors assumes no responsibility for errors or omission in the information provided.

Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on our websites are disclaimed.

×
Get Your Free Guide to Filing the FAFSA Today!

Thank you for your interest in Edvisors' 2020-2021 Guide to Filing the FAFSA.

Please complete the form below to access your free copy.

Thank you! Click here to download your free FAFSA Guide.

I am a:

×
College knowledge starts here!

Enter your email below to receive your Student Loan Handbook from Edvisors.

Please check your email for the Student Loan Handbook.

After Navigation
Home » Blog » When Dream School Rejection Means Redirection
  • Contents
  • The Reality of College Admissions
  • Rejection is Not a Reflection of Your Worth
  • Rejection is Redirection
  • Practical Steps After Rejection
  • How to Use This Experience for Growth

When Dream School Rejection Means Redirection

Penny Redlin
By Penny Redlin
April 18, 2024
Email This Article
Fill out the form below to send a copy of this article to your email.
By clicking "Submit" I have read and agree to the Edvisors' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We strongly encourage you to read our Privacy Policy to understand how we use and share your information.
A copy of this article has been sent to your email.

It’s understandable that receiving a college rejection letter can be deeply disheartening and might stir feelings of disappointment and frustration. It's perfectly natural to feel this way; after all, it represents a setback to what you've been aspiring towards.

However, this can be an occasion to view this not merely as an end, but as a redirection. This moment of rejection could lead you towards exploring new opportunities and paths that were previously unconsidered, opening doors to experiences and learning that can enrich your personal and academic growth in unexpected ways.

The Reality of College Admissions

The reality of college, particularly at top-tier institutions, is admittedly a highly competitive admissions process. Each year, schools receive an overwhelming number of college applications from students who, like you, have showcased exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement during your high school years.

It's important to recognize that the selection process is not solely a reflection of an applicant's qualifications or potential. Rather, it is also constrained by the finite number of spots available and the schools commitment to shaping a diverse and balanced class. This commitment extends beyond academic scores to include a wide range of factors such as personal experiences, backgrounds, talents, and perspectives.

Consequently, this means that every admission cycle, admissions officers have to make the tough decision of not offering places to many remarkable candidates. While your application may have been impressive, your rejection does not diminish your accomplishments or potential.

Rejection is Not a Reflection of Your Worth

It's important to remind ourselves that a rejection letter from a college does not define your worth, nor does it cap your abilities or potential for future success. Remember, numerous highly successful individuals faced academic or professional rejections early in their careers, only to use those experiences as the steppingstones to their eventual success.

Consider, for example, the story of Steven Spielberg, who was rejected not once but three times by the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. Yet, he didn't allow these rejections to deter him; instead, he continued to pursue his passion for filmmaking, eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in the film industry. J.K. Rowling, the author of the "Harry Potter" series, received a whopping 12 rejections from publishers before her work finally found a home.

These stories underscore a vital truth: a disappointing college decision rejection is not an end but a redirection, a moment to reassess, recalibrate, and re-engage with your goals with renewed vigor. Your current experience with rejection, painful as it may be, could very well be your own story of resilience and determination leading to success, a narrative you will one day share to inspire others.

Rejection is Redirection

Rejection, though initially feels like a gut punch, often acts as a compass, guiding you towards paths that are more closely paired with your unique strengths and goals. This is a moment to pause and reassess, considering other colleges that may offer programs more suited to your interests, or gap year options that could provide invaluable world experience, or of different school options to pursue, such as community colleges or trade school, that could serve as steppingstones to your goals. A redirection could very well be the thing that inspires you to discover a passion or career path you had not yet considered, leading you to success and satisfaction that surpasses your original plans. In the grand scheme of your life and career, every experience, even those that seem disappointing, contributes to your growth and directs you towards your unique definition of success.

Practical Steps After Rejection

Allow Yourself to Feel

It's perfectly okay to acknowledge the disappointment and hurt that comes with a rejection letter. Grant yourself permission to grieve the setback but try not to linger too long in those feelings. This is just a moment in your larger academic and life journey.

Reassess and Reflect

Take this time to think deeply about what you truly desire from your college experience and your education. Ask yourself what aspects of college life are most important to you and how they align with your long-term goals.

Explore Other Options

Now is an opportune time to consider the other schools who accepted you or alternative educational paths that may offer you similar—or perhaps even better—opportunities for growth and learning. Broadening your scope can uncover exciting programs and communities that resonate with your interests and aspirations.

Seek Support and Guidance

You don't have to navigate this period of reassessment and exploration alone. Reach out to counselors, mentors, family, and friends who can offer you both emotional support and practical advice. Their perspectives can help illuminate your path forward.

Prepare to Apply Again

If reapplying to your dream college remains part of your plan, consider this an opportunity to build an even stronger application. Reflect on any areas for improvement and seek experiences that will enhance your dossier. Alternatively, if you choose to begin your higher education journey elsewhere, keep in mind that transfer options might become a viable and strategic way to reach your ultimate college goals.

Each of these steps is designed to not only help you cope with rejection but to also empower you in forging a path that is uniquely suited to your ambitions and dreams.

How to Use This Experience for Growth

This experience, while challenging, presents a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. It’s an invitation to introspect and gain insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and true desires. Use this moment to ask yourself hard questions about what you want from your future and how best you can achieve it. Reflect on your application – could certain areas be strengthened? Are there experiences or skills you could develop further?  This is your opportunity to  turn what seems like a setback into a setup for a remarkable comeback.

 

Share

Penny Redlin

Penny is the Content Marketing Manager for Edvisors.  She is tasked with optimizing website content and managing SEO performance.  A seasoned marketer with a diverse background in brand management, e-commerce and digital marketing, Penny brings an array of experience with her. An MBA from the University of Chicago, entrepreneur and author, Penny's experience offers a unique view to content creation and curating.

Find Penny Redlin on LinkedIn.

If you would like to schedule an interview with Penny, please reach out to us at [email protected]

About Edvisors

For 20 years we have been known as one of the largest and most trusted resources to help you find your path to success. Everyone needs to find their own path, and we know that first-hand. Helping you reach your educational and financial goals without stress, is our mission. Let's face it, it may be unavoidable to borrow money, but there are ways to do it wisely, including making the right choices up front, as well as during repayment. If we can help you make an informed and careful decision, we consider that a good day in the office.

Find information on this site to help you plan and pay for college as well as manage your money with confidence.

Related Content

How to get into a Good College
Nina Krecicki
May 13, 2025
If you are looking to be admitted to your dream school, it is wise to begin preparing now, no matter if you are in middle school, high school, or 30-something and married with children. The college admission process can be lengthy and working to increase your chances of getting into your college of choice.  
Read Article
Why Should I Go to College?
Tré Norman
May 09, 2025
College is not required for everyone, but has benefits such as networking, increased income potential, and a variety of career opportunities, to name a few.
Read Article
3 Things Your College Essay MUST Say Without Actually Saying It
Penny Redlin
March 19, 2024

Applying to college is stressful. What can you say about yourself that will convince them to choose you? Well, there are 3 things your college essay MUST say to stand out and none of them are about you.

 

Read Article
Congress hears from Experts about FAFSA Failure | Edvisors Previous Article Blog Home The 2024-2025 FAFSA Fiasco, Continues Next Article
Could You Be Saving More?
Subscribe to Edvisors' Student LIFE Newsletter to receive up-to-date financial aid information and advice, explore scholarship opportunities, loan repayment options, and learn expert strategies on how to plan and pay for college.
Newsletter Form
By clicking "Subscribe" I have read and agree to the Edvisors' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We strongly encourage you to read our Privacy Policy to understand how we use and share your information.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
We care about your privacy

This website uses cookies to offer you the most relevant marketing and targeted advertisements which in some states may be considered a sale of your personal information. You may exercise your right to opt out by clicking on deny cookies. Please accept cookies for the optimal experience. You can withdraw or modify your consent for non-essential cookies at any time by visiting Cookie Settings page

This website uses cookies for targeted advertising which in some states may be considered a sale of your personal information. You may opt out by clicking on deny cookies. Please accept cookies for the optimal experience. You can change your consent for such cookies via the Cookie Settings page

Edvisors
  • About Us
  • Official Rules
  • Careers
  • Team
  • Testimonials
Resources
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • Tools and Calculators
  • Video Resources
  • Financial Terms Glossary
  • Site Map
Media
  • Edvisors In the News
  • Press
Contact Us
  • Help
  • Ask the Edvisor
  • Student Aid FAQ
  • Directions
Partners
  • Advertise
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Link to Us
Legal
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Consumer Health Privacy Notice
  • General Website Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Notice at Collection
  • Cookie Settings
  • Your Privacy Choices Your Privacy Choices Icon

Better Business Bureau logo

Edvisors provides expert advice on planning and paying for college. On Edvisors.com easily compare student loan lenders, learn how to apply for financial aid, and discover scholarships. Learn about federal and private student loans for students and parents, how and when to apply to college, and more!

Edvisors (“Edvisors Network, Inc.”) provides independent advertising-supported platforms for consumers to search compare and apply for private student loans. Loan offers from participating lenders that appear on our websites are not affiliated with any college and/or universities, and there are no colleges and/or universities which endorse Edvisors’ products or services. Lender search results do not constitute an official college preferred lender list. Edvisors receives compensation from lenders that appear on this site. This compensation may impact the placement of where lenders appear on this site, for example, the order in which the lenders appear when included in a list. Not all lenders participate in our sites and lenders that do participate may not offer loans to every school.

Edvisors is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular loan or financial aid. Lenders are solely responsible for any and all credit decisions, loan approval and rates, terms and other costs of the loan offered and may vary based upon the lender you select. Please check with your school or lender directly for information related to your personal eligibility.

Edvisors has endeavored to provide accurate information. However, the results provided by lenders are for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed, as such, Edvisors assumes no responsibility for errors or omission in the information provided.

Copyright © 1998-2025 by Edvisors Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

All other trademarks and service marks displayed on Edvisors Network, Inc. websites are the property of their respective owners.

Edvisors Network, Inc. 350 S. Rampart Blvd, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89145

Copyright © 2025 by Edvisors.com. All rights reserved.