Didnt get accepted now what?

[jaspers]

I guess that is a question a few are asking now. Only after finally hearing back from all the universities that they applied too. Do you plan to reapply next year, or are you actually looking at other options like online programs (if its offered online), or are you thinking of going after a certificate at a local community college? Yes, you might guess I didn't get accepted (no surprise) and your right I am looking at these other options I mention above. I think the validity of a online program is just as equal to a class structure though possible harder cause its on your own. I identified 3-4 online programs that I can start this fall, and even the comm college option I could start this fall. S what is everyone's ideas?

[Monochrome Spring]

What type of program are you talking about? Masters, PhD, other? I think it depends a bit on that. Also, what subject?

[Guest |||]

I would suggest if possible to consider re-applying again next year.  Of course this will vary depending on field, but, take a loot at your grades, relevant experience/labwork, references, standardized test scores, etc etc.  Ask schools if at all possible where your weaknesses were, and from there see if you can strengthen them.

[lafresca]

I was not admitted to any programs the first time I applied. I opted for an MA in General Experimental Psychology instead and it made all the difference. I feel a lot more prepared to enter a Ph.D. program. If you're in the field of psychology, I would highly recommend applying to MA programs or looking for lab manager positions with professors you'd be interested in working with. 

 

Being in the MA program really helped me figure out what I wanted to do exactly, and this level of maturity definitely came across during the application / interview process. When I interviewed alongside those coming straight outta undergrad, I felt much more comfortable talking about different lines of literature in my field as well as confident in the things I had to say. 

 

One of the most important qualities in a graduate student (and successful academic) is perseverance. Keep going. Sometimes online programs aren't as legit as on campus programs, but again, this may depend on the field that you are in. 

 

Good luck! 

[juilletmercredi]

I don't believe in going to school just for the sake of going to school.  So my question is, if your goal is to get a certain kind of master's or PhD, then why would you need a certificate from a community college?  I would only look at an online program if it would get me to the same goal as the in-person program would, and if it's at a brick-and-mortar school's world campus.

[jmu]

If I wasn't accepted anywhere I was going to start a post-bacc certificate at a university related to my research (probably African and African-Diaspora Studies or Environmental Studies.) This would give me some graduate level credits and engagement with more material so I could strengthen my application.

[Seeking]

I too would suggest re-applying next year. May be you can get some kind of relevant work or project experience. Or, perhaps re-take a couple of courses to improve your grades. Or, resent a paper at a conference to improve your profile. Also, review your application to see where you can improve it.

[janetkissho]

I completely agree to the above answer.

[LittleDarlings]

I think if I were to not get accepted anywhere else (I already got one acceptance that I am unsure about) I might take a year and volunteer to build my resume, possibly find a job to work and gain more references and then reapply.

[perfectionist]

I completely agree to the above answer.

This is a thread from May and you replied just to say "I agree"?

[GradHooting]

I was rejected from every school, fellowship, internship for two years.  My best advice (and advice that I keep telling myself every day) is to keep going.  If you are genuinely interested in the subject and you want to understand it on a deeper level, then simply reapply next year.  Do everything you can to find out how to improve your application and gain experience.  For me, my failures became a sort of focused anger which drove me to keep going.  I finally got admitted to a school (and a few others) with a fellowship.