Given how tough the college admissions landscape is right now, it’s not uncommon for students to be denied admission to any of their top choices or to be admitted to only safety schools. Take a deep breath if you’re thinking of reapplying to college or if this is a fear you have. It’s terrifying, but it’s not the end of the world if you find yourself in this situation. In this blog, we’ve highlighted several tips that our team put in place for students who are reapplying to college.
Make the Most of Your Gap Year
First and foremost, if you choose to reapply to college rather than attend a safety school and then transfer, you are taking a significant risk. For students considering transferring, it’s simple to argue that a higher-ranked school has more resources to support the student’s academic interests and ambitions. You’re taking a significant risk if you’ve been accepted somewhere and now want to take a gap year instead. You are not, however, doomed.
One of the most crucial aspects of my student’s application was demonstrating how the gap year had benefited them. As a result, it’s critical that you make the most of your gap year by exploring your hobbies and, if possible, enrolling in classes. Don’t just sit at home and do nothing. Look for writing opportunities in newspapers and magazines, for example, if you’re interested in creative writing. You may even establish your own literary journal and look for other outlets to submit your work to. Plus, just because you aren’t in school right now doesn’t mean you should stop taking courses. Look for classes at local colleges—many community colleges and even private schools offer classes for credit to local students.
The Common App features an area called “educational progression” where you can explain why you took a gap year and how you used it. If you’re reapplying to college, this is the area to highlight what you’ve accomplished and how it has facilitated your development.
Reflect on your initial application
Before reapplying to college, each student should perform some self-reflection. Consider what might have gone wrong on your first try as well as what you can do differently this time.
Perhaps you didn’t put out much effort when filling out your applications, assuming that your grades and exam scores would suffice. Maybe you didn’t ask the correct teachers to write your letters of recommendation. Perhaps you applied to colleges solely on the basis of their reputations, regardless of whether or not you were a good fit for them. Before reapplying, make sure you identify and remedy any mistakes you may have made.
Apply to a larger number of schools—and schools that are a better fit for you.
If you just applied to a few colleges the first time, it’s time to broaden your horizons while applying to colleges again. Students commonly make the mistake of compiling their school selection based on well-known institutions rather than universities that are a good fit for them. So, the second time around, make sure you do your homework and look for target and safety possibilities that you’d be delighted to attend. Of course, you’d prefer to go to your first pick. However, many colleges that aren’t as well-known have excellent programs that can help you achieve your academic goals. Do your analysis and don’t limit yourself. Apply to ten schools this time if you applied to five last time.
Take the SAT/ACT and think about submitting (or not submitting) your results.
Since most institutions now have test optional policies, it’s even more crucial to think about the best method for deciding whether or not to submit your score. First and foremost, if the situation permits, you should take the SAT or ACT. Then you must decide whether or not submitting your score will help you when reapplying to colleges.
Consider how competitive the schools on your list are if you have an SAT score. If you’re applying to a school with a 30–40% admission rate and have outstanding academics and extracurriculars, as well as a captivating personal statement, you may be able to skip submitting your test results.
Apply Early Decision
An early decision application demonstrates dedication. It also assures colleges that their yield rate will be protected. If you didn’t get into a top college your first time around, it is recommended to apply to a school that offers binding early decision rather than applying early action. While early action, particularly restricted early action, demonstrates a strong interest in the college, you are not obligated to attend even if accepted. As a result, your attendance is not assured. Colleges are aware that you are making a commitment to attend if you make an early decision. So, if you’re reapplying to college, think about ED!
Write a fresh Personal Statement (and Supplemental Essays)
Finally, while reapplying to colleges, don’t merely use the same personal statement. This is another opportunity to demonstrate how far you’ve progressed since your initial application. While it’s fine if your hobbies remain the same because you’re the same person, you should demonstrate that you’ve explored them in new ways or reflect on what one of your gap year experiences, extracurricular or otherwise, has taught you about yourself or the world around you. It’s time to demonstrate maturity in your outlook and the fact that, despite the fact that this was an unprecedented event, you handled it well. If you’re applying to the same college, don’t just submit the same supplemental essay responses! Attempt something new. Make use of your new gap year experiences to explore how you may contribute to campus in different ways.
Reapplying with Rostrum
Reapplying to college is a challenging task. It’s a risk you’ll have to take, but you’ll be fine if you make good use of your gap year to reassess where you went wrong and to prepare for reapplying. At Rostrum, our experienced counsellors can help you make the most of your gap year by providing expert help and guidance every step of the way that can help you achieve your objectives. As a member of the Rostrum Community you will succeed, inspire and guide others on the same journey!
