How to Handle College Rejection

Handling rejection is never easy. As a matter of fact, it can be pretty devastating unless you prepare yourself ahead of time. Many students apply to a variety of schools. Some shoot for the stars while also applying to realistic colleges they would also be happy at; ones that are in-line with their abilities.

This month, the majority of college decisions will arrive home. While there might be jubilant celebration for admittance to an institution, there also might be disappointment. The college application process is a time of transition and growth, and rejection may be part of the process.

If you receive a rejection letter there are several ways to work through the disappointment. Read more about how to cope with the letter of rejection.

Can I Appeal the Admissions Decision?

You may be asking yourself if you can appeal a decision of denial from a college.  There may be a chance you can.  Some colleges have very strict policies stating if you were denied acceptance to their institution, the decision stands and there is no appeal process. Other colleges will allow for an appeal. My suggestion would be to contact the college directly to see if this is an option. Check their website or speak directly to the admissions office.

If you have a legitimate reason to appeal you may want to discuss this with you admissions representative.  Some of the circumstances that might warrant a review could include:

Were You Denied At One of Your Colleges? Think About the Transfer Option

If you’ve been denied by your top choice college, the key may be to consider transferring in at a later date.  If you spend a year at another college and do well, that shows college admission officers that you’re motivated and ready for college-level work at their institution.

So the question remains, are you thinking about transferring from one college to another in the future? Answering the following questions will help you decide your next move:

• Take enough time to adjust to the academics and social life at your present college. Do you know why you are making the change – homesickness, monetary needs, family issues?
• Do you understand the transfer process to the college you would like to attend?
• Have you gotten advice from your present school? They may be able to address credit transfer issues that will be important in the admission to the next school. See more about transfer planning.

You Are Accepted to College…Now How Do You Decide Where To Go?

Congratulations, you have been accepted into your colleges, now how do you decide where to send your deposit? You are at a crossroad and choosing a college can be a difficult task. It’s time to make your well-researched and well-matched decision.

Here are common mistakes that are made when choosing a college:

  • Choosing a college because your high school sweetheart or best friend is going there.
  • Your parents are alumni and you want to please them, but will it be the right choice for you?
  • The website or brochure look great and you have not visited. Don’t just rely on online matching. When possible, check it out first hand.
  • Choosing a school solely on prestige and reputation. Look at fit, major, and opportunities while defining your criteria. See more reasons to choose or not choose a college.

Making a Plan – Where To Start – Middle School Years

Are you thinking about attending college or training in a field of interest? It is never too early to get started in the process even if it is a few years away. You can start positioning yourself to get into college by following the college planning timeline as a guide.

Talk with a school counselor about:

Taking courses required for entrance into high school and developing strong study habits

Review college preparatory courses you plan on taking in high school including English, math, history, science, and Modern and Classical Languages

Participating in summer enrichment programs or community-based extracurricular activities that may be available in your county or school

“Starting to read” magazines, newspapers articles, and books of interest

Doing  well on standardized tests

The Value of Community Service

Do you have a passion for involvement in community service? Are you interested in the betterment of our society? Participating in community service is one way to give back, not a way to pad your resume. Start by thinking about your values and your interests.

Many students are involved in community service every day. Here are some reasons they found service to be of value:
• Gain an understanding about each other
• A sense of human compassion
• Never feels like an obligation or responsibility; can be energizing
• Provide support to others
• Affects someones life
• Builds a stronger community Read more comments about the value of community service.

Can I Earn College Credit by Taking a CLEP Exam?

Know Your College’s CLEP Policy

CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program. The College Board shared there are currently 2,900 colleges and universitiesgrant credit for CLEP, and each institution sets its own CLEP policy. Each institution determines the exams for which it awards credits, the minimum qualifying score required to get credit, and the amount of credits that will be granted per exam. CLEP exams test mastery of college-level material acquired in a variety of ways — through general academic instructions, significant independent study or extracurricular work. CLEP exam-takers include adults just entering or returning to school, military service members and traditional college students

How Much Credit Can I Earn?

If you pass a CLEP exam, you may earn up to 12 credits. The amount of credit you can earn on an individual CLEP exam varies with each college. Some colleges place a limit on the total amount of credit you can earn through CLEP. Other colleges may grant you exemption but no credit toward your degree. Some colleges may offer six credit hours versus three credit hours. Learn more about CLEP – click here.