What if I get rejected? 7-step guide
When I finished my undergraduate degree at Florida State University I felt completely lost. I applied to Physician Assistant (PA) school during my senior year but was rejected by every school I applied to. I simply was not prepared. I knew I wanted to go to PA school but I had to re-orient my strategy to ensure that I would be accepted the next time I applied.
Whether you are still in high-school, finishing up undergrad or looking for a career change; here are 7 steps that helped me in the wake of rejection from graduate school.
Step 1: Do not freak out
No one wants to face rejection. It is normal to be upset in the face of denial but the real test is how you react to that disappointment. Yes this wasn’t in your plans but when you look back on this moment it will make much more sense to you in the future. If you keep a positive mindset you can use this experience for growth. In the words of Zig Zigler, “It's your attitude, not your aptitude that will determine your altitude."
Step 2: Investigate
Use this as a learning experience. If possible reach out to the program(s) or admission committees and ask them how you could Improve your application. Another strategy is to discuss with those that have been successfully admitted to the schools you applied to and ask them what worked for them. Use this time to have an introspective analysis of how you can better prepare for your next application cycle.
Step 3: Find a mentor
This is an essential and often overlooked step to growing and achieving your professional goals. If you talk to anyone in business you will hear all about how they use networking to their benefit. Why can’t future medical workers do the same? Asking someone with experience for help or advice in your desired field is NOT a weakness. Simply put, FIND A MENTOR! This needs to be someone that has a good reputation, that you can trust, and will be able to invest in you. If you don’t have one, we can refer you to an expert in the field you are applying to. Sign up for a FREE advising/mentoring session or shoot us a email and we can see how we can help!
“Asking someone with experience for help or advice in your desired field is NOT a weakness.”
Step 4: Commit to hard work
In the aftermath of rejection, you are likely going to have to work harder than you ever had before. Don’t pay attention to people that seem to have worked less than you. Create an action plan that isn’t emotional but practical to achieve little wins towards your goal. This may look as simple as making a list with some loose deadlines to keep yourself focused.
Step 5: Do not give up
I don’t need to say much about this other than to just remind you. The power or persistence cannot be overstated. One powerful example is how the creator of the Dyson vacuum, Sir James Dyson, had 5,126 failed prototypes before he had the first working vacuum.
Step 6: Do not rush the process
This is often another overlooked step. Speed does not equal results. If you are not ready to re-apply, spend more time preparing and becoming the best applicant you can be. Remember that your career goals are not on anyones timeline but your own.
Step 7: Be confident
This last step is important not only for the application process but also for school and job interviews. This shouldn’t be confused with being cocky. Confidence in yourself means that you believe you will be able to achieve your goals. If you have confidence then your actions towards re-applying will follow that lead.