Can You Reapply to a College?

We get it, college rejections are rough. Especially if you’ve been rejected in the Early Decision round from your top-choice college. Sometimes, we get asked if it’s possible to reapply to the same college in the Regular Decision round. 

The answer: No.

Once a college’s admissions team has made the decision not to admit you, their decision is final for the admissions cycle. A few colleges allow for an appeal, but not many. This is why you apply to multiple colleges. 

The good news is that you can apply to your top-choice college again next year. 

Our advice is to attend the best college to which you were accepted. Do well academically, in the first semester or first year, and then reapply to your top-choice college as a transfer student. 

There are several benefits to transferring. One is that you have the chance to take college level courses. If you get strong grades in those classes, you can show your top-choice college that you’re able to achieve high marks at this level. You can also join an extracurricular club or work on an independent project that you can add to your list of accomplishments when you apply as a transfer candidate.

Whatever you do, don’t waste the year pouting and fall behind. And we highly recommend that you DON’T take a gap year. A gap year will scare admissions officers when you reapply. 

Just remember, all hope is not lost because of one rejection. Don’t let it derail you. It’s a setback, but it’s not the end of the world. 

Interested in transfer advising? Contact us below to learn more about how Ivy Link advisors can boost your admissions chances.