Dealing with rejection from your dream university

University admission tests are around the corner, and all of us have our heart set on a particular university, along with our parents who sometimes get even more anxious than we do. Most of the students of our country dream of making into public universities. Considering the colossal number of students that are going to compete for the somewhat few seats available, it is like a life-and-death moment for the students and their families. Hereby, a rejection can be life-shattering.

Life doesn't end here, however. Even though your university plays a crucial role to some extent, it does not always warrant success in later life. Hence, here's how to cope if you don't make it to your dream institution.

FACE THE REALITY

As already mentioned before, if you compare the number of seats in public universities with the number of students sitting for the admission exams, it will be the same as comparing the area of Bangladesh with the area of Russia. You might have strained every nerve in order to secure a spot, but even statistically you have a small probability of getting in. At this point, you have to think rationally. The fact that you were unable to make it doesn't reflect how smart you are. The pressure is barometer-spilling, sometimes making us perform even worse. Even the best students get rejected from public universities; you have seen it with your cousins or friends who've applied before. People can get rejected even because of a 0.5 score less than the other. Harsh, but that's the truth.

CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS

Many of us who get rejected from public universities immediately opt to private universities, but there are some who fear that they will not get decent jobs or paid well with a private university certificate. However, it depends on how you well you performed in your university and job interview. A good CGPA, involvement in different competitions, and some work experience are required. While you're still studying undergrad, you can get a part-time job or do some freelancing to reinforce your résumé. Sometimes, work experience is preferred over CGPA. Then again, there are many who are not able to afford private universities or still do not want to get admitted into private universities. They have the option to apply for the university colleges that are affiliated with the public universities. Just because they are university colleges, do not wince at their names. They are hard to get in too.

KEEP IT OFF SOCIAL MEDIA

When you post statuses regarding your university admissions on social media, that will only remind your relatives and friends to repetitively ask you if you got in. "Why did you not get in?" "What are you going to do now?" and then there are always aunties who are going to say "Biye ta diyei den tahole" to your Mom. Even though relatives do not require a social media status to remind them that you are trying out for the admissions, it is always a good idea to keep these off-public. It can save you from a lot of heartbreak.

Zarin Rayhana likes to spend her time by pondering over alternative theories about the universe instead of studying for school. Send her your theories at facebook.com/zarinrayhana.n