10 Things You To Do If You Don’t Get Accepted Into A University
10 Things You To Do If You Don’t Get Accepted Into A University. There’s nothing worse than receiving a rejection letter from the college of your dreams, or walking away from an opportunity because you could not afford it. Having noted that though, not being accepted into university is not the end of the world. The following tips will help you make sound decisions towards a brighter future.
1. Reapply
There’s nothing to stop you applying for university again next year, whether for the same course at the same institution or for something completely different. Just make sure you update it to include anything that has changed since your last application.
2. Apply For Financial Assistance
If you can’t afford to go to university because of financial limitations, you can apply for bursaries or study loans from government entities such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or approach a commercial bank. You will need someone, such as a parent or guardian, who is employed and has a sound credit history to stand surety for you.
3. Do A Matric Repeat
There are a number of reputable institutions that will assist you to repeat your Grade 12. Repeating your Matric year may seem embarrassing if all your friends have gone on to tertiary education, but it will be well worth it in the end. This time, if you work really hard, you are almost certain to get better marks because you are already familiar with the subject matter.
4. Take Up A Bridging Course
You probably didn’t get accepted in the university of your choice because of your poor marks. Do not despair though, you can always dust yourself and do better. Consider taking up a bridging course to make up for poor matric marks. Some universities offer bridging courses to candidates who have marginally missed the qualifying criteria.
5. Do A Learnership
A learnership is a structured learning process for gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the workplace, leading to a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Entry requirements vary from none to Grade 12 and you will be paid a stipend.
6. Try FET Colleges
If you weren’t accepted into university, the next obvious choice would be to get a diploma at an FET (Further Education and Training) college. The main advantage of getting a diploma at an FET college is the hands-on training that you get in the subject you decide to study. You can always choose to upgrade your diploma to a degree at a later stage.
7. Get Some Work Experience
If you have a good work ethic and the will to succeed, get out there and start working. You may find that as you work your way up, the opportunity to study again will present itself to you. If you’re a student over a certain age with a solid history of work experience, institutions are likely to accept you as a “mature student”.
8. Do An Internship
Intern or job shadow at various companies in different fields so you know exactly what you want to study. You don’t want to regret choosing the wrong subjects halfway through the year. Look out for these types of opportunities in your local or national newspaper, on career portals or on the websites of companies that you might be interested in joining.
9. Take A Gap Year
If you’re still unsure of what to do or burnt out from your studies, consider spending the year finding out enough information on what you would like to do researching different options before deciding on a course of action. This is not just time to spend playing video games or sleeping late. Have a structured plan.
10. Feed Your Mind
Do not sit at home and waste your time watching TV or going out and drinking alcohol with friends. Keep your mind occupied by reading books by people who inspire you, or those in the filed you want to study. The next thing you know it, you will be wise enough to make a sound decision.
