No is a Word on Your Path to Yes!

Photo Credit: UPEI Photography Dept.

So you didn't get the kind of letter you'd hoped for from your dream school. It's OK! This can be a time of reflection and ramping up your application for next year. As an admissions officer, one of the first questions I get asked from applicants who have not received admission to our education program is "What can I do to improve my chances for next year?" This is a very important question and one that is not always easy to ask.

Applicants who are not successful in gaining a seat in their first-choice program often go through a mourning process. It is a loss, and it is normal to feel this way. It is also something that needs to be addressed delicately and properly by admissions professionals. It is a good idea to contact the admissions department to discuss what you can do to strengthen your application and give you a greater chance of success. Remember that the pool of applicants changes from year to year, so re-submitting the same application is not recommended.

Things that can strengthen an application for an education program include more connections and experiences with: children/youth in a variety of contexts; leadership; diversity of any kind; and technology to name a few. Acquaint yourself with what the profession looks like and how it works behind the scenes. Showing a strong interest in your future profession will help you in the long run.

If you’d like to learn more about how to make successful application decisions, contact me at jbross@upei.ca.