What’s the best next step after not getting in?

Step one: breathe. Step two: regroup. The worst thing you can do is spiral into panic-mode applications without a strategy. Instead, take a hard look at your goals. Is your dream school non-negotiable? Then consider reapplying after a gap year or as a transfer. If you’re open to other options, there’s a whole world of incredible schools that could be an even better fit.

This is also the time for self-reflection. What could you improve? Essays, interviews, standardized tests, extracurricular depth—every detail matters. Use this as fuel, not failure.

The smartest move? Get expert eyes on your application. A consultant can pinpoint weaknesses you didn’t notice and help you build a narrative that pops off the page. Rejection might have closed one door, but trust us—there are plenty of others waiting to swing wide open. And we know exactly how to find them.