You applied and didn’t get in – what now?

Matriculation marks the end of your high school education and for some the beginning of their tertiary education journey. However, not everyone gets accepted into their chosen tertiary institution, which can be a disheartening experience. But all is not lost. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic., Rather try to remember that it’s important to stay motivated and focused on your goals. There are still several options available to you, here are some suggestions.

Re-writing Matric subjects

If your Matric results were the reason you did not get accepted into university, consider re-writing those Matric subjects to improve your chances of acceptance the following year. Improving results can increase the likelihood of being accepted, but it is not a guarantee. Other factors, such as the competitiveness of the program or the number of available spots, can also play a role. It’s important to speak with university admissions personnel to understand their specific requirements and to ensure that re-writing Matric subjects is the best course of action.

Reapply to your desired institution

If you didn’t get accepted into your desired tertiary institution, you could consider reapplying. Some institutions may have a waiting list, and if someone withdraws their acceptance, you could be offered a place. When reapplying, it’s essential to evaluate what went wrong during your initial application. Was it a lack of academic qualifications, poor grades, or a weak personal statement? Once you’ve identified the issue, you can take steps to address it. You could retake your Matric exams, focus on improving your grades, or seek advice from a guidance counsellor.

Consider alternative tertiary education options

If you didn’t get accepted into your first-choice tertiary institution, there are several other options available to you. Firstly, consider starting your degree or diploma at another institution with the goal of completing first year, then reapplying for second year at your first-choice school and transferring your credits if you get in.

Another option to consider is alternative study routes. This includes pursuing a diploma or certificate course that will still give you a qualification in your field of interest. There are several options to choose from such as technical college or distance learning courses, to name a few. A diploma or certificate course could also lead to further studies or help you develop skills and knowledge that you can use in the workplace.

TVET colleges offer a range of courses, including engineering, hospitality, tourism, and business management. By completing one year of study at a TVET, you could bide your time until you can re-apply at the tertiary education institution you had your heart set on.

Seek guidance and counselling

Speak to a guidance counsellor or a mentor who can help you evaluate your options, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and provide support throughout the application process. They can also provide information on alternative education options.

Take a gap year

Consider taking a gap year and using the time to gain work experience, travel, or volunteer. During this time, you can also consider studying through distance learning or online courses.

Don’t give up

When you take a step back, not getting accepted into tertiary education after Matric can be a disheartening experience, but it’ s important to remember that there are still several options available to you.

It’s crucial to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Don’t give up on your dreams of obtaining a tertiary education. You may face setbacks, but it’s essential to keep pushing forward.

Believe in yourself and your abilities and keep working towards your goals. With hard work, dedication, and persistence, you can achieve success!