Second Choice Study: What If You're Not Admitted?

Not being admitted to your first choice is disappointing. However, there are options. In this article, you'll learn what you can do.

Options

**Second Choice** — Go for your number 2. Many people are happy with that. A second choice is not necessarily worse; it's just different.

**Gap Year** — Take a year to work, travel, or prepare. Try again next year. Sometimes a gap year helps you become sharper.

**Prepare and Try Again** — For competitive programs: prepare better. Take courses, brush up, practice. Try again next year.

**Different Path** — Perhaps another program or route suits you better. Take a career assessment test to see if there are alternatives you hadn't considered.

[Discover Your Direction](/test)

Emotionally Processing

Disappointment is normal. Give yourself time to process it. Talk about it with parents or friends. After that, choose your next step. Don't dwell on "what ifs."

Practical Steps

1. Check your second and third choices — Are they still available?

2. Decide: second choice or gap year?

3. If gap year: plan what you will do. Work, travel, prepare.

4. If trying again: plan your preparation.

[Start the Study Choice Test](/test)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a second choice really worse?

No. Many people find that their second choice is a better fit. A first choice is often based on image or expectations; a second choice can be more intentional. Give it a chance.

What if I am not admitted for multiple years?

Consider an alternative route. Another program that leads to the same goal. Or a different direction that suits you better. A career assessment test can help explore options.