After months, or even years, of being dead set on your major and life path, you received that awful and horrifying email reading, "We regret to inform you that you have not been accepted." Your college career and future suddenly shattered and you were filled with a feeling of confusion. It is so hard to have the rug pulled right out from under your feet. Where do you go from here? Well, like the saying goes, "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Even though getting that rejection letter can be a hard pill to swallow, there is always hope.
First things first. Being rejected from your dream major says nothing about who you are as a person or your ability to succeed in the future. You are an intelligent, hard-working, and dedicated person, and it stinks that they don't get to see how brightly you can shine. This is just another opportunity to rise above and become a stronger person.
Secondly, just because you didn't get in to that major specifically does not mean you will never be able to work in that field. Find a different major with similar guidelines and classes and pursue that. Even consider a minor that will help you stand out and shine brighter within that major. Choose something that will ultimately make you happy and could possibly lead you in the same direction as your first choice major.
Third, do you research. Although your goal major may not have worked out, there could be another major that was better suited for you anyway. Not everyone believes in fate, but maybe that was its way of saying that something better was around the corner. Think about your strengths and weaknesses and toy with the idea of something better or different. You never know until you try.
It is important to remember that getting upset with yourself will only hurt you more. It can be hard to deal with a rejection, but picking up the pieces and trying to stay positive will always make you a stronger person. If you are feeling unsure of what steps to take next, see an advisor or a career counselor, and maybe they will have some ideas about where you should be.
Lastly, in my despair and mourning over not getting into my major, I have been told that most companies looking to hire you aren't so much concerned about your major, but rather your experiences. So instead of fretting over your major's title, try to find a major that is similar, but also try to get involved in clubs or organizations that give you an edge within that same field. Possibly even get a job or internship that gives you some of those experiences. Being involved and experienced can look just as good as a prestigious or well-known major.
Most importantly, don't give up on your dreams. Sometimes it's easy to forget that the road isn't always a straight shot. There are twists, turns, and detours that can sometimes lead you astray. But with a little hard work and determination, you can always find your way back. As Robert Frost wrote, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
