The application process has to be one of the toughest parts of grad school, but getting rejected is even worse. It can be puzzling as well, especially if you feel you did everything right. While in some cases, it might be because of you as a candidate, there are some where it was due to consequences that might have been out of your control. This is why it’s important that you understand the admission process and maybe modify your approach in order to increase your chances next time. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why grad school applications get rejected.

The School Wasn’t the Right Fit

This is one of the most common reasons why applications get rejected. All schools have a certain culture and type of candidate that they’re looking for – this is why you have to know what it is, and if you fit within their ethos.

When you apply to grad school, make sure to have a wide selection of schools on your list and then centralize your efforts. You need to have a group of schools you wish you can get into, others you feel you will get accepted in no matter what, and a few where you fit the requirements perfectly. You can then use a centralized application service that will allow you to simplify the whole application process, and use a single application and transcript request for all colleges.

Incomplete Application

You also have to make sure that you have all the documents needed when sending applications. Some may forget important test scores, letters of recommendation, or other crucial material. This will usually result in delays or rejection. Most, however, will allow you to send documents before the deadline, but you should make sure that you review your application instead and get it right the first time around.

Lack of Funding, Faculty, or Resources

You then have cases where the school in question is the problem. Certain schools or programs might get defunded, for instance, which limits the number of students that they can support. A cutback in grants might also mean that some qualified students will not be able to work with a particular faculty.

There might also be shortages in faculty in certain areas. One major example is nursing. Schools around the country are refusing students left and right, even those with prior experience and great test scores. In these cases, students have to turn to alternatives like online courses among others.

Then you have schools that simply don’t have the resources available. They might be limited in space, for instance. Only a certain number of students can fit in a single lab, and this might force some to reject qualified students. Or, they might not have enough internship spots for everybody. So, don’t assume that you didn’t get accepted simply because your application or scores were not good enough, and keep looking at your options.

These are some of the most common reasons why grad school applications are rejected. Whatever happens, make sure that you know exactly the reason why, and keep an open mind until you can find a solution.