do grad schools generally tell you why you were rejected?

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

I know someone who recently applied to a grad school, and was rejected. not even wait-listed. she asked someone on teh phone why she was rejected and they said they couldnt tell her, but that she could apply again in xxxxx amount of time.

Is this normal? Seems to me how do you reapply if you dont know where you were lacking in the first place to be rejected?

In the interest of protecting her privacy, school name will not be mentioned

[elkpark]

I can see why a school would not be willing to report to someone why they were rejected -- I'm sure they're concerned that anything they say to an unsuccessful applicant could be turned into grounds for a lawsuit by a sharp attorney (and people do attempt, or at least threaten, to sue schools for not getting admitted to nursing programs, undergrad or grad -- not much, but enough that every school is aware of and concerned about the possibility).

I don't have any personal knowledge in this area at all, but I wonder if she might get a more responsive answer by asking what she might do to strengthen her application and improve her chances next time. People at the school might be more willing to offer some suggestions in that direction.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with elkpark. Your friend will probably be better off if she takes the more positive approach that elkpark suggested.