Too Young..Rejected from Graduate School

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Long story short, I applied to 2 graduate school for PMHNP program, got interviewed for first choice, and few weeks later... REJECTED!

I had prepared to the best of my ability for the interview, reheorificed over and over, just to find out that she only asked me 2 simple questions and was done with the interview. When I was given an opportunity to ask any questions, I asked what advice could she give me as someone pursuing the program?... Her reply was that I was still young and have more experience to go in my career. I was bothered by the response of "being young" but I didn't allow it to get to me as I saw that "being young" could be a good thing sometimes, who knows. Anyways, got my letter few days ago, REJECTED. I was numb initially, but its started to bother me. I rarely get rejected in anything , applied to ONE nursing school during my undergrad and got accepted, but this rejection humbled me somehow.

I am waiting for my second choice, but the feeling of the unknown is making me feel uneasy. Am I overreacting?

Long story short, I applied to 2 graduate school for PMHNP program, got interviewed for first choice, and few weeks later... REJECTED!

I had prepared to the best of my ability for the interview, reheorificed over and over, just to find out that she only asked me 2 simple questions and was done with the interview. When I was given an opportunity to ask any questions, I asked what advice could she give me as someone pursuing the program?... Her reply was thatI was still young and have more experience to go in my career. I was bothered by the response of "being young" but I didn't allow it to get to me as I saw that "being young" could be a good thing sometimes, who knows. Anyways, got my letter few days ago, REJECTED. I was numb initially, but its started to bother me. I rarely get rejected in anything , applied to ONE nursing school during my undergrad and got accepted, but this rejection humbled me somehow.

I am waiting for my second choice, but the feeling of the unknown is making me feel uneasy. Am I overreacting?

In a word.....yes. You asked why you weren't selected, and were told "you have more experience to go in your career" or something similar to that. Which already tells you that it wasn't your actual age in years that was the problem, but that you were lacking in experience....as she TOLD you.

If you're not used to rejection, well......welcome to Life :) There will be rejections aplenty as you move through it; if you're lucky the successes outweigh the failures and/or rejections.

Good luck on your next endeavor!

Specializes in Neuro/ ENT.
I rarely get rejected in anything , applied to ONE nursing school during my undergrad and got accepted, but this rejection humbled me somehow.

I am waiting for my second choice, but the feeling of the unknown is making me feel uneasy. Am I overreacting?

THIS. It sounds like you are a go getter. Like you get what you want because you work hard and you earn it. However... sometimes people who are so successful have no idea what it is like to not succeed in something. And not succeeding in everything is an important experience to have in order to (like you mentioned) humble us. Worst case scenario? This is a great life experience on your way to becoming a PMHNP. You don't sound like the type of person to quit because you got one rejection. :)

Good luck with the second school!

Specializes in Mental Health Nursing.

I'm going to side with you on this one, OP. I may be a bit biased because I've been rejected for management positions and have also received the, "You're too young" BS despite my experience and my graduate degree. My advice to you is to remember that rejection is a part of life. You may not have been able to get into your first choice but you don't have to let that stop you. Regroup and apply again after you gain more experience, or just seek out another program. There is such a shortage of psychiatrists and so many underserved areas, so don't let this be a barrier, okay ;).

Get relevant experience and reapply

Interviewers expect applicant's questions to show that they have insight into the program they are applying to, asking the interviewer what advice they would give you, was not a question that demonstrated insight. The interviewer is not at the interview to give career advice, they are there to select the best candidate. Interviewers want nurses who have done their due diligence and can demonstrate that they not only meet the selection criteria, they surpass it.

Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

When I completed my initial education, some schools wanted 5yrs to get an MSN (min). Now, some schools are letting nurses with fewer in, but that depends on the applicant numbers (where they can afford to be picky). I know earlier in my career, grades were more difficult to max. The more experience, each time I took a class, they got easier and easier. I'm now doing my MSN DNP and I have no doubts I'll nail it (because I'm old as dirt now) ha, ha! It's OK. I was 23 and looked 15 when I was new, needing at least 5 solid years before I knew what was happening (I was good at my SICU specialty, just not as well rounded as I could have been, especially for advanced stuff, I suppose). Meaning more to do with work experience (but age helped as well). Military considers 1-education 2-experience and 3-age when determining promotions.

Specializes in Psychiatry.

Update!

Got accepted into my second choice ! Thanks for all your comments

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