“Hard Work Has Gone to Waste”: Matriculant With Distinctions Rejected by Universities

• A 2024 matriculant was one of many students in the country who achieved a bachelor's pass and distinctions
• However, the girl shared that despite her outstanding achievements, she had not received acceptance letters from universities
• Some people in the comment section showed the girl love and shared what she could do in the meantime
• Life, business, and career coach Penny Holburn shared with Briefly News how the student could reframe her experience as an opportunity rather than a setback

Sometimes, the things we achieve in life don't always lead us to the outcomes we hope for. A young lady recently shared she excelled in matric with outstanding marks, only to face disappointment with tertiary institutions.

After-school disappointment

2024 Matriculant Thandokazi Dlamini shared a post on TikTok stating that even though she successfully completed her high school studies by achieving a bachelor's pass and distinctions and securing herself a bursary, no university had responded with positive news.

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She sadly wrote to app users:

"All my hard work has gone to waste."

Take a look at the TikTok post below:

Turning a setback into an opportunity

Penny Holburn, a local life, business, and career coach, explained to Briefly News that if Thandokazi was unsuccessful in applying to different institutions, she could do the following:

1. Make absolutely sure of the career she wants (talk to people in that field and job shadow them to have an idea of what the career is like).
2. Look at other possible ways to get into that career.
3. Consider if doing extra courses or getting work experience can help get her into her field of study.
4. Talk to people to see if there is a way to get into the career.
5. If none of the above work, she may need to consider another path of study.

Penny notes that things are very structured and straightforward at school. However, once we leave school, the world is a lot more complicated and less structured.

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"What we had planned for our career may not work out. This doesn't mean abandoning your career.

"It means you need to talk to other people, think out of the box, and realise that sometimes, this may not be the right path for you, or you need to consider a way around the obstacles, which is teaching us how life is once we are adults."

What to do if universities reject you

The accredited college Skills Academy shared tips on what people can do if they don't receive a positive response from the institutions to which they applied.

1. Deal with your feelings

• Allow yourself to feel.
• Don't take it personally.
• Reach out to your support system.

2. Resort to Plan B

• Look at other universities.
• Attend a local college.
• Take a gap year.
• Apply the following year.

Mzansi supports matriculant

Many people online showed Thandokazi love and support while sharing that they faced similar challenges.

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@user779247556324 said to the girl:

"Don't give up. Try late applications, and don't limit yourself. Try to apply to as many universities as you can."

@user5147159878191 sadly shared:

"I'm on a waiting list."

@faith_ntshane stated in the comments:

"Sometimes rejection is redirection. Be patient. You will see it will all be worth it."

@karabodineo2 reassured Thandokazi:

"Just because it didn't happen this year doesn't mean it will never happen."

@madamsuccess12 shared their story:

"I waited for four years, my love. Now, I'm a final-year student. Have faith, keep applying, and also consider colleges."

@yurandanrose suggested in the comment section:

"Try UNISA, my sis. Maybe you will see the light. Best wishes."

3 Other stories about distinctions

• Reddford House's Class of 2024 scored 223 subject distinctions across its three campuses. The private school is based in Johannesburg.
• A Gauteng top achiever obtained 15 distinctions, explaining to Briefly News how it was possible. The student plans to study applied mathematics at Harvard University.
• One determined matriculant inspired thousands after sharing her journey from average Grade 11 results to achieving seven distinctions in matric.

Source: Briefly News