In my final year of master’s degree studies, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as I submitted my PhD applications. The possibility of diving into research, contributing to my field, and pursuing my academic dreams kept me motivated. Unfortunately, I experienced rejection, an outcome that humbled me. This difficult moment, however, ultimately became a turning point in my journey.
Fast forward a year, and I found myself reapplying with new insight, a stronger application, and a fresh perspective. That second cycle led to success. The gap between those two cycles wasn’t just about improving my CV or test scores: It was also about learning the deeper lessons that come from resilience, reflection, and refining my goals. I now have some key takeaways from my experience that I can share.
Researching the Right Fit Matters More Than You Think
In my first round of applications, I cast a wide net, applying to a range of programs without focusing enough on the specific strengths and research areas of each institution. I quickly learned that getting into a PhD program isn’t just about your academic credentials: You also need to align your interests with the research lab/department’s expertise. During the second cycle, I spent much more time researching departments, reading recent papers from potential supervisors, and thinking critically about how my research goals fit into their ongoing projects.
This shift in mindset helped me target programs that better matched my interests, making my applications more compelling. My goal evolved from just being a good candidate to being the right candidate for the right program.
Feedback Is a Lifeline
After receiving rejections, I could have felt deflated and uncertain about what I had done wrong. However, one of the most important things I did after applying the first time was to seek feedback from faculty members, mentors, and peers. I knew that not all schools would provide direct feedback on my applications, so I reached out to former professors and asked for their honest opinions on how I could improve.
That feedback was invaluable. I realized that while I benefited from a strong academic background, I could learn to articulate my research interests and potential contributions more effectively. The advice I received helped me refine my personal statement by making it more focused and forward-thinking, which played a significant role in my success the second time around.
Persistence Pays Off
Learning to persist became my most important lesson throughout this process. Reapplying for a PhD can feel like a daunting task when you face the possibility of another rejection and the tasks of rewriting personal statements and updating CVs, but it’s worth it. Between the two application cycles, I gained more research experiences, presented at a conference, and connected with potential advisers who could vouch for my work. This extra year also allowed me to reflect on what I really wanted from a PhD program and on why pursuing this path mattered to me.
Persistence means more than just trying again; it also means growing between those attempts. By staying committed to my goals, I could apply with more confidence, clarity, and experience the second time.
You’re More Than the Application
You can easily fall into the trap of tying your self-worth to the outcome of your applications, but rejections don’t define your ability or potential as a researcher. Admissions committees have limited spaces, and a rejection may simply mean that your profile wasn’t the right fit that year, not that you don’t belong in academia.
During my gap year, I focused on building my skills and deepening my passion for research, which ultimately made me a better candidate. More than that, this extra time helped me see my value beyond the formal metrics of an application. Crucially, shifting my mindset helped me maintain my motivation and belief in myself.
I found the process of applying for a PhD to be intense and often emotional. This fraught experience, however, taught me lessons that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I became more strategic, persistent, and reflective about what I wanted from my academic journey. If you find yourself in a similar position (facing rejections or considering a second attempt), remember that setbacks do not mark the end of your journey. They simply represent opportunities to refine your approach and to grow.
Every application cycle brings new insights, and sometimes, it takes that second round to make you a stronger candidate. So, don’t be afraid to apply again, because the lessons you learn along the way often become as valuable as the outcome itself.
Swati Rajwal is a computer science PhD candidate at Emory University who specializes in natural language processing and AI for health care. Her work explores how large language models can improve clinical understanding and patient-centered outcomes. She has conducted research at the University of Cambridge and Boston Children’s Hospital and is actively involved in AI leadership and mentorship initiatives. Learn more about Swati here.
This article was originally published in AWIS Magazine. Join AWIS to access the full issue of AWIS Magazine and more member benefits.