‘I got rejected from Oxford; thought the world was going to end that day’: Sara Ali Khan shares her ‘dream school’ rejection story | Lifestyle News

Getting rejected your dream school can be a soul-crushing feeling, but more often than not, the universe has much better plans in store for us. Sara Ali Khan also experienced something similar when her plans to study at the prestigious Oxford University were thwarted. Despite her initial feelings of rejection, the starlet bounced back stronger, expressing gratitude for getting into Columbia University instead. In conversation with Global Indian International School, Khan revealed the story.
“I got rejected from Oxford University, which is in England. It was my dream school to go to, and I didn’t get in. I thought that the world was going to end that day. I didn’t know what to do. I called my mother up, hysterically crying, saying, ‘Mom, I’ve been rejected from Oxford, I don’t know what to do.’ And then sure enough, the common apps came in and I got into Columbia,” said the Kedarnath actor.
“Those three years that I spent in New York, I would give an arm and a leg to do it again. I think it’s in moments like that that you realise, there’s a reason I didn’t get into Oxford, and there’s a reason I got into Columbia. And if you knew me at all, you would understand why I was much happier in New York City than I would have been in Oxford,” she added.
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Redefining rejection as redirection
Gurleen Baruah, organisational psycholog and HR consultant at That Culture Thing,  told that navigating rejection and failure can be hard, but one must recognise that rejection is basically redirection. “Persence is a mindset that allows you to show yourself, in your actions, that you are deserving of the position you want. These psychological signals to yourself can be a buffer to the unpleasant emotions that come with rejection. After multiple rejections, one is susceptible to lowering their self-esteem in the context of their professional life,” she said.
Sara spent 3 years studying in New York City (Source: Instagram/@saraalikhan95)
If you have been thwarted personally or professionally, Baruah recommended the following key strategies to grow resilience and bounce back stronger:
Seek constructive feedback
Actively seek feedback from those who have turned you down. Approach this feedback with an open mind, identifying areas for improvement and committing to personal development. Return better prepared, incorporating the insights gained.
Separate skills from identity
It’s important to remember that your worth is not defined the outcome of your efforts. Rejection does not equate to personal failure. Recognise that it often reflects a mismatch between your skills and the other’s needs at a particular moment, rather than a fundamental flaw in yourself.Story continues below this ad
Leverage your network
Connect with peers who have experienced rejection. Sharing experiences and offering support can provide solace and remind you that setbacks are a natural part of life. Knowing you’re not alone can boost morale and resilience.
Persevere and try again
Don’t succumb to self-pity or give up after setbacks. Continuously refine your skills and knowledge based on feedback, then reapply with confidence. View each rejection as a learning opportunity that contributes to your growth.

Prioritise self-care
Do not forget to prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Incorporate exercise and mindfulness practices into your routine to alleviate stress and maintain resilience.
Focus on controllable factors
Understand that not everything is within your control, despite your best efforts. Focus on aspects you can influence, such as preparation and attitude, and let go of outcomes beyond your control. Direct your energy towards actionable steps, accepting outcomes beyond your control with equanimity.