Legend has it that long ago, there was a university jokingly called by international students "the second hometown of Chinese people," with an offer rate as high as 50% during admissions season?!
Yet in the 22 Fall application season, this university actually rejected a Peking University student's graduate application in seconds! It is not some "other university," but the University of Manchester, one of the elite "Wang Ai Man Hua" group (King's College London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Warwick).
Previously, a screenshot of an email sparked heated discussion among (prospective) international students on various social media platforms. It was a rejection letter for the MSc International Business Management application at the University of Manchester, posted by a Peking University student.
The last sentence in the screenshot clearly states: We normally require applicants to have a 90% GPA from Peking University (We normally require a GPA of 90% or above from Peking University applicants).
After seeing this rejection, it's hard not to say: Has the University of Manchester gotten too proud, or have the students of "Yuanmingyuan Vocational College" (a self-deprecating nickname for Peking University) lost their edge?
"Diverse" Rejection Reasons from UK Universities
Although this rejection from the University of Manchester seems a bit outrageous, like British gentlemen, UK university rejections, while puzzling, also carry a hint of coldness and arrogance.
Cold Style – No Means No
Insufficient GPA
Unfortunately, your application for this course was not successful at this time, the reason is that unfortunately your qualification grades do not meet the university minimum entry requirements.
Your GPA does not meet my threshold
Mismatched Academic Background
Unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful because your previous qualification subject area is not sufficiently relevant for this programme.
Your academic background does not match my requirements
GPA, standardized test scores, language scores, academic background, prerequisite courses—these are the hard criteria for graduate applications.
If you don't meet the standards, you basically cannot pass the initial screening. Unless you have an extremely solid soft background, you will only receive a cold rejection letter from the admissions officer.
Arrogant Style – Not Outstanding Enough? Not Accepted
Academic Ability Not Recognized
I am afraid your academic qualifications are not at an appropriate level for entry onto the programme you have chosen.
Your academic qualifications don't match my prestige
Undergraduate Institution Not Recognized
Your undergraduate degree was obtained from an institution which is not approved for admission to the University of Glasgow.
I don't recognize your undergraduate institution
Unlike the US and Canada, UK universities place great importance on the undergraduate institution of master's applicants, and are particularly strict about students from mainland China.
They favor top students from 985 and 211 universities, and also refer to the Netbig ranking or use their own internal lists to select the best candidates from non-prestigious universities.
And for students not on the school lists, sorry, even if you are a "hexagonal warrior" (well-rounded), you won't win their favor.
Absurd Style – If You Don't Understand, That's the Point
Computer Malfunction
Because our computer is malfunctioning...so you have not been accepted.
Our computer malfunctioned, so you were not accepted
Motivational Rejection
We have come to the conclusion from past experience that it is not important which university the student enters. What matters is his growth in future studies.
Where you study doesn't matter; what matters is looking forward and personal growth
Just How Competitive Are UK Master's Programs This Year...
UK master's programs have always been controversial due to the one-year system, but times have changed. The endless "fancy" rejections show how fierce the competition is. Applicants are either caught up in the rat race or on their way to being caught up.
The Extremely Competitive G5
The G5 maintain their consistently high thresholds, "twisting themselves into knots" with competitiveness. Even when facing applicants from top 985 universities with 90+ GPAs and high standardized scores, LSE and IC show little interest. Rejection letters are the norm, and being waitlisted is a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.
UCL, often teased as the "G5 underdog" or "G5 water school," has also been exceptionally tough this year. With a background of a top 985 university, a 90 average, three internships, and one research experience, anyone would say it's a sure thing. Yet, upon opening the email, the applicant found only a rejection letter.
The Equally Prestigious "Wang Ai Man Hua" Group
The G5 are beyond reach, and the "Wang Ai Man Hua" group is not far behind.
Taking Manchester as an example again, in the rejection letters for the Data Science (DS) program, the admissions office clearly stated that due to extremely fierce competition, only the top 3% of applicants are admitted.
Among the bottom 97%, there are many top students from elite 985 universities with averages of 85+, as well as Manchester's own undergraduates with first-class honors degrees.
Onlookers can't help but say: I've got to see what kind of superhumans Manchester actually admitted.
Manchester rejects its own students, and Warwick is even more "Versailles" (showing off by complaining). The Business Analytics (BA) program directly rejected a G5 undergraduate student who, besides having a 2:1 degree, also had five internships and two research experiences.
KCL, which used to be friendly to students from non-prestigious universities, has also entered hell mode this year. The business school's admissions policy rejects all mainland Chinese 211 applicants with averages below 85, and all non-211 students below 88, while in reality, it's hard to get an offer without a 90.
With this level of competitiveness, many applicants' expectations have been lowered repeatedly. The G5 were never a realistic dream, getting into "Wang Ai Man Hua" is like winning the lottery, and even Sheffield, Leeds, or Southampton would be fine—just having a place to study is a victory.
Why Are UK Universities So Competitive This Year...
The UK master's race is absurdly competitive this year, and everyone can't help but ask: Why is this happening?
Shift in Top Study Destination
In the "2021 National Study Abroad Report," the UK has even surpassed the US as the top study destination for Chinese students.
Among them, there were 30,845 Chinese applicants, but only 16,310 were admitted, and the overall admission rate dropped by 7.7% compared to 2020. With more monks than porridge, peace and love are hard to come by.
Weren't we all saying we'd stop studying abroad because of the pandemic?
Surge in Applicant Numbers
According to data released by UCAS, in the first round of 2022 undergraduate applications, nearly 78,000 students submitted materials. Chinese student applications, having already surged by 31% the year before, still grew by another 5%. The difficulty for graduate applications can be imagined.
At the same time, besides Chinese applicants, the number of Indian applicants is also rising sharply. It's important to realize that we are not only competing with our compatriots but also with applicants from other countries.
Raised Application Thresholds
In addition to the surge in applicant numbers, UK universities have collectively raised their application thresholds this year, with many measures specifically targeting Chinese international students.
1. Imperial College London
The Business School restricts the number of applications and adjusts personal statement requirements.
2. University College London
Applicants can submit applications for at most two programs at a time, and some programs now require GRE/GMAT scores.
3. King's College London
Application deadlines have been moved forward, basically ending in January of the year of entry.
4. University of Edinburgh
Updated the priority list for Chinese universities; students from non-prestigious universities not on the list are basically ineligible to apply.
5. University of Warwick
The WMG department raised the degree requirement for all programs from a 2:2 to a 2:1.
Multi-Country Mixed Applications Have Become Common
A few years ago, mixed applications were barely known. Students applying to US graduate schools, especially US undergraduates, rarely considered the UK and other Commonwealth countries simultaneously. This was not only because the US has world-class education and teaching resources, with countless top universities to choose from.
In the past two years, due to the pandemic and to spread risk, multi-country mixed applications have become the norm. Many students consider mixing applications across popular study destinations worldwide, and the UK has become the top choice for mixed applications, undoubtedly greatly increasing the difficulty of applying to UK universities.
How to Boost Your Competitiveness for UK Graduate Applications Amidst the Rat Race
Although it seems difficult to escape the fate of being "rolled," we can choose not to be the lazy fish washed up on the shore! Boost your competitiveness and take control!
Maintain a High GPA
As the "hard currency" for graduate applications, GPA is always the first key to open the door to your dream school. The UK pays even more attention to undergraduate grades. Without a good GPA, applying to UK master's programs will be an uphill battle.
Submit Standardized Test Scores
Although many UK programs are not very strict about standardized tests, for G5 applications or business/science/engineering programs, excellent GRE/GMAT scores can greatly demonstrate your comprehension and learning ability to admissions officers.
Enrich Your Background Experiences
Regardless of the field, internship/research experience is indispensable in the eyes of admissions officers. A strong soft background can be the icing on the cake, greatly boosting your application's competitiveness.
High-Quality Personal Statement
The personal statement can be said to be the second key to your dream school's door. As the writing reveals the person, admissions officers can see your communication skills, logical thinking, and your passion for the program from your statement. Writing a good statement is truly crucial for your application.
Apply Early, Plan Early
The complexity of the application process requires early planning and preparation to avoid unnecessary mistakes and smoothly secure an offer.
No one knows what will happen next, but every bit of effort will not be in vain. The harder you work, the luckier you get!
The 2023 application season is already here. Studying abroad may be competitive, but with careful planning and step-by-step execution, doing your best and leaving the rest to fate, we believe all students will be flooded with offers and have no regrets!
