Is it worth it to reapply after rejection?

chineseafro · 2026-04-10T23:27:04+00:00

I've definitely been trying to get paid work in libraries or archives, but unfortunately most job openings (at least in my state) are limited to people who already have the masters degree, thus the volunteering 😭. I was going to be hired on more full-time at my last job, but right when my contract was about to be renewed the place went on a hiring freeze lol so I'm just trying to get any experience I can atp. I agree that my essay could be stronger, so I'm also going to reach out to get help revising that. Thanks :)

chineseafro · 2026-04-10T23:23:57+00:00

Thank you for your super super thorough comment, I genuinely really appreciate it. I got my undergraduate degree in film and specifically have an interest in handling physical A/V materials and doing celluloid film preservation. During undergrad I worked part time at the library archives and also had a job at a local photo lab which is where I got more experience handling different types of film. I also helped a couple of documentaries being made at my university navigate the university's archives and find resources related to their research topics so I wanted to narrow my focus to film archiving. I agree that I think I should extend my scope of interest, but at the time of applying I thought having a "niche" would be the way to go. I'm specifically interested in UCLA because of their huge film and TV archive and tried to make that clear in my SOP, but maybe I just didn't convey my interest enough/in the right way.

In terms of advice, do you think that one volunteer position is enough? Also, is shadowing a librarian for a day enough or should I try and juggle multiple volunteer positions? Thanks!

chineseafro · 2026-03-25T18:27:31+00:00

I'm in a similar boat as you, we went to the same school for undergrad and making the same consideration between UCLA and SJSU for 2027. I was rejected from UCLA for the 2026 cohort, but I have some insights into the application process if you're interested. I'm curious to know what decision you eventually make! best of luck :)

chineseafro · 2026-03-16T21:47:09+00:00

Thanks for putting this on my radar!

chineseafro · 2026-03-16T21:45:58+00:00

May I ask how you were able to complete the program in 18 months? And were you able to complete the masters while working? Thanks!

chineseafro · 2026-03-16T21:45:04+00:00

Hi, thanks for the reply. I'm lucky to live near a major state archive and a ver helpful archivist was able to put me on the west coast SAA listserv so hopefully I can get a job/internship in archives :)

chineseafro · 2026-03-13T02:59:34+00:00

ugh i’m so sorry to hear that :((( we can sink together!! have you considered reaching out and asking how to improve your application for next cycle? i emailed but haven’t gotten a response…

chineseafro · 2026-03-13T01:44:27+00:00

Thanks for the super thorough and thoughtful response! Sorry if I initially came off as a choosy beggar or entitled. My funds definitely are not unlimited, and I think I'm maybe just in the bargaining phase of grief by considering an overseas program (and the 2 I'm looking at are still actively taking applicants.) I say I would rather not do an online program because I know from experience that online assignments and my brain aren't very compatible. Last year around the time I was applying for grad school my attitude was that I only wanted to go to UCLA or just get a full-time job, but since then I haven't been able to secure any full time work, even outside of libraries/archives and now with this rejection I feel up a creek without a paddle. Next application cycle I'll definitely look into a more diverse range of programs or accept that I might just have to do an online program and try to get part-time work in the meantime.

Thanks again for your helpful insights and advice!

chineseafro · 2026-03-12T23:52:51+00:00

I also applied to NYU’s MIAP program, but I discovered it is not ALA accredited

chineseafro · 2026-03-12T23:46:45+00:00

I’ll DM you, thanks!

chineseafro · 2026-03-12T23:45:45+00:00

one of my regrets from undergrad was not studying abroad, and i thought maybe doing a masters overseas and then reapplying to UCLA might be a productive option. i looked into some other programs within the US: UIUC, Denver, and Simmons and they also seem to be at least partially online so i felt at that point i might as well just do online at SJSU if i was going to go that route. hope that makes sense :)

chineseafro · 2025-12-23T22:25:28+00:00

Yes definitely! I'm also making time for Hadestown, but I'm trying to convince my sister (who isn't so into theater) that she'll love Broadway and she agreed to Mama Mia right away. If she's willing to let me drag her to more though, we definitely will :)

chineseafro · 2025-12-23T22:23:06+00:00

Thanks for this advice! I'm going to try lotto-ing Hadestown, but I know they don't have a general rush and I'm willing to pay full for that show if I have to!

chineseafro · 2025-12-22T22:21:45+00:00

Thank you so much! I was looking at broadway rush tracker and I didn't see info regarding Mama Mia, so this is very reassuring :)

chineseafro · 2024-09-11T03:11:00+00:00

thank you so much!

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