The unfortunately common email line “We regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you an invitation to progress to the interviews,” has flooded plenty of students’ inboxes as the spring 2026 recruitment season for campus orgs ends. From spirit orgs to business frats, university organizations are ruthlessly competitive. Excessive rejections often discourage students, and many feel as though they will not have a college social life or a prosperous future career.
The reality is that these organizations can be beneficial, but not essential. Students can still go to social events, volunteer, network and build a portfolio without being bound to a top campus student organization.
“Roughly, I’ve been rejected from orgs about 10 (or more) different times,” said Margaret Cartee, management information systems sophomore. “I took it pretty hard when I initially got those rejections. … Even though it sucks to get rejected, in the end, everything has worked out for me.”
Rejection from multiple orgs often feels like a personal failure as opposed to a competitive numbers game. Org applications can affect a students’ self-worth and can feel like a reflection of poor character or potential, even though what it really reflects is limited spots and high demand.
“We weave (needing to be in an org) throughout our messaging. Students are getting that from orientation … They’re probably hearing that from their peers,” said Marialena Rivera, assistant professor of instruction in communications, the introductory course all Moody students are required to take. “(But) not every student necessarily needs to get involved right away, and not every student needs to do a competitive organization.”
Beyond orgs, students have access to plenty of resources such as career centers, expos and mentorships. Classes present networking opportunities through group projects and guest speakers, and portfolios can be built through class assignments and personal projects. These alternatives to competitive student orgs allow students to experience social and professional growth without depending on subjective acceptances.
However, competitive orgs still have many benefits. Social groups like spirit orgs provide built-in communities and make it easier to find friends, while elite professional orgs offer hands-on experience and alumni networks. For many students, orgs like these help with meeting people and accessing exclusive opportunities. It’s easy to feel dejected because orgs are so prevalent on UT’s campus, but while other university resources aren’t marketed as much, they can provide similar opportunities.
“There are plenty of opportunities on campus, for sure, that are less competitive,” Cartee said. “You have to be really proactive about finding that for yourself if you’re not going to find those resources through an org.”
I’ve experienced both sides of this reality. As a member of The Daily Texan and BurntXOrange, I know how organizations can provide mentorship and published work, especially in a creative field like journalism. At the same time, I’ve been rejected from plenty of both social and professional orgs.
In my experience with journalism classes, plenty have had hands-on experience providing work to add to your portfolio. Professors also have invited guest speakers that students can network with regardless of being in exclusive organizations. For me personally, though I’m not in a social org and didn’t actually join a professional org until second semester of freshman year, I met most of my close friends through orientation and classes.
Students should not feel discouraged when rejected by these competitive orgs. They may enhance the college experience, but they don’t determine its value.
Cintron is a journalism sophomore from Houston, Texas.