Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Sara Ali Khan Shares Story of Oxford Rejection and Columbia Acceptance
Sara Ali Khan, a famous actor, once shared a story about her college application experience.
She really wanted to go to Oxford University in England, which was her dream school.
When she didn't get accepted, she felt like her world was ending and cried a lot.
However, soon after, she got accepted into Columbia University in New York City.
She realized that she was much happier studying in New York for three years than she might have been at Oxford.
Sara feels that sometimes when things don't work out, it's because something better is meant for you.
She learned that rejection can actually be a good thing, pushing you in a new direction towards something that is a better fit for you.
Sara Ali Khan shared her experience of being rejected by her dream school, Oxford University.
She felt devastated by the rejection and called her mother while crying.
Following the rejection, she was accepted into Columbia University.
Khan expressed that her three years studying in New York City were incredibly valuable and enjoyable.
She views rejection as a form of redirection, leading to better-suited opportunities.
- Who
- Sara Ali Khan, an actor
- What
- Shared her experience of being rejected by Oxford University and subsequently accepted into Columbia University.
- When
- During a conversation with Global Indian International School.
- Where
- New York City (for Columbia University studies).
- Why
- To illustrate that rejection can be a redirection and to share her personal growth journey.
- Actor
- Sara Ali Khan
- Rejected University
- Oxford University
- Accepted University
- Columbia University
- Location of Columbia
- New York City
- Duration of Study in NYC
- Three years