This is a very real and heartfelt question. I hope I'm able to offer you some feedback that answers your question sufficiently AND soothes your aching heart. Here goes....

Firstly, let me assure you that Allah definitely listens and hears your duas.

"When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close.I LISTEN TO THE DUA OF EVERY SUPPLICANT WHEN HE CALLS ON ME...." Surat-al-Baqara, ayat 186 (2:186)

So, yes, He's listening to your duas. The question is, "why won't Allah give you what you want?" That's really what's vexing you,so that is what I will address.

Everyone knows of the Sunnah (or well-known practices) of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS), but a lot of times we forget that Allah also has a Sunnah, or way of doing things, that He does not deviate from.

"The Sunnah of Allah among those who lived aforetime. No change will you find in the Sunnah of Allah." Surat-al-Ahzab, ayat 62 (33:62)

"Then no change will you find in Allah's Sunnah. No turning off will you find in Allah's Sunnah." Surat-al-Fatir, ayat 43 (35:43)

Now, with regard to our duas, Allah's Sunnah is that 1) we ask Him for what we want; and then 2) we strive RELENTLESSLY in pursuit of what we want.

"Man can have nothing but what he strives for, and the fruit of his striving will soon come in sight." Surat-an-Najm,ayah 39-40 (53:39-40)

Dear brother (or sister) it is Allah Who feeds the birds, BUT HE DOES NOT PUT THE FOOD IN THEIR NESTS. No, they have to get up everyday and go looking for something to eat. Likewise, we are obliged to GO GET IT --WHATEVER IT IS WE DESIRE.

Now, yes, you said you did try. You studied. You worked hard. All of that. Still you were unsuccessful in your endeavors. Okay, listen to me now....

Thomas Edison is the man who invented the lightbulb. It is said that he FAILED in trying to make his invention work something like 1,000 times, but eventually he got it to work. When asked why he refused to give up after over 900 failed attempts to make his invention work, he said, "because I knew I only had to get it right once."

That is the kind of tenacity and determination you have to have when pursuing your goals and aspirations. The Arabic word for it is 'AZM = resolve, determination, firmness of purpose.

To put it simply, you have to try. If you fail, then try again. Then try again. Then step back, re-think and revise your strategy, AND THEN TRY AGAIN. Keep trying. Do not give up. Keep trying, striving, struggling towards your goals until you get what you want, OR UNTIL IT IS REVEALED THAT IT'S NOT MEANT FOR YOU TO HAVE WHAT YOU WANT.

The Qada of Allah is always a factor, even though I don't personally concern myself with it when I'm in pursuit of my own goals. Let me explain why.

Qada is what has been written for you in the Decree of Allah.Your money, your possessions, your good times, and your rough times, all of that has already been measured out for you. I accept that as true. But it is also true that NONE OF US KNOWS WHAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN IN THE DECREE OF ALLAH FOR US. We just don't. And I don't take failures (not even repeated failures) as some kind mystic message from Allah that He doesn't want me to have the object of my desire. I see failures as feedback from my efforts that tells me that I just used the wrong method to do whatever I'm trying to do.

That's how I see it, and it works for me. There have been many times when I've tried to get something done and I failed. Then I tried and tried and tried, and finally I succeeded. Alhamdulillah!

Allah is Al- Ghani (Rich) and Al-Kareem (Generous). He is the Ultimate Cause behind all effects in this Dunya. When we try something and it works for us, it is Allah Who made work. He granted our efforts EFFICACY. THIS IS THE TRUTH.

This world operates according to laws and principles. Once you understand the laws that govern a thing you can make that thing happen anytime you want.

For example, the three elements of fire is fuel, heat, and and oxygen. If you want fire, bring these three things together. If you want to destroy fire then take one of them away. This is law.

Likewise, success is also governed by laws. Learn them, and then use them to your advantage.

I advise you to find someone who has done what you desire to do, and then ask them exactly what they did to attain the goal. They can give you a lot of good insights that you may not even be aware of. It's possible that you're overlooking something or leaving our a necessary ingredient for success in your endeavors. At any rate, modeling successful people is an excellent way to pursue your own success. The Messenger of Allah is a model for us to follow to be successful on the Day of Judgment. You need a role model for getting into the University. Try it. It can't hurt.

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

Allah answers our duas with His Guidance, His Grace, and His Blessings.

His Guidance (al-hudaa) is His telling us what we should or shouldn't do, or sending someone to us with the knowledge we may be in need of.

His Grace (an-ni'mat) is sending us the people and things we need in our lives, and His removing of obstacles that impede our progress.

His Blessings (al-barakat) is the granting of EFFICACY to our efforts so that they bear the fruit that we desire.

Guidance, Grace, and Blessings are all different expressions of His Compassion (RAH'MAT) upon us. Never EVER give up hope for the RAH'MAT of your Lord, for As Allah is Ar-Rah'maan (Most Gracious) and Ar-Raheem (Most Merciful).

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the world's!

As'salaamu alaykum.