If your Meta internship application still says “submitted” weeks or even months after applying, you’re definitely not alone. This status simply means that your application has been received, but it hasn’t yet moved forward in their internal review process. Meta gets thousands of internship applications each season, and their system doesn’t always update applicants about every stage unless you’re shortlisted for the next step, like a recruiter screen or interview.
Unfortunately, a “submitted” status that lingers for a long time often means your application wasn’t selected to move forward, but it also doesn’t officially count as a rejection. Meta rarely sends out rejection emails at the early application stage unless you’ve been interviewed. So unless you hear back directly from a recruiter or see your status change to “in review” or “interview,” it’s usually safe to assume that you weren’t selected this time. It can be frustrating, especially after putting time into your resume and maybe even getting a referral, but the silence doesn’t mean you did something wrong.
One thing that can help is building a connection with someone at Meta before applying next time. Referrals can definitely make a difference, but they work best when submitted before your application, not after. If you got referred after already applying, there’s a chance it might not have linked correctly to your application unless the referrer specifically flagged it to a recruiter. That said, it’s always good to get your name in front of someone who can vouch for you internally.
Also please note that for some specific teams, they may take longer to screen resumes or may prioritize university partnerships. If you don’t get in this round, don’t be discouraged. Use the time to work on personal projects, get involved in open-source, or even do internships at smaller companies. A strong resume, solid GitHub activity, or notable achievements can make your profile stand out more in the next cycle. A lot of Meta interns didn’t get in on their first try. What matters most is how you grow between attempts.
Understand where your application truly stands in Meta’s selection process and what it might mean for your next steps. Instead of waiting in the dark, explore the full landscape of Meta internships, including Facebook University, the Meta AI Residency, and the flagship Summer Internship program. Learn what each opportunity offers, who it’s for, and how you can better prepare to stand out in future cycles.