Jose Rizal failed to meet the age requirements when he first applied at Ateneo de Manila. The minimum age for admission was 16 years old, but Rizal was only 11 years old at the time. Another reason is Rizal was not from Manila. Since there were limited slots available, the spots have to be filled by native students from Manila first, and second priority would go to students from provinces. Lastly, Rizal was too small and frail for his age.