I'm graduating this spring, and I decided to attend grad school next year only if I was accepted to my top 5 choices (Colombia, Duke, Berkeley, UPenn, WUSTL). I will apply to easier grad schools next year, but if I am denied this year I've decided to work on paying off my student debt. So, if I get denied what can I do to boost my application now that I've already graduated? I currently live near one of these unis, can I approach some professors in the department and ask to assist in research with them? Should I just try to do more internships?
Thanks a lot for any help.