Plan on not being accepted anywhere, then quit your job (or file the requisite paperwork to leave your job) on the assumption your going to school somewhere next year. For fun, agonize over your pending applications until you drive yourself to alcoholism (read this post). Then continue with day-to-day life, because once you send in an ap, its out of your hands and stressing them serves no functional purpose in life. For better or worse, you will eventually wind up where you're supposed to be, even if you don't think thats the case.
BTW, I know its hard to see, but if all you're concerned about is a few months of your entire life having gone down the drain, wait until you begin vewing consecutive years that way! And then wait a little longer until you begin to notice the benefits of whatever experience you gained during those few wasted months further down the road.
