lovedatresearch23

For those wanting to know about U of M Ann Arbor, saw on the results page that someone called and all interview invites have been sent out. 

@lovedatresearch23 I think getting more research experience sounds like a really good plan! Not only will it help you as an applicant the next time around, but it may also help you figure out exactly what type of research you really want to pursue at the PhD level which can help you in figuring out what programs may be the best fit for you. From my experience (in biology - ecology and evolution) you might still be able to apply to master's programs if you would be open to trying to get into a master's with funding like you say. I know some programs at smaller universities, especially master's programs, don't have deadlines until Feb. 15th and some have deadlines in March. Not sure how many of these exist with funding in your field but they could be an option. Another option could be finding a website online that lists openings for research assistant jobs in peoples labs (like it sounds like you are wanting to try and get). I know there are websites that advertise for research assistant jobs in biology so that might be a resource in your field and wouldn't require you to pick a city and only apply to that city - if there is a website like this you can look at what positions jump out to you and then move to wherever the position is.
I just want to mention that I went into a master's program (funded) before I decided to apply for PhD programs because I wasn't sure if that was the step I wanted to take and knew having a master's would help me whether or not I decided to go onto a PhD or not. Getting my master's showed me that a PhD was what I wanted to do and it allowed me to really figure out what kind of research really appealed to me. If I had gone into a PhD program instead of my master's I may have chosen a program that wasn't a super great fit because I didn't know what research I wanted to do yet. Getting a master's before a PhD isn't always the right choice for every person but it definitely can be.
On one last note I hope that this application cycle doesn't end up being a bust for you, but if not I'm glad you are up for persevering and trying again! Your plan of action if everything falls through is very proactive and seems like a good plan. If my cycle doesn't go as planned I have no plan so good for you in thinking ahead!

I haven't heard anything yet and I've talked to 1 or 2 other people who haven't heard anything about official interviews yet either, so hoping they haven't sent any out yet.

I haven't heard anything yet and I've talked to 1 or 2 other people who haven't heard anything about official interviews yet either, so hoping they haven't sent any out yet.

I havent heard anything. I thoughts maybe since their deadline was a little later they may be extending interviews a little later too.