jerimiah-
I applied last year to 8 or 10 Phd programs in philosophy. Best offer I got was an unfunded MA at UC Boulder. I decided to stay in undergrad for another year and double-major (in classics), and I applied for philosophy programs again this year. I applied to a couple of PhD programs I really liked (Arizona, UI Chicago), and some that were close (OSU, IU Bloomington), but I put most of my focus on MA programs. I applied to 6, and I got into 5. I'm still waiting on Northern Illinois. I got full funding at 4, and turned down another before I heard back, and I also got a fellowship at one.
The point is that applying a second time can pay off. It might suck to apply again next year for MA's, and then have to apply again for PhD's the follow year. But its a safer bet, and will put you in a better position for PhDs in the future. It'll also give you more time to build experience and make new contacts, maybe get some conferences or publications on your CV. If nothing else, you'll also see how other departments operate, which can be an eye-opener.
That being said, I had to spent a lot of time debating whether i was going to try again at all. The field is already so competitive that I wondered what my job chances would be if I couldn't even make it into a program in the first place. This is not to say that you should give up, but it does mean that its something that needs to be considered.
In response to tofunoodle's post, I would say that taking the GRE again might be a good idea. I'm planning on studying for it this summer before I go to my MA. tofunoodle is right that it shouldn't make a big difference if you're past the cut-off point. Unfortunately, it gets to the point where every little bit matters, including GRE scores. From what I've heard, writing sample is most important, followed by letters of rec, then statement of purpose and transcript, then GRE score. But if you're competing for a spot with someone who's comparable in these areas, the GRE score can be make-or-break.
Hope that helps. I've been in your position, and it sucks. Hope things work out for you.
