haohaohao

I got rejected by all my top choices, nearly all applications. It was pretty hard to swallow when rejection came one by one. I was diagnosed as situational depression, and had terrible 2 weeks. Now finally I got an offer, but depression continues...! So my point is, to take care of your health and your emotions! Nothing is more important than your health. As to schools, I think you have a pretty good background! Like other suggestions, re-take GRE, re-polish the personal statement, most importantly, read more articles and attach an academic writing sample to show your research potential. What I learned from my 8-straight rejections, is that my research interest doesn't fit into each of them. It does not mean I am not good or I don't have potential. Opportunities will come around, and you never know! Keep fighting!

All my applications fail, today. Before that, I was depressed so bad that many friends recommended me to go see a doc. To be honest, the moment of to be rejected by my top & last choice, is not too bad. The waiting drained me out, but accepting what happened and making plans for future are not too hard to process. It's the answer that we need the most. It's my 3rd rejection from Harvard with 8 years' hard work. I thought I gonna die if I fail this time. But I am tougher than I thought. Good luck to everyone. Each one of you, will do better than you expect.

I got a rejection letter yesterday, I felt so sad and lonely today, didn't know who should I talk to or what I should start the conversation...then I saw this on Reddit: (it made me laugh, I hope it brings some joy in your heart too) "If you are lonely, dim all lights and put on a horror-movie. After a while it won't feel like you are alone anymore."

Awesome advice. I almost fail all applications so far, even though most of the programs showed strong interest in me before I applied and said in person that I could easily be their "top candidates". But in the end, I got not a single interview. I am highly suspicious about two of my recommendation letters...Otherwise, I really cannot explain why.

I am mentally giving up...after hear nothing about interviews (6 informal rejections) + 2 official rejections...I don't know what to do next.

I agree!!!!!! Everyday, after 4pm Chicago time, I tell myself, stop checking emails because east coast schools are off work! Friday and Monday are the most terrifying days! I got my rejection letter on a Friday early afternoon!

Yep, history of science it is! I guess the decisions of both Harvard and Princeton may come out very soon, based on the results last year....

I want to hear soon about the decision, but am also too afraid if it is a nightmare.

I love the comment above this post...

Same here! Hope my dream about getting in turns out to be real!!!!!!!!!!!! Fingers and toes crossed!!!!

I dreamed about two rejections in each year when I applied my Masters in 2011 and 2012, each time "successfully" predicted the real result! I am sorry about your rejection this week. Waiting it out is such a painful process, so I try to find ways to better prepare myself for the upcoming results...dreams, is finitely a good indicator...

First, You did an incredible work in preparing for all applications. I submitted 9 applications, I really know how much you had to work on. Not many people can be that hard-working and persistent. You must understand, you are awesome about it. Second, when I read your post, I feel one thing -- your incredible courage. People with smooth life do not show that much courage, and you are truly amazing! You are disappointed but you still know what would be bad choices. I am very proud of you, sincerely. You still have 3 out of 10 applications to look forward to! I had no interviews from 7 out of 9 applications while others got the invitation, so somewhat I feel I fail 7 chances as well. Now I put all my hope on the other 2. Before the end of everything, you would never know what will happen, friend! I am very depressed recently. Trust me, I know how you feel. Most days, I just fake the confidence to even get up because I believe "Pretending to not be afraid is as good as actually not being afraid." And it truly works. Good luck, friend. Both you and I will be fine. Sending you a virtual hug. "hey, listen. Life may not get better. YOU get better."

I am sorry...

WOW your dream sounds so real! I am sure you did not make such mistakes. But I really wonder if any of my recommenders made such mistakes and messed up my chance....

I am the opposite. I am aware of the fear of rejection day after day, but I dreamed three times about the acceptance from my top choice. It was so real...! One day, I was like burst into tears when I woke up, and thought "I'd prefer to dream about rejections so I can be more prepared when it really happens".... Still waiting for the result. Sigh...