Hi everyone, I was just rejected from my top choice, and I was wondering what other people think are the best ways to improve one's application for future years. Has anyone had success with this or heard what worked for others? E.g. getting a Master's degree, trying to get publications in medium-tier journals of the discipline, working with a well-known professor and getting a letter of recommendation. Of course I know if there's a specific quantitative issue, such as low test scores, then that should be a focus.