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I hear that. My thesis was due in March, but graduation isn't until June. I've got neither the interest nor the will for any of my six classes; as long as I don't fail them they will have no effect whatsoever on my near-future plans. As for this summer, during the height of grad school applications, I applied for 5-10 (I've lost track) internships for this summer. I have also been applying for jobs as I see them. None have yet to materialize, so I am looking forward to sitting around doing nothing––for the first time since this whole process began last summer.

Previous Schools: well-known large private university, consistently ranked in top 90 North American universities. Previous Degrees and GPA's: International Studies, Spanish minor, 3.93 cumulative and in major GPAs GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): V 680, Q 680, AW 5.0. Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 0, applied as a senior in undergrad. Math/Econ Background: Calculus, Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, quant-intensive intermediate Micro and Macro. Foreign Language Background: Fluent Spanish Strength of SoP: Very strong. Had many friends and professors read and provide feedback. Revised upwards of 20 times. Individual statement for each program I applied to (This was more work but I think they expect it now). Intended Field of Study in Grad School: security policy Long Term Professional Goals: Foreign Service, Intelligence, Analysis Schools Applied to & Results: ACCEPTED: University of Denver, Korbel; American University, SIS; George Washington University, Elliott School; WAITLISTED: 0 REJECTED: Columbia, SIPA (letter said I was one of the few they recommend reapply after a year or two of experience); Georgetown, SFS (no explanation... letter didn't even come from SFS); Yale, Jackson (letter was signed by some guy from the chemistry department?); Tufts, Fletcher School (generic letter with no explanation); Rangel Fellowship; and Pickering Fellowship Ultimate Decision & Why: Elliott School at GWU! Best location, best faculty, and best program. Thanks to external support, it's also the best price! Advice/Stuff I Would Have Done Differently: CALM DOWN! Yes, at the moment it SEEMS like the mistake is life-shattering, its consequences unavoidable, and your future destroyed, but in reality, it won't. Fact I did not know: Some schools accept revised essays and resumes after you submit them online. All it takes is an email or a telephone call. If you're nervous abut them knowing it was you who called, have a friend call for you. The admissions administrative staff was very nice and very understanding to me. Also, if you're thinking about applying right out of undergrad, as I did, I would probably recommend that you don't. On the one hand, most programs want you to have x amount of experience, and your not having it puts you at a disadvantage; even if you are lucky enough to get into the program, this disadvantage makes your chances for receiving funding much slimmer. On the other hand, it consumes your entire year, starting at least in the summer before you apply (researching schools and studying for the GRES). Understand that the application process is by no means over when you click submit during Christmas break (or whenever you apply). Finally, apply for as many things as you can find for which you are at least loosely qualified. I am talking jobs, internships, scholarships, fellowships, essay contests, and of course, graduate programs. It's worth the work to be able to have choices.