Grad school in general, but particularly Doctorate programs can seem incredibly daunting. It's bad enough that the next 5-6 years of your career are in the balance, but you're also competing against HUNDREDS of other equally if not more so qualified applicants for a handful of spots.

Anxious yet? If you are, then stop reading, it just gets worse.

If you've submitted your application already then you can commiserate with the gauntlet that is crafting a cogent statement of purpose (SoP) or a personal statement, cashing in your clout and networking skills for letters of recommendation, and struggling with the fact that you're gambling on your CV and accolades pushing you through the initial wave of applicants that are weeded to solicit enough notice that your other materials are given consideration.

At this point, many of us have been rejected (me), accepted (not me), waitlisted, or maybe still in the dark while a program finishes their review process (also me).

If you've been accepted - congratulations!

If you've been waitlisted - best of luck!

If you're in the dark - reach out as respectfully as possible in regards to your status.

And if you've been rejected - not only can I commiserate, but I promise not to feed you empty platitudes.

If you've been rejected from all the programs you applied to, like I have, then, by all means, allow yourself some time to wallow. It's definitely okay to be disappointed.

Done wallowing? Great. Now let's talk about where to go from here.

*I'm contractually obligated to let you know that my experience is limited to Psychology Ph.D. and PsyD programs, though there may be similarities, I entreat you to do your research and find out about the particular idiosyncracies of your particular program.

I would suggest that your first step be to reach out to the programs that rejected you and inquire after any possible feedback that they might be able to offer. This may help you identify any possible red flags on your application or poor interview habits that harmed your chances of entry into the program.

In my experience, the admissions faculty has been extremely amicable and more than willing to provide useful feedback.

According to those that have been kind enough to provide me with feedback, the only thing I'm really lacking thus far is clinical/research field experience, so it seems that I'll be dedicating the coming year to buffing that part of the resume.

Once again, the disappointment is real, and I encourage you to take some "me" time to process it but if grad school really is your goal, then our only option is getting back on the horse.