What if You Don't Get In?

• Apply earlier (avoid the last six weeks before the deadline).

• Apply to more schools (six is usually
  considered a prudent minimum; two safe schools, two probably/maybe schools, two reach schools).

• Apply to more safe schools (even 4.0 students can and do get rejected).

• Visit and wow 'em

• Go to summer school in the targeted subject and wow 'em (it's easy to get into summer school, even at Harvard).

• Take one class at a time in the targeted subject and wow 'em (remember: your most recent grades count the most).

• Get volunteer or internship experiences in the targeted field (even part-time, even unpaid).

• Work in a "real job" in the targeted field (there's no substitute for actual experience, and recommendations from supervisors in the profession).

• Get an intermediate degree (such as a master's or even just a credential).

• Get older and try again (many times, that's all it takes).

• Don't forget that the best time to apply is early in the fall to start graduate school the following fall, so be sure to plan ahead!

• Don Asher's Law: Thou shalt not write, nor call, nor visit any graduate faculty member without having read some of his or her works first.