I applied to 7 schools. But my research interests are VERY specific, and at some of the schools that I was interested in, the POI wasn't accepting anyone. Also, applications were ridiculously expensive. For that reason alone, if I don't get in this go round, I'll just do a masters in my hometown, where I have a good job, and my fiance has one too. Due to some crappy circumstances this morning, I almost decided not to come to my interview today (2/2, got 4 rejections and 1 waitlist). I know that the fit here isn't right... so I'm going to struggle more in my interviews than I did at my other school. As I was on the plane I cried because I know that I should take care of the responsibilities (debts, mostly), instead of chasing my dream. :-(