I got into a clinical psych program on my third try (1st attempt wasn't informed/serious, 2nd I got waitlisted with no results). The first two times after I found out I didn't get in I was devestated, of course. Adding to my misery was the fact that I didn't have any sort of backup plan. So not only was I depressed about what I would do in the future for a career, I also didn't have anything lined up for the short-term until I could apply again. This year I finally got wise and applied to a few master's programs for backup, and also knew that I could stay in my current job position as a research assistant and get some more experience.
My advice to people applying to programs this year would be to make a backup plan--see what sorts of jobs/research opportunities are available in your area, apply to a few master's programs, look into the Peace Corp--whatever. It might take a few days of your time in the fall or early spring. But if you don't get into a program--and any one reading this board around application and acceptance time knows what a arbitrary process it can be--you'll still be devestated, but at least you'll know what you'll have an idea of what to do in the short term.
