You've Been Rejected: Don't Fret!

You did your best, but you didn't get into any programs. It's okay! These programs are incredibly competitive and have very few spots. However, you of course did not apply just because it was so much fun to write a bunch of essays outlining your future or because you loved having to fill out sheet after sheet of paperwork - you wanted to learn! Here are some other options if a summer program fell through:

Work at your university. If you are able to stay near your university, see if there are any professors there that need some help in their lab. Depending on funding at your school, there may even be grants available so you are still able to make money over the summer as you help out. If not, you can likely get credit for your time.

Find a formal internship. Many summer research programs inform you if you are accepted or not early enough that you can still look for internships. These internships may be more directed in industry, and provide a different experience from summer research programs. Internships are often paid too. To find these opportunities, you can look on various career websites, go to an internship/career fair, talk to your university's Career Development offices, as well as talk to people you might know in the field you are studying.

Take classes. Summer is a great time to get classes out of the way so you can balance your semesters during the year much better. Take some harder classes so you can fully focus on them, or take fun electives that you wouldn't be able to enjoy as much during the hustle of the year.

Shadow. If you can find someone who already works in your field, see if they will let you follow their day-to-day activities. You will find out quickly if you truly have an interest in that job or not, and it can provide you with knowledge about yourself.

Volunteer. If you are at all looking at a future in clinical work, the summer provides the time to get some serious hours done. Also, it can always be nice to volunteer even if no one is telling you to, and the summer is much more open than the school year.

Work in another field. Many of us have multiple interests, and it's okay to explore those! College is the time to figure out what you really love to do, and maybe a seemingly unrelated experience will allow you to bring new insights to your field and your classes.

Relax. It is okay to take some time off and recharge for your upcoming school year (really), especially if you are early on in your degree. Life will only continue to get busier the farther you get into your field, so taking time you have now for yourself can be as important as developing your skills.