i've decided not to feel so bad about things. any suggestions as to what i could do for a whole year. am thinking of publshing and working from home. i don't wanna go to uni if am not doing a phd! what do you think. will this look bad on my cv. am a social science student by the way.

You can always get a job related to your future PhD research, and get some experience. I don't think there is anything that will look really bad on your CV. You have a right even to do nothing! Good luck in your search!

hey sweetchic,
do you have a master's? try and do some work rather than sitting in the home...because the competition might get fierce in the next year phd

i know nothing really about social sciences but can i suggest a conversion to engineering being female i'm sure you'll get an offer even without the correct degree as i know i've had offers over male counterparts i'm sure are more intelligent than me :)
but seriously i would suggest trying to get some relevant experience even if its just doing basic stuff around the labs rather than staying at home and some places accept people all year round so you can keep applying and perhaps start after christmas and not have to wait a whole year

bic- yes i have a masters. B-thanks for the suggestion, but am so passionate about law, i don't think a conversion would give me any fulfillment in life. its an idea tho. i could learn new things. i will try to get out there. thanks for your great advice.

if you're doing law have you considered trying to get some work somewhere like the law society, i know someone who works as a researcher there so they might do something that would interest you and be relevant to your area

what about doing some tutoring during the next year. Most universities will be looking for seminar leaders/tutors. This would give you some (ok - a little) money to live on and would keep you in touch with the department. It would also demonstrate how enthusiastic you are. Use the year to develop and refine your proposal and try again nexdt year.

cont - you could also look to apply for a temporary research post in the department - this owuld look good on a future PhD application. You may also hear of other funding opps while you are working.

P.S where did you apply for funding?