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<p>This is true. It is generally a bad idea to only apply to a single program - even for a top, top applicant.</p>
<p>randomname…a little off the subject…I’m just personally curious…I always assumed that if you you were recommended by the dept, you were all but certain to be accepted by the faculty of grad studies(or grad college). Do you ever know of a circumstance where somebody recommended by the dept wasn’t accepted?</p>
<p>As for appealing a decision…if somebody ever did this sucessfully, it would be one for the record books. It would be an interesing case that I would read just out of the strangeness of it. To my knowledge, it never happens. </p>
<p>I’ve applied to a single grad school twice and been admitted the second time after being rejected the first time. My circumstances changed radically though.</p>
<p>I actually heard rumors about successful appealing (Prof. Randolph Pausch). And the recommender was phenomenal in the field.</p>
<p>Rejected from Ohio State? Consider that a blessing.</p>
<p>since myself took GRE multiple times… just thought to let the OP know: the schools will see all your GRE scores and the time you took each one, so don’t think retaking GRE can “erase” the bad scores, </p>
<p>cosmicfish’s suggestion about getting publication is a bit unrealistic, there is no way to get started on a project now and get a paper out in such short time (you should’ve done this 2 years ago). My suggestion is to retake GRE and then try to butter up some professors and get better LoRs. Grad school admission office looks at your credentials over the past 4 years, somethings just can’t be changed.</p>
<p>My comment on research was based on the assumption that he has 8-20 months before applying again - 8 months is enough to get some research and a LOR, 20 months is enough to get a publication as a 2nd author. While GRE’s will help, GPA is pretty much fixed at this point, and quality LOR’s need a solid connection. Talk to your department to see if there are any opportunities - you might be surprised. </p>
<p>I had no research until June of my junior year, 6 months later I had two solid LOR’s from the research I did over the summer/early fall even though it was published only within the school. A few of my interviews even asked me questions about it. Professors want to know that you have some preparation for research, and the more you can show, the better.</p>