What happens if you don't get into graduate school on the first try? How should you go from there?

Use this as a life experience to prepare you for other things in life that won't work out on your first try. Would be great if you knew the reasons why you didn't make it this time but even if you don't, it's good to realize that life doesn't always go as planned.  So we come up with another plan.  If you really want to go to graduate school or feel it will be helpful for your career, then definitely try again, but whatever you do, be proud of what you've already accomplished and excited about the future of unknown possibilities.  With every good wish!

Debra, thanks for posting this question; it's definitely something to consider. Honestly, if you don't get into graduate school right away, don't let that sway you from pursuing your goal and being your best. I struggled with grad school applications right after finishing undergrad, and I didn't get accepted right away. However, that closed door turned into another window of opportunity much sooner than I expected, and I wound up having some amazing life experiences in my field of study. Have a back-up plan just in case you don't get accepted, and then when the final admissions decision comes in, if you don't get accepted, you can fall back onto the next best plan to help you achieve your goals. Only you know what those goals are, and it's wise to connect with others in your life (friends, parents, college profs, advisers, etc.) who can shed some light on how to help you get from point A to point B, even if it means taking a detour. You can do it!

Best of luck!
Matt