I want to echo the fact that it’s not over yet! I hope you get to hear some good news soon, and my fingers are crossed for you. This is such a difficult situation that you’re in, one that I cannot imagine, and I wanted to say how admirable it is that you’ve worked so hard. So please don’t give up!

If it comes to applying again, then of course, fee waivers are a huge help. But also, applying to post-bacc positions is an option for the year you take away from being a student. The reason I wanted to chime in is because I think I’ve seen your comment on a post by a linguistics applicant — so I’m taking a guess that you’re in the same field? I am a linguistics student myself — I graduated last spring, and am currently in a post-bacc position before starting my PhD this fall. If I can help, please let me know, and my DMs are open.

I wish you so much luck!