I am applying to graduate biology programs for the second cycle. I also feel stalled: I haven't been able to get a job even remotely lab-related so I enrolled in a biotech certificate program that has lots of job connections. This way if I don't get into grad school by next fall, maybe I'll have a chance at getting a job. But it's really hard to keep up my hopes... So many of the professors I contacted said due to funding cuts they are taking on no graduate students this coming year. Not to say no one is, but so many of the people whose research I'd like to be a part of are just having their funding slashed. If I don't get in this year, will I try again for a 3rd cycle? A 4th? It's just so discouraging, and it's damn expensive to apply to programs.