Although my first season of PhD applications fell flat, the experience offered plenty of feedback from potential faculty advisors. I learned where my strengthens and weaknesses lie — and how to fix the weaknesses for a better outcome in 2021. I admittedly attempted to send out a uniform application packet, which ultimately squashed plans to attend a PhD program in Fall 2020. However, this result allowed me more time to teach, accept a third adjunct position, and let my children finish out their schooling at their own levels. Given that next fall one will go to college, one will go to high school, and one will go to middle school, it seems much more appropriate to aim for a Fall 2021 entrance.