Update on Graduate Schools

I just wanted to update everybody on my status with graduate schools. I found out today that I did not get into Columbia, which I was not surprised by seeing as I was never even asked for an interview. Using that logic I am guessing I did not get into Emory or Georgetown. I did get into Uconn PhD program in Biomedical sciences. That is exciting - at least I have somewhere to go to next year, although it is far from ideal. Today I emailed University of Maryland to determine when I would hear from them. The lady I emailed, who originally emailed me a while back asking for an interview, stated that if I had not heard from the program director that meant I was no longer considered for the program but that she thought my application was very good (like that is any consolation to me now). I am a little angry because they stated that they wanted an interview with me but when I asked for a phone interview, they said that the program director would contact me if I needed one. So does this mean that because I am in South Africa I am not being considered? Do they realize that I am in South Africa solely for an internship? I am broadening my cultural and research horizons, is that not important? I am pretty disappointed right now because it looks as if I am going to UConn next year. People say that you should not go to the same place for graduate school that you went to for undergraduate. Plus I really want to get out of UConn, even though I would not be at Storrs but at the Health Center campus. I know that with John Hopkins, I am 'on hold' and will find out at the end of this month/beginning of April but I highly doubt that I will be getting in there. It is the number one school of public health. Why would they want me if University of Maryland, Columbia, NIH, Emory and Georgetown do not want me? I could always take a year off but to do what? I do not regret coming to South Africa because I have had the most amazing time here and this experience has changed my life but I really wish that it, along with my bloody GRE scores, did not put me at such a disadvantage.