system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
just got rejected again from a PhD program

Sorry I just need to rant.


>Dear (u/rigtm),

>Many thanks again for your application for the PhD we advertised. It was really nice to meet you at interview. We were all really impressed with your application, your research experience and productivity to date, and your thoughtful answers at interview.

>We interviewed five excellent candidates, who were selected from over 50 applications for the PhD. I’m sorry to say we have selected a different applicant for the PhD, who had some highly relevant experience and expertise, and novel thoughts on how to develop the project.  
 
>I hope you find an alternative PhD soon.

>Sincerely,
>xxxx

Being in the top 5 doesn't matter; there's no consolation prize. How the hell am I supposed to be the top ONE when there are so many excellent candidates applying for one spot? 

First I'm expected to have really high grades. ALSO work experience. ALSO publications. Apparently I need to give innovative answers too even before I start on the project. If I have all of these, then what the hell is the training/degree for other than just a formality???

Well, this fucking blows and I'm going to be sulking for a few days and do this all over again.

Rant over.
gpt
Your rant is very nice, but we have received many fine rants here today. While your rant is in the top two rants of the rants we are considering, your rant did not rise to the level of rant magic that we expected. Other rants were more whiny and pathetic than yours, so unfortunately, we must reject your rant. Good luck with future rejections, we hope they inspire better rants.   


*\[ps. this is satire meant to lift your spirits, keep your chin up and don't let the failures define you. Everyone gets rejected, it's all about persistence!\]*