Yes and no. No one has diminished this student or any other. As I said (and you said), control what you can.
But what you cannot control is the AOs thoughts, their perception of your background, what they ate for lunch that might have made them tired or not feeling great, the time of day they read your stuff…maybe it’s end day and they’re tired. Maybe it’s opposite. Maybe they are looking for only people West of the Mississippi.
I’m not disagreeing with what you’re saying. I’m not diminishing any accepted or rejected student.
I’m saying when you have 100 great applicants for ten spots, yes it’s in large part…we won’t say lottery. How bout we say…in addition to your wonderful accomplishments…you need a little luck too.
Time to move on…everyone gets both of our points.