Seeking advice...this is my first time applying (clinical phd), and have had presumed rejections from 4/5 schools and 1 actual rejection from my top school - I'm limited in programs considering I'm pursuing a neuropsych concentration. I have years of specialized experienced in a lab, 4 publications and a conference symposium, a great psych GRE score (recommended since I majored in neuroscience rather than psych), and great professional and educational recommendations. I do have an average GPA and gen GRE, but my GRE scores expire this August (cool) so I will be retaking and anticipate doing much better now that I'm an "adult" and can dedicate the necessary study time. So, I do plan on improving what I can at this point.
The problem: I reached out to POIs at all schools prior to applying and received green lights from all. After my top rejection, I reached out to my POI to ask for feedback/advice for my next application, and she responded "nothing in particular to improve upon, just a very competitive year." I get it...but come on. There's a reason she picked other applicants over me - why not just tell me? Unless of course it's too much of a burden to tell each individual what their application lacked, which I also understand, but what am I supposed to do with that? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!