How's this for a dichotomy?

[psycholinguist]

Big-Shot Professor A at Program X: 'With your grades, you should look into applying for Grant XYZ! You'd probably have a good chance at being awarded one!'

Big-Shot Professor B at Program Y: 'We're sorry, but we're rejecting you. You don't have as much theoretical background as we'd prefer, and besides, your grades aren't quite high enough.'

I'm not feeling all that bitter about Y, but still...go figure!

[riss287]

It just goes to show how fickle and subjective this whole process is.

[miratrix]

meh, better than the "we got lots of applications and decided not to accept yours" form letter...maybe?

[riss287]

I hate the "due to funding difficulties, economic," etc. because obviously they accepted SOME people, just not you.

[psycholinguist]

meh, better than the "we got lots of applications and decided not to accept yours" form letter...maybe?

This is true. The letter was personalised and fairly apologetic, which I appreciate. Then again, in light of Professor A's comments, I have no idea whether my grades really had a whole lot to do with it. Can't say.

[limeinthecoconut]

I hate the "due to funding difficulties, economic," etc. because obviously they accepted SOME people, just not you.

I totally agree. While the economy is obviously part of the reason, quit hiding behind the economy as the main reason why they rejected others.