[D] Multiple first-author papers in top ML conferences, but still struggling to get into a PhD program. What am I missing?

**TL;DR** I come from an average family and worked hard to put myself through college, driven by my passion for research and innovation. Despite having multiple first-author papers in top ML conferences, contributing to open-source projects, and making industry impact, I'm struggling to get into a PhD program. I've been rejected by top universities and feel lost and exhausted. I'm starting to doubt myself and wonder if a strong research background is not enough without the right connections or family …

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