Feeling disillusioned :( Graduated from an average ranked (top100) public university as a Math major with minors in CS, DS and Econ. 3.9 GPA with a lot of rigorous math and CS courses. Had 1 year of research in ML with 1 publication in a top ML conference. 1.5 years of work experience, decent LoRs. Not sure what went wrong :( Maybe I aimed too high?

Adding to this streak of red xD

It's raining rejects!

Emailed to check portal

Got an email to check the portal (classic for a rejection). I knew it because acceptances were sent on 12/13 February, so "as expected." Usually, they send rejections 10 days later, but this time they took 3-4 days more. Anyways, best of luck to those accepted!

An email telling me to check the portal.

Well, Duh...

just checked it. although expected, disappointed: After careful review, I regret to inform you that the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is unable to take favorable action on your application to the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The number of promising applicants well exceeded the number of offers of admission we can make for the 2021-2022 academic year. I know that this decision comes as a disappointment. Unfortunately, enrollment of new students is limited to a small fraction of those who are qualified for admission. I want to assure you that your application received full consideration by faculty members in the program to which you applied. We appreciate your interest in the Graduate School and wish you success in your future studies. With best wishes,