PhD Fall 2026 results - Need guidance
Apps: 22 (relevant programs/profs in the uni, none randomly applied)
rejected: 22
field: comp sci
gpa: 3.14 in MS, from a R1 US Univ
Papers: 15-16 (4 - first author, couple of them - second author, mostly - third or fourth; couple of Q1 journals and few top conf workshop papers)
Clemson offered a Master's instead whereas I have already got my MS in the same subject this year LOL. I was already in the PhD program from the university I graduated with my Master's from (fund cut happened if you are still wondering). I got a few interviews from profs and got positive signs, but I am not sure what is going wrong, if it's worth fighting for a scholarship since funding is tight everywhere. I'm really confused how can I get an admission at this point.
Clarification: I didn't apply to all top programs. And none of the journal papers I had are from any scam/pay-to-publish journal.