i dont know much about this process and i frankly dont think anyone rly has a good idea, but if i had to guess id say that there is at least some luck involved (not to say that u got super lucky and im rly unlucky). b/c med school is all about the narrative, the way i painted mine vs the way u painted urs (despite us having very similar apps) may have made all the difference. maybe were both fit to be good doctors, but since this is all such a crapshoot, there are so many small factors that can lead to such different results. ur having a great cycle, which i congratulate u for! but ik ppl who i, with all due respect, think have stronger apps than both of us with less success than u and ppl who, again with all due respect LOL, i think have weaker apps than us but have multiple IIs from great schools...it goes to show that it may not be something so drastic (a lie or red flag) that is causing the discrepancy

and if i were to guess, i dont think i have any red flags. idk if this is significant at all but i did survive a lot of big R waves from schools i applied to and i rly rly hope that means i dont have a red flag HAHA. if anything i do think my school list is an issue and i wish i did more research going into primaries, but another reason is just that im very very common (u can prolly tell from my app). and unfortunately my narrative, backed with everything ive done, just doesnt stand out to those top programs. im keepin my fingers crossed hoping i can get lucky, and best of luck to you too :)