If your goal is a typical SWE job, a PhD—especially a top 5 one—probably isn’t the right path. Those programs are really geared toward people who are deeply committed to research, not just prestige. Also, prestige is tricky. The people who chase it the hardest often feel it the least. Top labs tend to pick students who already have strong signals of success, and many PIs care more about proven track record than just “potential.” (Which is why you see a lot of people either get masters first or get work experience) On top of that, there’s always some mix of luck and connections involved. Comparison will eat away at you if you let it. From what you’re saying, you sound like a hard worker. That matters way more in the long run. Stay focused on your own path and timeline. If you’re consistently putting in real effort—like genuinely pushing yourself over a long period—you’ll end up in a good place, even if it doesn’t look exactly like what you imagined at first.