>>12798525PhD level student wouldn't have failed to this level if they are just skipping lectures, you and your buddy here
>>12797107 have simply been filtered, i came as an international student and got my PhD from a top program here (US) and i can tell you simply the average american student dreams a lot more than their abilities, the top ones (the 4.0s in your class and the truly smart ones, i am sure you know what i mean) can make it and excel, also blacks and mexicans can get token admits.
If you are having a serious life situation (extreme poverty, illness, family issues) which is preventing you at the moment from getting the required portfolio for a PhD admit, then just keep working and make sure your true ability shines in some parts of your application and supplement this with networking and reaching out to advisors and you will make it, otherwise if none of this applies to you, seriously consider your desire (lust?) for a PhD because you are swimking against the tide which is designed to filter you out
