There is a third, and far more likely option: they applied, and were rejected. Recruitment process are terrible through out, and world-changing institutions are

There is a third, and far more likely option: they applied, and were rejected. Recruitment process are terrible through out, and world-changing institutions are no exception. Let me know when I can fix cancer or neurological disease: I know how well enough to make a significant contribution. While I wait, three head-hunters have called about that virtual good start-up… Also: (b) is far more likely than (a).