Earth and Environmental Engineering Graduate School Admission Results

Not really sure what counts as "enough" for Caltech

Details: Got a formal letter of admissions this morning via email followed by an email from my potential PI shortly after. I was in close contact with him throughout the Fall and we sent some interesting papers back and forth. I answered some questions he had (about my application) via email on January 15th. No GREs taken, no current publications. Background: I completed my undergrad in Geology at a top 10 R1 University and worked for >2 years on a project fairly related to my POI's work. I also completed a Summer REU in the same field, along with a visiting research fellowship and summer graduate-level training program (again, in the same sub-field). I have multiple B+s and three C's on my undergraduate transcript, all in math/physics, so that focused research background really was key for my application. I was also very well-liked in my department (I asked a lot of questions) and was told by my LORs that they wrote me strong letters (two of whom are famous in their fields). I know the stress is real guys, but remember to find value in your lives outside of grad admissions. I was ecstatic for 10 minutes after getting my admissions notification and then all my anxiety came back and I realized I am still the same person, with the same struggles, and the same potential, as I was before I got this letter. Your response to life's challenges will determine your future, not some old geezers on a grad admission panel. Okay bye.

Was probably 50/50

I'm actually shocked to receive this result. I had no expectation whatsoever because I neither got an invitation for an interview nor the virtual prospective student held in February. I'm stocked because this is the 4th time I have applied to this program since I graduated in 2017. I felt I had 4 strong LORs and solid SOP, with 4 years of experience in IOC. Also had 2 first author publication.

My PI indicated late last year that he would recommend me for admission to the committee. I received an admissions offer from the department today, with an offer from the graduate division forthcoming.

US MS (GPA 3.9), relevant experience, interships. Planetary sciences. Very excited to go there.

Invited to virtual graduate student visit.

Ignore the tag 'Interview.' Is there anyone from Earth and Planetary Science Ph.D. program here who applied to those schools and heard anything (Interviews, acceptance, rejection, waitlist)? I applied in early November and still haven't heard anything from any school, and it seems like they ghosted me.

Anyone else waiting to hear back on their status? Mine's still "in review"

If you're looking to apply to this program in the future I would HIGHLY recommend you reach out to potential PIs first. Made the interview process seamless and the students who got in this cycle all seem to have done this.

Got an email that said check application. Rejection on application portal.

I was invited to attend the EAPS prospective student expo, and was notified by my POI a few days later.