In-depth interview with POI before applying. Chose direct-entry PhD on the main app and MASc on the ECE program-specific app (weird mechanics). Received formal notification of the POI expressing interest from the ECE grad office on Jan 26.

First-choice POI reached out via email.

3 Research internships. One was from Harvard. No paper...very strong LORs

Recieved email to check portal

Reached out by emails from POI.

Interviewed on Jan 21

Quantum Physics

Did't do a GRE. Applied for general track. I did my undergrad double major in CS and Physics abroad.

Circuits and Embedded Systems track

3.5 years of research experience; 3 papers (2 published, 1 under review); no GRE. Received an email from a professor inviting me to a 30-minute Zoom interview (asked to present a selected paper and discuss potential future work). Ended up talking for ~75 minutes.

3 interviews, 2 from preferred professors