PT, "Our admissions committee has met and was very favorably impressed with your record. As the next step in our admissions process, we contact all of our applicants to chat a bit more about the program and to see if you have any other questions."

CP/IR The admissions committee was impressed with my application and I am in the "hopeful admit" category. The interview is to discuss the application process, program and recruitment events. Wish me luck.

Interviewed through Skype

Just got an email from a POI (whom I haven't contacted before) to schedule an interview to discuss my research interest & to tell me about the program. It's a Sunday afternoon so I'm a bit surprised, but professors work hard so not entirely shocked..

From a faculty with interests related to my own. Sounds quite informal.

Got an email from a professor I contacted during the application process for an "opportunity to talk with you a bit more about your research interests, tell you more about our graduate program here at UCI, as well as answer any questions you may have." First time applying so I'm not sure this qualifies as an interview?

E-mailed POI to check application status and they said I wasn't invited for interviews.

E-mail to interview with one faculty member via video conference

Sent an email to ask about on-campus interview. They have sent out an initial round of invites and I wasn't invited.

Was told to expect official email soon and financial aid award. Admitted student preview weekend is end of February. If I get other school offers, I should let them know so they can counter :-)