Email was lying in my inbox for two weeks. Applied for HEP-th (Center for Fundamental Theory). One year research experience after graduation. No publications.

Simultaneous auto-email to check status plus second personalized email from department. I am HEP-TH, haven't entirely narrowed it down so I expressed interest in most areas of Gravity, Cosmology, Particle Physics. Mediocre PGRE, 3.8 Physics GPA, double major in math, good LORs (at least one excellent, maybe more), some varied research experience and an honors thesis (math) but no publications. I was starting to give up hope on Penn State, but they even gave me fellowships for extra money on top of the TA stipend. So, if you're still waiting - maybe it's not too late!

I wrote to the school of EECS asking about the applications, the response was that they should start rolling in March

Any news about Penn state admission?

had several Skype talks and interviews with POI.

Nice rejection email

Apply for thesis-based degree, however, only received the admission of accelerated degree (coursework only.

Very excited to be accepted. Though still waiting to hear from several other schools, I think this is it. For those who are expecting results from Penn State, don't panic, it seems they just notice international students earlier.

Two semesters' TA.

Withdrew the application. Best of luck to you all.

Call from chair with news of assistantship! So excited!!!

Accepted with fellowship details via phone call from chair. Good luck to everyone!

To the Penn State poster below I had an interview with them a couple weeks ago