The program was a reach, and I only had a 30-minute conversation with my PI of interest.

Hep-ex, > 2 years of research with CMS, 2 detector notes and 1 analysis note, experience in tech industry as well

Utterly elated. Hadn't heard anything prior, but received the news in a phone call from my POI today.

Finished top of the class with a master's degree in a world top ten university, 2 publications, a thesis prize, research experience, and outreach activity. Very sad.

To the guy interviewed: was your interview today or were you invited today? Wonder if they have sent all their interviews...

With a publication and master's degree. Expected but sad! Good luck to everyone else!

CMT Sad but not surprised--seems like this year was absolute carnage. I'm from the US, but my undergrad was abroad. I thought I had a shot until last night when I read a post below about the number of applicants this year...

Two very strong LOR's from two highly respected professors in the field, graduated first in class from top 10 university. Feels bad but life goes on.

hep-th (quantum gravity): no interview, 2 first author publications in theory, will not attend

hep-ex, 3.9/4 gpa, decent amount of hep-ex research but no papers

Indian student. Completed BTech in Mech Engg last year. Applied for Experimental Astrophysics. 1 publication in ApJ, 1 research note in RNAAS, 1 conference presentation and 2 posters. Started working on a project with a MIT faculty in Dec 2020. And hell, it was after suggestion from another faculty member at MIT that I applied. Feels damn sad. Had expected I would be selected, but looks like an Interview is almost always requested. I didn't receive any notification about it. Prob rejected b'cuz of less number of Physics courses in undergrad. Have got an 99% sure offer in Japan for MSc Physics though. Would go there and probably apply again to MIT for the 2023 admit. Ah! I really thought I would be accepted. The applications was apparently double this year (1500+) due to COVID-19, while the number of positions offered and the funding too, were cut short. Anyway, let's hope for the best and keep the aims high. Many congratulations to all those selected BTW. Getting into MIT must be a dream come true!

hep-ex; interview in last week. This is what I dreamed for so I settle now. I will withdraw other offers and hope other applicants can find his/her best fit.