Organic. Generic rejection, not surprised.

Received email from system asking me to check portal. Pchem track, GPA 4.08/4.30 , no GRE, 3 summer research (1 each summer, 2 at home university in Asia, 1 overseas), no publications, 2 posters and 2 presentations at local college student conferences, 3 year experience as tutor for first-year undergrad science course, 5 good LoR (1 from renowned professor in my field)

Pchem track, GPA 4.08/4.30 , no GRE, 3 summer research (1 each summer, 2 at home university in Asia, 1 overseas), no publications, 2 posters and 2 presentations at local college student conferences, 3 year experience as tutor for first-year undergrad science course, 5 good LoR (1 from renowned professor in my field)

One publication, honors thesis, 3.5 years of undergraduate research, 2 conference presentations, 2 years TA experience

First author publication in JACS. In a top research group at a top university. Extensive research experience including a summer at another top research university. 3 strong letters of recommendation including one from a renowned chemist in my field of interest. Too bad so sad but I guess it wasn't meant to be.

No GRE. No Pub. 1 conference

First author publication in JACS. Top research group at a top university. Extensive research experience including a summer at another top research university. Pretty epic fail.

Unofficial email, acceptance coming in February

Email from POI

Pchem track, GPA 4.08/4.30 , no GRE, 3 summer research (1 each summer, 2 at home university, 1 overseas), no publications, 2 posters and 2 presentations at local college student conferences, tutor for first-year undergrad science course, 3 good LoR (1 from renowned professor in my field)

No GRE, 3 years of lab experience including 1 REU, 1 small publication, wrote all my grad essays in one night and didn't think I was getting in. Anything is possible!