A generic rejection email. Sad, but I guess they don't like outside research experience. Only apply if you have DIRECT neuroscience experience. Am a Master's candidate in chemistry with over 5 years of research and TA/GA experience.

"I'm writing to inform you that unfortunately, you have not been invited to interview with the Northwestern University Interdepartmental PhD program. We had a very competitive applicant pool and had to make many difficult decisions. If you had selected that you would like to be considered by a Masters program, your application will be transferred to that program and a decision will follow. Please contact that program directly with any questions. Your application will be updated shortly and you will receive official notice from The Graduate School of our decision."

Interview with professor mentioned in SOP

Decisions start being sent next week

For the engineer poster from 1/13 -- what did you say in your email (Northwestern University) to inquire about whether or not you were rejected? I am an engineer with even less relevant experience than you and I also did not receive an email in the first wave.

Hi, has anyone got an interview invitation for MECS so far? TPB: do you by any chance know if they have started to interview candidates for other programs?

Same as person below... I had to contact them to be told I was rejected. Bummer, but life goes on.

Well, I just wanna share the feedback I got from the program director and coordinator, who are very prompt to response (huge thumb-up). I am the one with two MSs in engineerings and have few publications but didn't get interview. This is what they said: "...The reviewers believe that more research in cellular & molecular biology and neuroscience would be helpful. Additionally, while your research seems strong, it is in engineering. Additional research in neuro, biology, etc, may be beneficial if you plan to apply to in future cycles." Although my interested lab and research topic doesnt require cellular and molecular biology, (we do imaging and cognitive analysis), it still is a no-no for the department reviewer. So there you have it. If you don't have those wet-lab-ish background either, apply wisely.

Invited to Interview Day which will take place on 2/13

Notified as early admit; Interviewed Jan 11

They didn't even bother to send me rejection on the first wave. Rejection is confirmed after reaching out to them. Two MS in Electrical ENG and Biomedical ENG from Top 30 american schools. Two 1st-author journal pub, one book chapter, one US patent, five conference posters/presentation. 20 months research in full-time (40 hour/week). Previously inform chat with POI. Didn't have interview.