They really shoot us all down at once. Fish in a barrel

Disappointed!

To the poster below, asking about my interview invitation on Dec. 13: I submitted my application on Nov. 28, and the deadline was Dec. 1.

Grad GPA 3.9, 2 conferences presentations, no pubs. Was told by email to check the website.

Although hope was left since some received official rejections while I received none, for Immunology PhD, it is possibly an assumed rejection judging from past records (if I did not get anything early December, possibly I am out. Very low expectations at this point since it also stated that "international admissions is extremely competitive," and it is already a very competitive program to start with). Quick status: 3.9 undergrad GPA, 4.0 Master's GPA in a well-known institute (usually top 30-50 in QS rankings). Many years of full-time research in biomedical sciences and chemistry, attended intensive summer research program abroad. One publication, one on the way, several conference talks (oral talks and posters), several awards (conference talks, academic honors). 3 LoRs from PIs who know my past and ongoing research very well.

asked to schedule a time for 10-15 min skype interview

Like the poster below, I got an open house invitation and letter saying that official offers will come later. I was also contacted by the POI. I hope it means we will actually be admitted. It would be so cruel otherwise!

I was sent an invitation to the open house in February. The invitation also said an official offer will follow after the open house. I'm not sure what to make of this.

Masters - Good GPA , 1 - First Author Publication , 2- Co- Author Papers , 2 - First Author Publications in process , 5 yrs of Research Experience . Multiple Poster presentations (ASH - Blood , ASBMT, AAI ) . 5- LORs ( Leading Researchers) . I don't know what else do they need . Not rejected or waitlisted yet ! But Hopes are not High !

To my fellow white dude below: I was given an interview at penn (as well as been rejected from a looot of other top programs). All of these programs are hyper competitive and it only begots bitterness to bellitle the success of others... even if they don’t look like you.