Didn't contact the PI beforehand, so it's predictable. I went a bit panicked with the SOO as well -- they asked to answer 2 questions separately. I overthought and wrote lengthy answers while now that I think about it I should have just separate my original SOP into 2 questions rather than rewrite the whole thing.

Transportation, no interview, email to check status

Email to check portal - no interview.

Transport Water

Transportation, no interview, just an email saying decision

Found out the update through portal directly without receiving an email yet at the end of day. The checklist disappeared a day before the release. Had an interview with PI but seems the thing wasn't going smoothly...

Give me a master offer,,,

Construction Systems, received email about status update.

energy, civil infrastructure and environment program. offered fellowship for all tuition fees

Got invited to an interview on Dec 16 by the professor that I mentioned in my SOP.