Email from PI

A decent profile but not something too research heavy or industry heavy. Just a bit of research experience during the summers and good academic records.

Received an email that notifies decision and ask to me check website Although I believe I am not a competitive applicant, but I made it :)

Received message from PI. No formal letter yet but just email indicating acceptance. 2 years internships. 2 years research. 1 semester Engineering study abroad. 2 years TA. Looking forward to formal letter and program.

I got an interview invitation directly from a professor in the program.

Application deadline December 1, result 6 months later.

Was nominated for a fellowship early in the year, results got delayed to early April and then I found out I didn't get it because of budget cuts. Then I emailed a few professors, found one that wanted to work with me, and he put in for my admittance. The university froze admissions for over a month and I finally got accepted on 5/30. The grad program coordinator was very helpful, so if you end up in a similar situation, definitely reach out to her.