Knew the prof and spoke with him before applying, had radio silence for a long time, was convinced that I got rejected but in the end got accepted

"This decision was based on art. 16 al. 2 let. b of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology Act [RS 414.110] and art. 15, 16 and 17 of the Ordinance on Admission to the EPFL [RS 414.131.53] or on current export control regulations." A very unprofessional way to say "We only cared about your non-EU university's prestige and your GPA." Profile: Two strong LORs, one being from a former EPFL professor, who is the best in their field. One submitted paper for an A* conference. 1+ years of undergrad research experience. 3 months of research internship at a very prestigious research institute in Europe, and an incoming research internship at another very prestigious research institute in Europe. An exchange semester at a top research uni in the Netherlands, with term average 9.1/10 (Dutch grading). Among the 10% of the students (by GPA) from a top uni in my country. Ranked 1st in class of 100+ students in multiple CS courses.

was approached for interview by PI previously, declined as already accepted offer with better fit from elsewhere, received admit today.

admission without interview

applied to isrc track, tier 2 college, no publications, okish gre, was part of robotics club for 2 years (AIR2, AIR3), one solid internship, good project portfolio but ig rejected based on my academics.

Fully funded (TA+summer fellowship). Had an interview with PI last November.

Acceptance without contact and funding.

No interview

No interview

No interview

No interview

Had an interview on early January.