Did my MS in tier 1 US school, was working on submitting 2 papers. No GRE.

Duke Master of Science in ME, GPA: 3.85

Under review with department > Additional Review Required > goes blank for a few hours > Deny. Folks, that's how it works at UIC! US MS - 3.90 & a few publications aren't enough in this brutal season. Priority deadline is a joke. Nowadays I regret studying Mechanical all these years. Worst decision of my life. Advice for young people (especially Internationals) - If you're planning to have a career in the industries, go for ISE, Automotive, Civil, Electrical etc. If enrolled, switch from Mechanical ASAP. Sooner or later, you'll regret picking Mechanical, pretty much anywhere on this planet.

Under review with department > Additional Review Required > goes blank for a few hours > Deny. Folks, that's how it works at UIC! US MS - 3.90 & a few publications aren't enough in this brutal season. Priority deadline is a joke. Nowadays I regret studying Mechanical all these years. Worst decision of my life. Advice for young people (especially Internationals) - If you're planning to have a career in the industries, go for ISE, Automotive, Civil, Electrical etc. If enrolled, switch from Mechanical ASAP. Sooner or later, you'll regret picking Mechanical, pretty much anywhere on this planet.

Interview in early January with potential PI. Reached out in late March after radio silence and had 2nd interview in early April.

Domestic applicant hailing from India. B.Tech in Mechanical (CGPA: 8.58); Didnot submit GRE (310); 15 months of research experience [No papers published yet, 1 communicated to journal and 1 conference presentation].