gps

Did anyone else get an email today saying their application was still being considered? Does anyone know if the email was sent to everyone with a complete application, or only a certain percentage of applicants?

Got into Caltech yesterday - phone call from a professor. Visit dates are February 28-March 2 and March 14-16.

Got accepted to Stanford about a week ago as well. Stats: GPA: 3.92 Top 10 school GRE: 168Q/170V/6.0W Chem GRE: 830 (83%) Experience: 2 summers + 3 semesters research 1 publication submitted Accepted so far: UIUC, Princeton, Stanford

Heard from UIUC and Princeton today! I wasn't expecting to hear back for a few more weeks, so it was pretty exciting.

What are people's thoughts on listing not yet accepted publications? The paper I'm working on will be submitted next week, so for apps due before then, is it better to not list anything, or to write "manuscript in preparation"? After it's submitted, should I list it as "submitted," or just talk about it in my personal statement? I think listing it when it hasn't been accepted yet sounds a little desperate, but I don't know what's generally acceptable.

Got my score back from the October chemistry GRE: 830 (83% below). I was wondering how this stacks up for top-tier schools... I know it's not the 99th percentile, but I don't really have any idea if this is decent/mediocre/a bit low. I'm a domestic student, if that makes any difference.

I had a question about the previous research essay. Did anyone include figures in this section? I'm an applicant in chemistry, so I was thinking one figure might be the best way to get the point across for my most significant research experience. I know people often include figures in the proposal essay, but I haven't heard of anyone including them in the previous research experience essay. Thoughts?