I received an email today from USC saying that they finished reviewing my application and need official transcripts "in order to proceed" (which I did send back when they were due...). Anyway, hopefully they're not making me spend $$ with rush delivery in order for them to "proceed" in rejecting me. Who knows - but I wouldn't give up hope yet.
Yeah, I know, it's only thirty minutes though so hopefully it won't be too intense. I'm scheduled to meet with 3 professors so I'm guessing it will be a group conference with the whole committee - we'll soon find out I guess.
Just finished applying. I also saw that this is the first year for the program. I'm probably being naive but let's hope that increases our odds - good luck to you!