I applied really early. I think I submitted both in November but the rec letters were submitted in late december. My stats are fairly average, actually: GPA: 3.7, 800Q, 630 V, 5 W, no publications, three years of research+ summers. One thing is, I've been out of school for two years working for non-profit not related to science and engineering. I did apply two years ago and were admitted to these two schools. I expressed interest in attending (but after working for two years) and they kept their word on re-admitting me. as far as the other schools, I may not be so lucky (no others are reapplication).
