To Everyone interested in applying to doctoral programs:
I know that many application deadlines have passed or are near passing, but below are a few of my pieces of advice:
1. Include two or three master's programs as emergency schools.
2. Also, I/O programs are statistically heavy. Therefore, having a higher quantitative GRE score will boost your chances of getting into a program.
3. Research experience is a must. It doesn't have to be in I/O. Professors just want to know you have some level of research competence.
4. Similarly, present your research even if it is at small or local conferences. They still count.
5. Contact professors before sending your application. Make sure you have similar interests and ask if they are accepting students for the next year. If you have similar interests but they are not accepting students, you will not get into the program.
6. Explicitly ask if faculty members will write GOOD letters of recommendation. Some professors will agree to write the letters but they may not discuss you in a way that will help your application.
7. Research the cities in which the schools are located. Remember you will be living there for 4-6 years. You don't want to go to a school that resides in a city in which you do not wish to live.