sts4656, I know it is taking forever! Did you have an interview? I did not so I have kind of given up..
To everyone, I have not posted yet but been following the forum closely and it has been a great support mechanism. I am an international applicant and was very unfamiliar with the application system and process so I do not think I have a good chance of getting in this year. I want to thank all of you for your insights and I feel much more ready to apply next year and use this forum again. Although.. I still have two pending applications so the anxious waiting continues for now