I replied to the invitation email and they got back to me today. It turned out that the email with admission was somehow lost... They sent it again and everything's good now
Online application submitted on 12/6, had an interview on 12/31, call from professor 1/14, official letter 1/18 and accepted the offer just now on 1/19. The visit is 3/24 through 3/26.
Sorry I totally missed your post until now....
I was at UChicago doing summer research so a school visit might not be necessary. In the letter I was offered finishing my undergraduate study there, now think of it, that might be the reason for the early deadline. I probably have to make a decision before the spring semester starts and to make time for visa etc..
Hey fellow applicants!
I just got an admission to UChicago Chemistry PhD. Best Christmas gift ever! In the letter it says that I have to submit my final decision (accept/decline) before January 15, I think it's a bit odd. Isn't the deadline normally 4/15? I do have a strong inclination to fulfill PhD study in UChicago but I don't want to rush into it, especially by 1/15 I might not receive responses from most of other schools I applied to. Any suggestions?
Merry Christmas to all.