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I also think it is important to identify professors who work with methods/populations/questions you'd like to research and talk to them. I think it's important to learn about the projects they're currently working on and about the work of other faculty members at the school. This will help you see you're a good fit for the program.
These talks also helped me a lot with my statement of purpose. Not only can you tailor it to the specific program you're applying to/professor you're citing in your essay, they also helped me figure out the best way to frame my research interests and how my CV relates to all that. So while it is good to start writing your statement soon in the process, I would also recommend keeping your mind open and not being afraid to change your statement (maybe substantially) during the application process. 
One thing I would say about talking to professors, though, is that quality is more important than quantity.
I talked to a lot of people, and some of these talks didn't help me at all. One or two might have even decreased my chances of getting accepted, actually (lol). So spend some time looking up the professors you'll get in touch with. Don't contact people just for the sake of talking to someone at the school you're applying to. If you're not ready to have a meaningful conversation about how their research interests relates to yours and don't have any other good reason to contact these people, look them up first. My successful conversations were with people whose work I knew well or people whom had been recommended by professors I know well.

I also think it is important to identify professors who work with methods/populations/questions you'd like to research and talk to them. I think it's important to learn about the projects they're currently working on and about the work of other faculty members at the school. This will help you see you're a good fit for the program.
These talks also helped me a lot with my statement of purpose. Not only can you tailor it to the specific program you're applying to/professor you're citing in your essay, they also helped me figure out the best way to frame my research interests and how my CV relates to all that. So while it is good to start writing your statement soon in the process, I would also recommend keeping your mind open and not being afraid to change your statement (maybe substantially) during the application process. 
One thing I would say about talking to professors, though, is that quality is more important than quantity.
I talked to a lot of people, and some of these talks didn't help me at all. One or two might have even decreased my chances of getting accepted, actually (lol). So spend some time looking up the professors you'll get in touch with. Don't contact people just for the sake of talking to someone at the school you're applying to. If you're not ready to have a meaningful conversation about how their research interests relates to yours and don't have any other good reason to contact these people, look them up first. My successful conversations were with people whose work I knew well or people whom had been recommended by professors I know well.

I just got an offer of admission to Johns Hopkins!

Got into BU's Environmental Health Science PhD! 3 out of 3 so far...waiting on 3 more!!

I'm so sorry to see your post…just want to give you a big e-huge. Don't feel bad since you don't know what will happen before the infamous April 15th. 
This is my application cycle #2. At the time when I got full rejections, I was determined to try again. It was not until I had been rejected did I realize how much I want to pursue a PhD. So…on the other hand, it may be a good sign for you to pursue the real life you want. A PhD is never equal to susccessful careers anyway.
Hang in there & Don't take rejections too hard & Glad you are figuring out your choice by this exploratory journey & my e-hug
 
 
 

My email is so quiet... i would have expected more communication from schools this late in February. :/ 

Congrats!
Just FYI for others--not for all JHU programs have been updated. Still in limbo on Population, Family, and Reproductive Health: "Application sent for review."

Can we agree to stop having people post questions on the results? 
It's rather annoying to check results and see "other" for someone just airing their concerns.

Thanks for the heads up, guys! Confirming also that JHU decisions are up on the portal, without any email sent.
Luckily, I was accepted to HBS. Still no information on funding, so I don't know if I'll accept. 
Good luck everybody.
 

In at Brown! 99.9% sure I'll be accepting

Recruitment day was today for all departments. They said decisions would be out by the end of next week.

just got off a 15 minute skype interview with UNC Health Behavior. Figured I'd put the interview questions out there for anyone who is going to interview or is curious what is asked:
1. what are your research interests?
2. what are you interested in learning in the program?
3. what do you think you will find challenging about pursuing a PhD?
4. Is there a particular methodology you would like to learn?
That's all! 15 minutes is short 
 
Good luck to all those interviewing! We'll find our place