AdamSugi

Nice, I think you did it the right way. I think being able to show maturity and passion are the most important part, and having a research experience that enhance it makes you a great candidate. Also, I didnt applied to many schools this year because I couldnt reach out many PIs. As an international student, if it is not crucial, it is very helpful.

My stats were mediocre to be honest. I have a decent GPA but I did get B+ in some critical science courses and my GRE was not competitive (although I only sent it to Caltech and MIT)
At the end of the day what stood out can only be determined by the committee, but I would say it was my research experience that would have stood out and I think I effectively conveyed my passion for science through my PS. For the schools I cared most about, I also just made a sincere effort to get my name out there at conferences and such with faculty. I also skype interviewed several PIs at my top schools before applying. 
YouTube would be fun, lol. I am just really grateful to have the opportunities I do and have the stellar mentors I have. 

I did receive one from Princeton Neuroscience. GPA 3.4, GRE 160/170/3.5, have a BSc outside US this summer, two first author manuscripts, two in preparation.  Worked on a very relevant topic with a PI’s work.
If anyone knows how many invitations this program send each year? Thanks in advance.

Lots of amazing tech/assistant positions will be opening up in the next few months for those of you that need another year of research experience! I know my P.I. is already looking so that I can train the next person. Be smart when you choose a position though, ask if you will have your own project/be allowed to really get immersed in 1 or 2 projects (as opposed to doing 1 technical skill and only dabbling in a  project), ask if techs/assistants are given authorship or allowed to present at conferences, ask where the previous person went and how long they worked there (if they got into an awesome grad school this probably means it’s a good opportunity!) A lot of schools allow you to take courses for free as a full-time employee, so take a grad course (esp. if you have a low gpa)! 

If you could also share a little bit of your profile? Thank you and Congrats!

Great! Could you share your info? I am international student applying there. Would you mind sharing research exp, publications, LOR, when did you apply? Thank you and Congratulations!

Got Princeton invite last night!