There is no longer an internal application process for M* to PhD at Chicago, but I think the change was just implemented this round.
I was admitted for the PhD this year and had similar questions to @ignatius1796. I had heard that the doctoral program was significantly more collegial than the M* programs...has anyone here seen that play out?
Not being able to visit makes it so much trickier to judge the intangibles of a department! I like everything else about UChicago's program and offer, so I'm hoping I can get a better sense of the departmental dynamics before making a decision.