I applied last year and ranked pretty low for the research potential side. This year on my application I had one published like 7th author paper, one submitted 3rd author paper, one co-1st author paper submitted and a patent filed but not yet issued. Another big difference from last year is I really talked about all the things I do in my department (including EDI work, organizing events in the department, meeting visiting profs, etc.) and bolded out important phrases to really highlight what I do! And I got the CGS D, I can't even believe it!! I wish everyone good luck and I am so sorry that the results come out so slow like this