pol_real

agree with this BUT if you are totally sure about your top preferences AND you know some of your recommenders is closed connected to faculty there you COULD ask them to signal your application. If they are good recommenders they should have done this without being asked to. If they care about your placement they will surely do it--even if they are not so convinced about the effectiveness of that strategy

cp/pe

cannot really tell. feels automated but signed and sent from leadership of graduate studies

admitted to UCLA. mailed arrived just now. cp/pe

same

you are joking right? Hahaha. A PhD is a path towards a career just like other. And just like any other career you should do it because you are good at it and not because you feel "love the subject". You can do the things you love on your free time...