Thanks man. Well, I'll give you the short version of my research:
1 summer at San Diego State University, on silver nanoparticles
2 quarters + 1 summer at UC Irvine(was basically a SURF), on gas clathrates, (propane/difluoromethane was my focus)
No publications.
NP. I applied as materials/physical/inorganic (i guess it's interdisciplinary, but let's say materials for the sake of simplicity). UCSD put me on the inorganic track, and UIUC put me on materials, I'm guessing.
GPA: 3.6/4, 3.7 in Chem
GRE: 166V / 168Q / 4.5 AW
Chem: 770, (68%)
They told me that March 1-3 was a good time to come, because that's the 'official' weekend and a lot of other people will go or something. I'll have to check again.
That's super-early dude, great job! On the app. status page, they say that most decisions aren't finalized till March (!).
23K from Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
27K from UCSD
Obviously, tuition is covered as well (but that goes without saying)
I think both are TA-ships of some kind? I'd imagine I have to run some discussions and grade papers, yeah.
If you applied to a lot of UC's, then don't worry! They usually take a long-ass time (except for SD; who are quite prompt!) Usually last week of Jan. through Feb. is when they start going out. (Or at least that's what it feels like)