<p>^I’d also add that interviewees were picked in late Jan/early Feb and at that time, the undergrad adcom couldn’t possibly review all the 30,000 applications and therefore it’d be unfair to prematurely give them “offers” already. I also think it’s best the ug adcom don’t get influenced by the HPME group’s “referral”, at least not that early, and work independently and only converge at the end.</p>
<p>As for the expenses incurred, nobody points a gun to force them to go to interviews. Life is full of taking chances and this is no different. I think people are well aware there’s no guarantee of any kind.</p>