Some insight into how the whole process worked for me:
- Talked to AdComs a few months before submitting (was aiming for R1 but ended up applying to R2).
- Applied and got invited to Kira and Personal Interview after 1 or 2 days (talking to AdCom certainly helped to speed this up I think, other people hear in 1 to 2 weeks, it also depends on volume of applications).
- Took the Kira interview a few days later, question themes were diversity and failure, written question was similar to those posted in the questions area, essentially writing an email to employees.
- Did the personal interview a week later, conversational, the adcom was trying to understand me and my preferences, ways of doing things etc. Very happy with how it went, same questions as those posted in the interview defrief. Was told I would get a reply by "next week"
- Received an offer yesterday alongside a scholarship award, subject to certain conditions etc. Couldn't be happier.
Best of luck to everyone!