admissions interviews "rules of thumb" predictors

It's an old saying. Does it hold up in the twenty-first century? Please respond to the poll only if you were a first time applicant in the cycle that ended with matriculation in 2016.

Last year, I said that not having an interview invite by Thanksgiving may be a sign that the cycle will be unsuccessful and a "Plan B" should be made. I know at least one lucky SDN poster who might be the exception to the rule or maybe the rule is totally bogus. If you submitted at least one...