Your feedback is much appreciated!
As far as getting from the interview stage to getting an actual acceptance, I think there's a lot of luck involved, also...
I hate to say this, but -if- you happen to work for a supervisor with reputation, networking can really get you places. Not just in terms of recommendation letters. I know students who were almost all but guaranteed admission (assuming they don't bomb their interviews) based on their experience working with some 'star players' in the field of clin psych research. Doesn't mean you can't get in without connections, but if you can network, don't be shy about tapping into your resources.
As far as getting from the interview stage to getting an actual acceptance, I think there's a lot of luck involved, also...
Teo and Mark, care to explain what types of changes you made from round 1 of your personal statements to round 2 that got you increased attention from committees?
What do you mean by luck?
Well in many cases your going to be competing against a large number of other students who have just as impressive backgrounds as you. You may be chosen because your POI is thinking of expanding his research into an area you just happen to have some experience in, because you fill a certain demographic need for the school, because you remind someone of themselves as a student, or any number of things you can't predict going in.