I received several rejections, pre-IIs and one post-II, right after I sent in my letter of update that also states my interest in the program... I guess the application process is kind of a black box to us all, but does anyone have any idea if that was purely coincidental and I'm overthinking it, or if it activates some kind of review of the applicant, and the AdCom just says nope, not this person who makes us read more stuff that is not super significant (i.e. not first/second author on C/N/S papers), or like this person actually wants us so if we can't give an acceptance, at least we can grant a mercy kill and put them out of their misery...