They contacted me for an in person email one day after i applied. They were quite flexible on letting me come in a week later after my midterms were done because they understood how stressful it can get. I came in and we talked about my classes and then got into the interview. The interview itself was very laid back and I felt comfortable talking to them.

You gotta meet your future advisor and chat about your work with them. If your work is relevant and they like your work everything else is a formality. Like cover letter and stuff like that is formality. They will definitely contact your phd advisor and get recommendation.