I searched online for professors at the MIE department in college of engineering and found the ones with research programs close to my interest and experience and knock on their door for 1-1 interviews. After a resume check and discussion about the research funding available for a PhD degree, I read a couple of papers and presented them either to the PI or the research team under supervision of the same PI.

No interview. Only two recommendation letters required because transfer from another US university. Bureaucracy required personal interaction and multiple phone calls and emails with international student office and assistant in department.