I applied online. My application process did not require a phone or in person interview, but I informally met with a campus representative who informed me that this varies by office. My application status was updated regularly on USAJobs and I received my final letter via email. I'm told that the decision-making process relies heavily on the quality of the essays submitted in the application - both for assessing writing skills and motivation for interning. Other than receiving a notice of "referred" or "not referred" on the application portal, there is little feedback throughout the process until final decisions are made. I received the final email about 3 months after the application deadline.