Philosopher Alex Guerrero (Rutgers) shares some useful information, most of which rings true to me. 

(One additional note, regarding applicants with publications in good journals:  Professor Guerrero tells me on FB that about 5-8% of applicants to Rutgers have publications, but many of those are coming out of terminal MA programs or transferring from other PhD programs.  You do not need publications to be admitted to an excellent PhD program like Rutgers!  I've written in recent years for several students who were admitted to top five PhD programs, and none of them had publications in good philosophy journals; they did, of course, have strong academic records and good writing samples!)

Comments are open for philosophy faculty who want to add anything to Professor Guerrero's advice; signed comments only (full name and valid email address).