Now that a lot of programs have dropped the Physics GRE requirement, I'm wondering what actually differentiates strong applicants. My GPA is decent (3.8) but not spectacular for top 10 programs. I have two summers of REU experience (one in condensed matter, one in AMO physics) and a senior thesis in progress. Letters should be strong from research advisors who know my work well. What else can I do to stand out? Do publications actually matter at the undergrad level for physics? And how specific should I be in my research statement?