I sent a letter to the new AI Coordinator for XYZ on Friday, and she already sent me an e-mail reply! That was quick!
In a nutshell, she reiterated what I already know: that they would put me in contact with an alum group and that someone would need to sponsor me, and there are NO guarantees.
It's weird, but suddenly this whole process seems so overwhelming and hard. My excitement has turned to discouragement. HELP!! I'm in need of some GC TLC right about now!