So I managed to apply for VP 16 on the last possible minute. All of my better stories were tied up on submission and something finally freed up Thursday, so on Friday the 15th (day of deadline) I scrambled to reformat it, fill out the application, write the cover letter and mail everything out.
This morning I woke up to an acceptance letter, after only 2.5 days!
I'm thrilled to be going and can't wait til October.
I can now announce that I also got into Viable Paradise (silly Alex, announcing early!). I'm so excited!