This is such a odd, but great program. I know a guy who participated in 2008 and he says the panel will NOT consider any work with blood or sexual content (what, the Whitney?) and that you almost always have to have a letter of recommendation from an alum of the program. I got in touch with the aforementioned guy, but he was already backing someone else this time around.
That's all heresay, but hey.
Still, good luck! It's possible they haven't sent out emails yet, I don't know