I applied to the MS program in Environment & Resources at University of Wisconsin-Madison and my advisor was the one to email me to tell me that I got in. I got a weird email late last week asking for an official transcript, and I've gotten some from coordinators about a visit, but still nothing official. I agree with you that it's a strange process! I know that my program isn't undergoing the same selection as everyone elses' but hopefully my answer can give you SOME solace.