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I have been on the Bard waitlist in the past and this isn't it. I think they are covering themselves for a scenario where they interview a group, make offers and they don't get enough accepted offers for the incoming class. So while they may call you in the future if this happens, I wouldn't consider it very likely. When I was waitlisted, they never actually notified me to tell me the wait list had ever closed. I think since it's a small program, they like to keep their options open.

It depends on the school and the department. Sometimes they'll tell you to bring works, or just samples of materials you work with. Usually they are conscious of the level of inconvenience they are asking for (ie its easier for photo kids to bring work than sculptors), but Yale is notorious for making students bring full finished paintings. The best preparation is to have a couple studio visits the week before, with people who have never seen your work. It helps to practice voicing the main ideas behind your work so you don't seem nervous.

It's actually a good thing, and a sign that you've researched and are interested in their program in particular. In your application, be specific about how you think that program can help you grow as an artist - there's obviously a reason why you're reapplying there - make it clear that you're not just spraying applications into the ether.

Your references sound fine to me - did you show them recent work? My references were older contacts and I sent them images and a draft of my statement so they could see how my work has changes. Sometimes a short phone call or meeting is good if they have time for it.

Have you considered SVA and Hunter College? It's not uncommon to need 2-3 rounds of applications to get into the school you want, especially if you are young and applying to competitive institutions.

You should prioritize your most recent work and only include older work that helps show the direction your work is going in. So for a set of 20 images, I would show 10 from the last year, 5 from an older series, and 5 from a series before that.

Have you considered Carnegie Mellon? They are strong for technologically oriented photo/interdisciplinary work.

It's not really possible to "fail" the interview. The interviewers at that point know that your work would fit the program and are sussing out whether you are good fit for the community. As long as you show up engaged, and willing to answer questions, you'll be fine. The week before, have a few studio visits with people who have never seen your work before - this helps work out jitters. As for writing your intent, I find it's useful to talk about how you want your work to grow over the next 2-3 years, and how grad school is an important part of that progress. What do you think you'd get out of participating in this program in particular? I strongly recommend mentioning 1-2 faculty members you particularly want to work with.