Confused/ questions about applications

[ams000]

I am applying for my MFA in creative writing. my grades are great and i've been told I have a strong and impressive portfolio but gaining entrance to a creative writing MFA program is very difficult, competitive, relative, and highly selective so I am not a shoo-in anywhere.

For one of my graduate applications I submitted the application but put off submitting the fee and then my application status said my fee was waived but there was no explanation. is this normal? does it mean anything?

another school I applied to sent me a hand written letter saying they are "thrilled" I submitted my application. Is this normal? does it mean anything?

thanks