Chilli Monster,
I did not discuss the above 12,500 rules short of noting that the TSA Plan is to get the below 12,500 training to follow the same steps as the above 12,500 training.
dpm,
As of right now, the U.S. Embassy Interview is completely separate from the TSA, so you will not be affected. The implementation of this new Rule is still two weeks away, so it can change. The problem the TSA is having, is they made the announcement and gave a date of implementation before any material was ready to handle their new program.
When you read the website you linked, you will note that short of the line for Category 3, nothing has been added to address the below 12,500 students. The website is changing and as of right now, no below 12,500 student should fill out that website's application form. (That is directly from the Homeland Security Officer I just hung up with 2 minutes ago.)
As I get new information, I will post it.
Richard