Shelbs,
Personally, sometimes i think its whatever mood they're in at the time a few of my hostie friends were also unsuccessful which goes to show sometimes experience isnt everything. I luckily got an invite to next weeks AD so now begins the hard part aswell as serious nerves. If all goes well will def let you know how it all goes.
With the 12month wait i dont think it applies b/c i applied last year around this time & went to an AD but was able apply this time