<p>I have two quick questions to ask about the waitlist appeal letter.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Would it be appropriate to address it to Mr. Guttentag (admissions dean who signed the waitlist decision letter) although it says to send to the "Waiting List Coordinator" in the FAQ?</p></li>
<li><p>Do these letters ever make much of a difference ever? I was selected for a slightly prestigious thing and was in the local paper for it (including the article in letter) but little else has changed.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>First, addressing it to Mr. Guttentag is not correct. If the FAQ tells you what to do, then you should follow. However, if you want to have a person with decision power to read your letter, you should send a letter to your regional staff (search it online) and re-emphasize your interest.
Second, sending a letter is more like a courtesy. Maybe you’ve filled out a form but I suspect that does nothing other than an immediate rejection. In addition, since you have updates, you should definitely send one. Good luck.</p>