redribbon, i think you should still call. they'll still appreciate it. and i know what you mean about the waitlists - i wasn't really on cc til i got waitlisted and then all of a sudden i was addicted to finding out how to get off.
metaldragon, i think two letters would be perfectly acceptable, but if you don't want to wait til your competition to send just one altogether, write one now stating interest and recent achievements, and say that you're competing in a state math competition and you'll notify them of any achievements as they come.
artstar, i think what worriedmom said was great. plain old alums don't have any pull with the school - like students, they have to have a hook to have influence
sup, i definitely think snail mail is better. an email is great to let them know there's a package coming, or to ask about weaknesses in your application. an email before to tell them about the package and another to confirm that they received it would be wonderful.
juicy, you can definitely find out your regional officer if you call, i would think. if not, address it to the office of undergraduate admissions found on the regular "contact us" web page.
mastermargarita, email can work well in some cases. if that's what works for you and the school, i think just an email is great. but if you're not sure, i would go for everything, like i'm doing. but yes, you are completely right - buy a sweatshirt for the school to which you're sending your deposit. i think that's what you meant by "your school." because chances of getting off a waitlist are so slim, it's much better to fall in love with your backup than be completely unhappy when you don't get off the waitlist.
just as an update everyone, i haven't heard anything from any of my waitlist colleges, but i wasn't expecting to. i'll let you guys know of anything that happens! in the meantime, i'm in our county newspaper in the athlete's "hot corner" of the week!
