Last year people got "interview calls" where people from departments they listed would call them to see if they were a good fit. Never actually know how they knew they were *IN* though. My guess is either a call or an email. Snail Mail seems to not be their thing
Plus calls/emails are easier to confirm contact etc.
So which departments do you guys want to work in? My top three were White House Counsel, Energy & Climate Change, and Office of the First Lady (I really like planning events).