(1)Haven't received much other than a reminder that I owe them ANOTHER $1K by March 15.
(2)As for your supposed "fat-ness," anyone with a professional attitude and demeanor shouldn't care. So don't stress!! None of us has a perfect body.
(3)Do you mean for the interview or long term attending the school? For interview, I would recommend the two hotels with the shuttle to the school. Long term, CT looks pretty good as far as apartments go, i.e., if class starts at 0800 you can wake up at 0730, shower, grab a bagel and coffee, and still arrive with time to spare.