And the aftermath
Good news is I'm tentatively set to be conditionally accepted into FIEA (the Interactive Entertainment MS program). My last-minute game analysis was underwhelming but fortunately the Production Director there has great respect for Dr. Vick's opinions and chose to accept me based on the letter of reference and conversation between the two. Unfortunately, I still need to take the GRE, but based on my final GPA, the score submission can be delayed until October 12. I also need to get the Graduate Admissions department to attach my final transcripts to my application; seems it's not very automatic. Fall semester looks like Monday, Tuesday, Thursday classes, with class days starting at 10:30 and ending at 5:30 (but individual classes not running the whole length). Looks like I'll have to become a weekend worker, if anything.