<p>Yes, VA is competitive. However, if you look at the numbers, you’ll also see a very high number of appointees come from VA. </p>
<p>You’ll never know if you don’t apply.</p>
<p>Also, not being selected for NASS doesn’t doom your chances for USNA just as attending doesn’t significantly improve your odds. It’s a great program and I strongly encourage interested candidates to apply and attend. However, many people who ultimately get an appointment aren’t NASS attendees for various reasons.</p>
<p>It’s really not worth obsessing over how competitive VA may be as it’s something beyond your control. Do your best to make your application as strong as possible – something you CAN control – and see what happens.</p>