<p>Liars figure and figures lie.</p>
<p>Since the statistics are based on ten-year old information [1995] its difficult to ascertain application to today’s academy and candidates. While some of the analysis may continue to be true, it is just as likely that many things have changed.</p>
<p>On the USNA thread there was reference to graduate study done by a midshipman on drop-out rates for minorities/women/athletes, etc. It was referred to many times as evidence of the decline of academics/abilities of the acadamies. When you looked at it carefully, [as I recall] the study was looking only at plebe summer; hardly indicative of a four-year success/failure rate.</p>
<p>Bottom line tbby, many different groups/individuals/entities receive favored treatment at various times throughout their lives for who they are not for any innate meritorious abilities they may possess. [Let’s see, should we start with members of congress.] Its part of life that you, sooner or later, will benefit from. </p>
<p>The admissions process is long and arduous. I can’t believe that my son is about to enter USNA after what we have been through. Actually, in retrospect, the nominations process was the easiest part of it and we live in Texas – generally considered to be competitive. Keeping your grades up, leadership opportunities, great references, physicals, waivers, interviews, etc., etc., etc. are all more challenging.</p>
<p>The stones – my son did not even mention the Academy until 7/03. I know this because I presented him with the book “Absolutely American” to give him a glimpse of what Academy life was like. We did not have an inkling about how to get a nomination. Except for one thing that has served me well: We applied.</p>
<p>All you can do is apply. There’s only one thing you know for sure . . .if you don’t apply, you won’t get the nomination.</p>