<p>While the specifics are unknown in your case, if you’re asking if politics and especially “knowing the right folks” ever, often or occasionally, can come into play in the admissions process, one need only read John McCain’s book. Now that was a few decades back, but it would be naive to think that despite a process designed and intended to dissuade and deter such, that there cannot be and on occasion is in fact, undue influence provided to assist certain candidates in admission to the Academy. And in keeping them there. Again, read “Faith of My Fathers.” </p>
<p>But that said, I’d not put much or any stock in the notion generally. </p>
<p>I would be inclined to use GA’s implied directive to examine the plebe profile to encourage diligent work on the lad’s GPA. A strong improvement there could be far more important and valuable than having a subway uncle.</p>
<p>btw, on the lighter side, I don’t consider my great-uncles, several of whom are pretty great, “close” kin. Do you really?</p>
<p>Good luck and go get 'em.</p>