<p>It IS confusing, isn’t it? You are close in your understanding. Each nominating authority has five slots at each academy. For a nomination, he may nominate up to ten individuals for each slot available, at each academy for which he has a vacancy. Some years it might be one, sometimes more, depending on if someone withdrew, graduated, etc. Usually there will always be one available, but not always, it could be none. This is why you increase your chances of getting in by selecting as many or all of the academies you are willing to attend. It gives them more latitude with their nominations. Suffice it to say, you will never really be able to figure out your chances because of all of the variables in play that you are not aware of, so relax and wait. Easier said than done.</p>