<p>Soylent, having followed this now for a few days, it seems folks here on the forum, especially those now at the Academy, are trying to give you the advice you seek. Look at it this way. Your application is sitting at the Admissions Board alongside another one of the 10-12,000 who are applying – and that other application mirrors yours in every way – same classes, same honors/AP/IB, same EC’s even down to equivilant experiences, be they Boys/Girls State, Hugh O’Brian, community service, even the same leadership experiences in the same type of restaurant you work – in other words your figurative “Twin.” </p>
<p>All these folks are saying, is if your “twin” applicant has in addition, varsity sports experience in just one high school team sport – that other applicant has an edge on YOU. </p>
<p>They aren’t trying to justify it, argue with you whether it “shows” leadership or doesn’t, or even whether it is philosophically “infallible” in guaging good potential candidates. They are just trying to help you be a better candidate and trying to help you achieve your goals!</p>
<p>Good luck – I hope it’s all academic in a few months and you’re there the following year to welcome my son!</p>