Maximus - those SAT's are for the entire class of 2012. Including those who went to USMAPS and sponsored prep scholarships.
Qualifying status is determined by admissions. A candidate can only tell they are qualified if they receive a letter from admissions telling them they are qualified for admission and may compete for an appointment. Very, very few of those candidates, eventually receive an offer for USMAPS.
I would not want to give false hope to a candidate who is fully qualified and waiting to be selected for an appointment.
* Includes only scores used as a basis
for admission.
DS received a qualified letter from USNA (waiting for a medical waiver- and that wouldn't even be an option if not academically qualified) and the triple Q @ USMA when he was Nominated, they wouldn't even consider a non-qualified applicant, real popular Service Academy district. He then received the thin letter from USNA last April after the USNA waiver was denied.
His Appointment for USMAPS arrived early last March and we knew it was coming. Our Congressman's Military Liaison asked DS (at his Nomination interview) if he would be willing to do a year at Prep, as he thought it would do a world of good for DS at only 17. Then his West Point MALO called and said our Congressman put him up as his number one choice but....wanted him in Prep so, he was going to Prep and not a Direct Admit.
Jam, I'm sure you remember this discussion last year, when you gave "me" the ("his to lose...and a great honor") standard answer here, and it was a very tough decision for DS.
First, he had 2 other confirmed ROTC offers on the table, and was very very interested but...West Point was the "A" plan! He had heard there was a stigma going to "Prep", and it was a consideration in his decision. Part of his school research included two overnight trips to West Point and he asked the question there too. Fast forward to here and your last few comments, his (and mine) suspicions were correct, there is a stigma not being a direct admit to some people.
Everyone here (reading this) at this level, has read everything available, and we all know the current school of thought: 1,800 (600 ea test) SAT scores usually places as the baseline. Just as we all also know it's impossible to quantify GPA's and class placement so, the SAT's are the real indicator. Athletic needs also change paramiters... On the other hand, we also know the success rate of Prepsters, and how they have a "Leg Up" the first year; they have been living the "Life" for 10 months now, and might have a slightly easier time at R-Day....well, unless someone "gives them a little extra attention"
They have also been to a 4 week Beast so, that fear will be minimal.
Moral of the story for a kid looking to go to Prep: "Go for it! Don't worry about what other people say, and remember, a 2nd LT out of West Point, is a 2nd. LT out of West Point!
In the end, DS's happy with his choice and that's all that matters to me.