KF: Those were simply examples. I can tell you that when the dust settles, and the academy has chosen their 1100+/- appointees, that there's around another 2000 that were also 100% qualified that didn't receive an appointment. There's also another couple thousand that weren't qualified, but it isn't always academics that disqualified them. There's some even with an LOA (Letter of Assurance) who for whatever reason, couldn't get a nomination. Therefor; even though the academy wanted them..... NO APPOINTMENT.
Remember; there are basically a minimum of 3 groups that you are competing against. 1) Your congressional district. 2) Your State. 3) The national pool. Some are fortunate and have some other categories they can compete in also; such as for presidential slots, ROTC slots, etc...
The AVERAGE GPA of the entering class, almost every year, has been a 3.86. They average a 29 composite ACT. And there are plenty of people with those gpa and test scores that DON'T RECEIVE an appointment. That's the average. What makes you any better than them?
You said that you come from the average family with average lifestyles. That you didn't have any major adversities growing up. How do you compete? You compete with BETTER than average scores. You have BETTER than average CFT. You give BETTER than average interviews. You stand out in front of your congressman/senator with a better interview.
The problem is: Too many people ask what are the AVERAGE SCORES? What is the average for getting an appointment. NEVER strive for the average. Strive for the 4.0gpa; for the 2400 SAT; for the 36ACT; to max the CFA; to be the BEST of the BEST of the BEST. Then; whether you receive an appointment or not, you can be proud of your accomplishments, and you'll succeed no matter what. There WILL be someone from a different district or state that receives an appointment, that has LOWER scores overall than someone from a different district or state who didn't receive an appointment. This might not sound fair, but it is. Just like the electoral college, the academy is made up of equal representation from all states. All taxpayers. 60%+/- of all appointments are given to a nominee from each nomination source. 453 representative and 100 senators. That's 553 appointments. Plus; another 150 for military representation. Presidential nominees, ROTC, etc...
You don't have to do exceptional things to stand out. I've interviewed so many people for jobs and such. You can tell the ones who really give it 100%. They stand out. They may not even seem to be the best on paper of all the applicants. But there are intangibles that can't be measured, but they count. The whole "First Impression" thing. It's attitude. It's the words you use in your essays. Some people LOVE to read. What makes one writer more interesting and captivating than another? It's the passion in which they write. You don't have to come from a life full of adversity that you overcame to stand out. Just let your passion shine through. Best of luck. mike....