The difference here, is that the OP has a Principal Nomination. As luigi correctly mentioned, if the individual is 100% qualified, which usually you know if you are or not. (You passed your DODMRB, you have above minimum GPA/SAT/ACT, which you probably do in order to get a principal nomination, and you are physically qualified with your CFA). Then you get the appointment by law. If you don't have a principal nomination, which most nominations aren't, then it's really difficult to say whether you'll get an appointment or not. I, Flieger, and others have all seen applications that we would almost bet our paycheck on was going to get an appointment.... And yet, they didn't. Go figure. But a Principal Nomination is a whole different story. You should know if you are qualified. Did you bomb the CFA? Did you get a notice from DODMRB saying you weren't qualified? Do you have below a 25ACT, low GPA, etc...? You should know if you're qualified or not.