I think it also depends on the Field Force Representative (FFR). My DS met his FFR during an Academy Day in his Junior Year as well as his RC. Both have always been available to him to answer questions. His FFR called and communicated with him, like for one hour, right before my DS was leaving to NASS, he took the time to discuss my DS's summer plans, SLE, and Boy States. He told my DS he was being considered for an LOA. My DS got his first LOA email on May 31 and his LOA August 6. The FFR called again after DS returned home from Boy States. He is at every WP event in our area, and you can see how involved and passionate he is about the whole process. My DS still does not have a nomination, and our representative lost the elections before setting up the interviews. DS will not make it to any of the academies without a nomination, and if that is the case, DS will not regret the grueling application process and all the sacrifices he had made these last 11 months, just because of the people he had met, especially his FFR.