Our DS has received appointment to USMA, USMMA & USNA plus an AFROTC scholarship. He wasn't a varsity athlete, wasn't class president, wasn't first in his class or from a private school getting tutored for college. However, he apparently ended up being the top candidate in our district which is very large because he was determined and ambitious. Good MOC/Board panels can tell if you have the right intent for the right content by nominating you to an academy. Your job is to make that decision as easy as possible.
The advice we received was get as much leadership experience as you can. In 11th grade he turned on a dime and started doing everything he could get involved in. Specifically, go to Boys State in your state (or the equivalent) or Eagle Scouts (if you are scouting already). Also, get into the SLS if you can, it's not mandatory but helped in our case. Take as many SAT/ACT retakes as offered and really, really work at getting high scores. They will superscore. You do need to be at the top of your class but not "the" top student. You do need to be athletic and show it but you don't need to be a varsity superstar. You do need to be willing to do everything "you" can do and demonstrate that for the MOC/MALO interviews.
If you haven't already find the local MALO and ask questions even before you interview. Talk to alumni and get advice. As for the application process, if your profile is competitive make sure and get EVERYTHING done as soon as possible (application stuff). Your future will be in someone else's hands for a while (teachers recommendations, etc.) and that can be nerve-racking. Stay on top of it and don't assume "anything" was done just b/c you asked...follow up.
You are on the right track...get very familiar with the entire application, nomination and interview process. Write things down...in fact, keep a journal/notes on dates, etc., just to keep stuff in order.
Our district was very helpful with plenty of information seminars, etc., from all the academies. I would find out if your MOC's have information seminars going on and get to know the contact's at their offices. Our local Congresswoman and her staff were terrific, I'm sure not all are that great but they do work for YOU. So make them work.
Our DS (and us) sweated the CFA test way too much. He did well in certain areas, about died on pull-ups, and ran pretty good. It was pass/fail unless you cap out on everything it won't make a big difference. So if you can do well now, I wouldn't sweat it. If you can't don't wait until later, start practicing now, especially pull ups. All the info is online and pretty self explanatory. If you go to SLS you can do the CFA there and get it out of the way.
In general, understand it is a whole person score that puts you at the top, not being a one trick pony (unless you get a Principal Nomination...ie. sports star). Get the strongest package together you can and be proud of yourself.
Good luck.
