CAmid, probably something like that. DS received a letter regarding USNA being notified that he applied for a VP nomination. That letter came from the office of the Director of Nominations and Appointments. So yes, there is a specific office that deals with appointments.
From what I've read, each candidate is assigned a WCS by AB using the magical algorithm, and then racked and stacked based on those scores. Additional better SAT scores, awards, etc. can all add extra points to an otherwise qualified candidates WCS.
Admin Board can assign some additional points based on what the needs of the class are(diversity) or a particular candidate's circumstances, so if Admin board wanted to be sure that candidate was likely to be included in class, they could assign say an extra 7000 points to that candidate's WCS ranking them higher on the list and maybe getting them in.
I like to think of it like a giant golf tournament with a nomination being the invitation to play in the tournament.
If Nominated, then AB determines if qualified and assigns the WCS, then it's really trying to make the "cut" earning that appointment and playing in the 4 year long final round ...only our "players" don't know what the "cut" will be....or what they are currently shooting.
Nominated LOA recipients know they make it to final day assuming they don't get DQ'd along the way by the tournament officials.
I'd be interested to know if any midshipmen actually found out their WCS once admitted-or if anyone even cared once admitted.