I am not sure that it is quite correct to say that USNA or the other service academies are not highly competitive. When comparing the Naval Academy or the others to the Ivy League schools, you really need to take in consideration the whole candidate score that is used to assess potential students.
Remember the scoring process, academics, leadership, sports participation, extra-curriculars, physical fitness assessment, and nomination process. If Ivy League schools held to these standards, their halls may very well be empty.
So with that perspective, I would contend that Service Academies are indeed the most difficult and competitive schools to get into. It takes extremely well-rounded, focused young adults to gain entrance and continue successfully in these programs.
Remember the scoring process, academics, leadership, sports participation, extra-curriculars, physical fitness assessment, and nomination process. If Ivy League schools held to these standards, their halls may very well be empty.
So with that perspective, I would contend that Service Academies are indeed the most difficult and competitive schools to get into. It takes extremely well-rounded, focused young adults to gain entrance and continue successfully in these programs.