I have heard privately from a few of you who learned today that their DS/DD were wait listed and I wanted to offer a little encouragement to you.
While being Waitlisted was probably not what you had hoped for, it is by no means the "end of the road". It just means that you have to wait a little longer for the answer. Perhaps Objee can chime in on the stats but so many I've talked to from prior years that were wait listed ended up with good news down the road.
It must mean that the pool has grown so very competitive and that the Admissions Board isn't ready to pull the trigger on your DS/DD just yet. Perhaps waiting to see how the RA pool looks. Nonetheless, I believe being wait listed means that your DS/DD has proven themselves a viable candidate and for that you should be very proud. I know that wait must be agonizing for the candidate and the parents, but hang it there. For many, it will prove to be a wait worth waiting for. Bottom line...."It's not over until the........" (You know the rest).
For those of you receiving CGAS appointments, rejoice! That is great news! EVERYONE I've met/spoken with that went through CGAS absolutely loved the opportunity and it made them much more comfortable starting the 4/C year. Not to mention, the money made during the CGAS year is great (better than 4/C year)! Not many college kids can say they are paid to attend college. Without hesitation, my DS would have gladly accepted a CGAS appointment. It really is a great thing and a great opportunity.
For those of you who received news of non-acceptance recently, I am truly sorry. I can only imagine what that must be like. Many times through the process we wondered if our DS would be one of those getting the TWE for the schools he applied to. Know this... your DS/DS, merely by their desire to serve through application to a service academy shows character that few of their classmates posses. Focus not on this, but on the Plan-B. Whether that Plan is another service academy, or a civilian college, focus on that. If service through this route is still desired, there is always next year! I know of some who made it in the "second time around". One year in the grand scheme of things isn't very long.
The application process has been an incredible journey to watch our son go through, and I am sure all of you (parents and candidates) feel the same. People who have not gone through this simply cannot understand. It is so much different than regular college applications.
Good luck to all of you, Accepted, CGAS, Waitlisted and those who were turned down. The best really is yet to come!