I would like to thank each and every person who has shared his or her ideas, thoughts, information and reactions on here. It takes courage to go out on a public forum for all to see and admit to fears or disappointments. Even if the poster can be anonymous, they can still see the reactions to their sharing of something personal. The anonymity may reduce or remove the sense of humiliation, but it doesn't necessarily lessen the sting. It helps others to know they are not alone. For every poster here, odds are there are at least 20 lurkers who choose not to participate.
This EA process has been particularly frustrating to many people. I think there are many reasons for this:
1) How vested they are in attending the academy. There is greater skin in the game.
2) The vague and unspecific nature of what the USAFA is looking for in EA. It's the first year, so its a work in progress. In a couple of years time, I'm sure the definition and process will be better.
3) The lack of data, as in xy% receive an EA appointment (again first year, work in progress)
4) Not many people around them to share their experiences/thoughts/ideas/feelings/reaction with. We don't know a single candidate for the USAFA (friend/acquaintance). We briefly met 3 others while waiting for nomination interview and another one at a sporting event who lives across the country. We don't know anyone who has been through this process before.
So again, thank you for sharing your frustrations! It's nice to know there are others in the same boat, and perhaps you can all learn from each other to work together and row into the USAFA shore. (I know, boats = navy, but really, an analogy of flapping arms to land at the USAFA seemed a tad bit silly, though a really humorous picture comes to mind).
Being part of the military requires team work. Sometimes team work means letting your fellows vent and voice their feelings. A leader needs to learn how to listen without passing judgement. How many leaders have not been provided necessary information because of passing judgement and not listening?
Also, a thank you to those who monitor and provide this forum. It has been most helpful!