1. When you attend BGO events or other similiar events regardless of who you are talking to, be professional. I help our local BGO out at events and because I am not a BGO, alot of candidates think they say what they want. Trust me, we (and others like me) communicate. I had a kid with near perfect SATs who thought he could say anything. The kid didn't stand a chance after his poor showing that day. Those letters that BGOs write carry weight. It might not be alot in the WCS, but it can hurt you.
2. Don't worry about what is happening to others around you. You can only control your future. If you see someone in your district get an LOA or appointment, keep pushing along. The final charge slates won't happen until summer time. USNA moves things around to best round out the classes.
3. Own the application process. In my opinion, if Mom and Dad are calling for things and filling out your paperwork, this is wrong. Others may disagree, but you need to own the decision and process. The process is meant to challenge you, to build you, to grow you. In my opinion that means communicating with MOC offices, BGOs, officers, alumni, etc. Yes, we all know you are busy. But you have lunch, free periods, in between classes (check with your guidance counselors, most weill excuse you for 10 minutes to make a call, this is the beginning of extreme time management).
4. Enjoy the ride. They say April 15th, as many are realizing, it can mean April 15th. Learn patience. If you truely want to be a military officer, this is the first of many hurry up and waits in your future.
5. If you make it in, check the ego at the door. Most have never failed, you will Plebe Summer and Plebe Year. Its hard. None of it singularly is hard, its the culmination of it all. No one cares how impressive your resume was to get in. On the other hand, use the ego when you need it. When you fail or struggle, your classmates will be there for you and you will need to pick yourself up and tell yourself you can do it. Some days you will have to take it minute by minute to make it. Just break it down in little chunks. Remember, thousands have made it through. If you are accepted, you can make it, or you wouldn't be there.