thats so depressing knowing that only 1 out of the 10 kids nominated will get an appointment...
It's not that "Black&White". Most states have no problem with getting multiple nominations. So; while you may be 1 of 10 on the slate from your representative; you could also be on the slate of 1 or 10 for each of your senators. And depending, you could be on other nomination lists. So, it's not a flat: 10% chance of getting an appointment.
Also; in many cases, the actual representative for your district, ranks their slate of 10. In which case, if you are the #1 name on that slate, then you are guaranteed a slot; assuming your representative still has open slots and you qualify for the academy all the way around.
Also; if you get an LOA; then it doesn't matter WHERE on ANY of the slates you are on. As long as you are SOME PLACE on the list, you've met the requirement for a nomination with an LOA and you get the appointment. Also; that won't take away from that representative's #1 slot. That's why many reps and senators, if they find out one of their constituents has an LOA, they will make them #10 on their list. They get the appointment, but it doesn't affect the others on the list.
And finally, if you aren't fortunate to be selected for an appointment out of the 50% +/- that are given appointments for being #1 on the representative's list, (453 slots); presidential nominations, (100 slots); prior enlisted, ROTC, LOA's, etc...; and you are then in the "General Pool" of applicants trying to get one of the remaining 700 appointments; then as long as you have a nomination, then you are competing based solely on your scores. It doesn't matter if you were #5 on your senator's list compared to a #3 on someone else's list.
Basically, there's a lot more to it than saying you only have a 10% chance. Considering that the academy has a selection rate of 14-15%; that alone shows there's more to it. For what it's worth; my state is the LEAST POPULATED STATE. We ONLY have 1 U.S. Representative for the House. (1 district in the entire state). Yet, the year that my son received his appointment; the class of 2012; there are 9 students from Wyoming. I believe 2 were in the Prep-School the year before (NON-ATHLETES). 1 Was a presidential (My Son); and the other 6 were selected. Obviously, with only 1 representative, that's only 1 somewhat guarantee. So, 5 more got appointments from the pool and based on their scores. Best of luck. Mike.....
P.S. Once the boards start meeting, generally they meet weekly. However, they are free to change their schedule as they see fit.