Not sure where the 80% acceptance rate comes from. No matter how you do the math. With only 1057 appointments: 12000 applicants - 8.8%; 6000 qualified applicants - 17.6%; 4000 nominees - 26.43%; 2500 3Q Qualified Candidates - 42.28%. To get 80%, that means 1057 appointments out of a pool of 1321 candidates.
Now; if you mean acceptance rate as in: Individuals accepting appointments given to them, that is another story. But colleges/universities (including the academies) use the words "Acceptance Rate" to mean how many the SCHOOL accepts from those applying. Just making sure everyone is speaking the same language.
Back on target: "Is no news bad news?" I suggest that those who haven't received an appointment, continually monitor your online application. There are 4 scenarios for those who haven't received an appointment.
1. An individual on the same nomination slate as you, declined the appointment, and you might receive an appointment as an alternate.
2. You are in the national pool and will receive an appointment because the academy needs to get to 1057.
3. The 1057 has been given out, but not all have accepted yet, and you are on the "wait list". Many on the wait list will receive an appointment, but it's not guaranteed.
4. You aren't going to get an appointment.
Either way; you should be looking at your other options that you made for college. There are some of you that probably know deep down inside that you aren't going to get an appointment. Many have mentioned how competitive the academy is. This year more so. The two main areas are academics and leadership. You can have the 4.0gpa, but if you know you have a composite ACT of 26-27 or 1800 total SAT, chances are slim that you're going to get an appointment. Forget what the "Minimum Standards" are. The incoming class hasn't averaged the minimum standards ever; as far as I know. The "Average" ACT is around 30. The average SAT is around 1950. Same with leadership. Doesn't matter what the minimum standards are to make you a "Qualified" candidate. The average cadet has strong leadership accomplishments. Class leaders, sports leaders, varsity letters, boy/girl state, city/state/national accolades, club leaders, etc...
I am not trying to depress or bum anyone out. But I would not doing anyone justice if I didn't tell them to firm up any potential plan "B" schools out there. Nothing wrong with State "U" or a community college and reapplying again next year. But, if you have the opportunity in front of you to a prestigious or dream school, and you're still waiting, I think it's time you start looking at accepting one of those schools if you haven't heard from the academy yet.
Anything given out is going to reflect in your online application. In the past, it could take many weeks to catch up. They aren't doing that this year. They are updating quickly and allowing for online acceptance/declination quickly. Keep looking at your online application AND MAKE SURE YOU REFRESH YOUR BROWSER SO YOU DON'T SEE WHAT'S IN THE CACHE. best of luck. Mike....