This is true. However, if a competitive applicant is not invited to NASS, don't be surprised if that same letter has an invitation to CVW. While at a parents' meeting at the start of my son's CVW, an AC explained how NASS is a marketing tool and that if our DS/DD was at CVW, USNA was certain our DS/DD was hooked on USNA and CVW was a way to acknowledge that. Out of that group of approx 50 kids who were there for CVW, only one had an invitation to NASS. The AC told the kids right before they left to begin their CVW to not be concerned they were not invited to NASS and that being at CVW reflected their competitive status. But there is more. Before my son's CVW checkin, we went by admissions to say hello to our AC. My son wanted to thank him for the invitation to CVW. He asked if there was a waiting list and if so, he asked if he could be put on that list. I concurred as I explained I to our AC I could have my son there with very short notice. A few days after my son returned from CVW, there was a TWE inviting him to NASS. So, if one is initially denied an invitation to NASS, things could still work out. And not all TWEs have bad news. Good luck to all.