california is very competitive I agree, but some districts aren't really all that tough. Im choosing to apply from district 33 instead of district 30. Im really going for a principal nom. My local guy said that there were 8 candidates, not all 3QQQ going for 10 nomination slots in district 30. This is because West LA isnt really all that big on the military, especially the army. I asked on of the guys that looks over all of cali and he says competition in 33 is easier.
Ive got loads of sports, letters, captancies, organizations, and internships and all that stuff but my academics are below USMA 2016's. My SATs are above the 2014 average and my class rank is top 30 percent at a very competitive school.
So, some districts are not competitive.