Stats on Nominations

[NamD]

Hello all,
I was looking at the Academy's statistics on each class (2012 up to now) and was astonished at how many candidates got wiped out because they couldnt get the nomination.
It seems to me like 40% of all candidates get decimated because they couldnt get a nomination. Why is this so? Is it because many of them figured that a military lifestyle was not what they wanted and didnt apply for a nomination? Im sure there are alot of variables out there but what would be the biggest factor in all this? for example, out of 2000 candidates, realistically, not all 2000 candidates would apply for a nomination would they?
thanks!
Dave

 

[USMA2016]

I'm guessing it's because many don't seek a nomination or just apply for one but aren't selected for one.

 

[CAmom2015]

Some candidates open a file and then change their mind as they begin to do more research into the committment involved, etc. My son had a friend who did this. Others interview for the nomination but do not receive one and that can be due to a variety of reasons such as no sports, low grades or SATs, poor interview, a very competitive Congressional district (too many want a nomintion, not enough slots for all that are applying).

 

[BigNick]

Nomination Process

Nominations come from Congressmen (U.S. Senators and Representative) and from various "service connected" sources such as active army soldiers, National Guard soldiers, sons and daughters of retired career people etc.).

Most people rely on a congressional appointment. Each U.S. Senator and each U.S. Representative can have 5 total people in each Service Academy. Most years that means each of them have one (maybe) two slots for the next class. Each of them are free to determine who gets their nomination but most of them have a process where they have a board with interviews who recommends to the Congressman who should get the nomination. Others send 10 names to West Point and lets the West Point Admissions people determine who is the best qualified to get that Congressman's nomination for the year. In the vast majority of Congressional Districts many people (10-20 or more) are competing for that Congressman's slot. However, only 1 (maybe 2) will get the Nomination. The others - no matter how well they are qualified - will probably not get in. However, there are always a few slots for very highly qualifed people that do not get a Congressional nomination that West Point can use.
In short - like most elite Universities - there are many more qualified candidates than there are slots.