I'm sure that most people would argue that it's simple; that the academy should simply take the 1100-1300 (Whatever they admit that year) highest qualified applicants. The 2 main problems with that are: 1) Probable lack of diversity, and 2) It's unfair..... Huhhhhhh; how can that be unfair?
It's not little Johnny's fault where he is raised, the school he goes to, the parents and family he was born to, etc... If little Johnny bust's his butt and gets a 3.95 gpa in a school that is crime ridden, crappy teachers, and no advanced classes, parent (singular) who dropped out of high school, and 27 composite ACT; how does he compete with little Brian who happens to come from a more affluent family, where parents were very involved with his education, where he had access to being in the IB program or able to take ALL the AP classes he wanted; also received a 3.95 gpa (But with more high level classes) and was tutored to take the ACT/SAT tests???
This is what the prep-schools are SUPPOSE to be about. They're SUPPOSE give the benefit of the doubt in answering the question: "WHAT IF". What if little Johnny has the same opportunities? Could he have excelled even more and been even BETTER than little Brian??? Well, lets give him a "CHANCE" and see???
Now; unfortunately, the diversity that the academies preach is NOT ALWAYS the diversity that it should be. While race and gender are definitely part of diversity, it's SUPPOSE to also include economics, parental status, urban vs suburban vs farm vs ranch, high vs low population, first generation American, first generation College bound, overcoming of adversity, and MANY other areas. WHY???? Simple..... That is the makeup and demographic of the enlisted force that these future officers are going to be leading. So, the Prep-schools were designed to give these diverse kids, enlisted, and those who didn't have the same opportunities, the chance to PROVE...... "WHAT IF". Mind you, these are SUPPOSE to be individuals that the ALO and MOC's see a high level of potential. Not the 2.3 gpa student. The student, for whatever their background or situation and for whatever they were DISH OUT growing up, who did the BEST the could with it. For the individual who did all they could be expected to do with what they had. But because of influences outside of their control, especially academically and with lack of support, aren't able to compete with many others. Yes, they did the very best they could, with what they had; and thus, show a lot of potential.
But alas, this isn't the way the prep schools wind up being. Many of the preppers are in fact the type of student with the potential, that SHOULD be given the chance. But there are also many there that the academy has chosen based on race, gender, and yes..... athletic abilities. But mind you, these "Athletes" are not the 5-Star type of athletes we think of with recruited athletes. Chances are, if they weren't applying to the academies, they wouldn't be playing sports any place in college. The academies don't get the recruits who are actively being recruited by USC, Florida, Ohio State, Texas, etc... If they are recruited by them, they won't come to the academy. Well; 99.9% won't. But still, the academies do what they can, to offer individuals who weren't given the same opportunities, but demonstrate the potential to have outdone some of those who did have opportunities and received an appointment.
But like everything else in life, nothing is perfect. Neither is the prep-schools or the appointment process. But if you get rid of the prep schools, then that's unfair to many applicants. Just like title 10 give the representatives and senators the right to CHOOSE their #1 nominee (Principle). I ALWAYS encourage the MOC's to use this method. At least 50% of the class will be the students that the MOC wants at the academy representing their district/state. That alone is GREAT Diversity. But most MOC's "Think" they are too busy to make such a decision. Therefor, they allow the academies to choose their appointee for them.
Do I think changes need to be made at the prep schools? Yes.... But, I believe the prep schools are very important and an integral part of a quality academy class of cadets and future commissioned officers.