Is there a wait list this year?
There's always a "Wait list". It's simply the NEXT in line, depending on WCS; of those in the National Pool.
However; you need to realize something. This "Wait list" (I really don't like that term"); is not necessarily a completely ranked list of names that they will go down the list on. Let me explain the "Problem" with thinking it's a "NORMAL" list of names in a particular order.
You were the #2 choice on your MOC's slate of 10, according to the air force academy. But being you didn't get selected as your MOC's stated appointee, you moved on to the National Pool along with all others in that category. On that list; when ALL appointments have been given out; you might be #27 from the top. Now; unless 28 ADDITIONAL appointees turn down their appointments, you don't really have a shot. HOWEVER!!!!!!! If the person who turned down their appointment happen to be the #1 person on your MOC's slate, that you were ALSO nominated on; the academy is going to go back to THAT MOC'S SLATE to fill His/Her slot. Those other 26 people ahead of you on the National Pool (Wait list) aren't on your MOC's slate. You automatically go ahead of ALL OF THEM and get that appointment. Just like people BEHIND you on the national pool (Wait list) could go AHEAD of you, because the opening is for a MOC's slated slot, and you aren't on that Slate.
Now; if the person turning down the appointment was one of the 300-500 from the National pool, then yes; it's the NEXT one on the list that gets the appointment offer.
That's why it's so difficult to judge who will or won't be offered an appointment. Especially from the national pool. There are way too many variables. This forum is made up of highly motivated, military WANTING, individuals. Many here do not realize 2 things.
1. This forum; and others like it; make up LESS THAN 5% of all applicants!!!
2. NOT EVERYONE APPLYING to the academy wants the appointment AS THEIR 1st CHOICE!!! It's a backup school. It's basically "Free". But if they get accepted to Stanford, Brown, Harvard, Michigan State, or whatever was their HIGHER CHOICES, they are going to probably take those offers and turn down the academy. Folks.... YOU ARE A MINORITY when it comes to academy applicants.
Anyway; forget about wait lists and similar. They don't mean a things in their own right. What matters is: "WHO IS IT THAT TURNS DOWN THEIR APPOINTMENT". That will determine WHO will be offered the replacement appointment offer. later.... mike.....