USNA uses a Whole Person Multiplier (WPM), not WCS. It's not the same as what was published in the Rand report from years ago, and the numbers used are very different, but the basics are similar. It is very tempting to get caught up in the details, but in the end it's not important. The only think you really need to worry about is putting forth the best package you can, with demonstrated excellence in all the things that USNA is looking for - which is easy to find with a minimum of effort.
Re: the WPM, it's not that mysterious. There is a very detailed process to ensure that each candidate gets a very thorough look, and is fairly evaluated.
Points are initially calculated from Objective metrics (class rank, test scores, CFA, and assorted check in the box categories like varsity captain, eagle scout, national honor society etc etc), then modified based on Subjective factors. There are many, many subjective factors that can add OR SUBTRACT points. These extra points are called Recommendations of the Admissions Board (RABs). As someone noted above, the person that is presenting the package to the board (who is also a member of the board) spends a few minutes summarizing the candidate, highlighting the major pros' and any con's, recommends any +/- points and recommends an outcome. While the record is being presented, all the members of the board have the candidate's record up on a laptop, and can pull up any of the details (transcript, letters of rec, test scores, bgo writeup, etc) and can read the details while the presenter is speaking. After discussion, the RABs could change, up or down. After a few minutes, the board votes. Possible outcomes are Qualified, Not Qualified (this is the Red/Green blocks, yes still used), as well as Defer , NAPS or Foundation. BTW, for a re-applicant, the board has the previous year's info available as well. This is why re-applicants should not cut and paste from the previous year.
The reason for the +/- extra points, is that there is no algorithm that could possibly capture the 'whole person' accurately. During training, BGOs observe a mock admissions board where several actual candidate records are reviewed (with names redacted). For most candidates, it takes a few minutes. It could be 15 minutes or more, but that's not a good thing for the candidate (indicates some issues that need further investigation, possible character board issues, etc). Bottom line is that for candidates and parents, you can feel very confident that your package will get a VERY detailed review, and that decisions are made after very careful consideration. It it absolutely NOT just a numbers driven process.
Lastly, the board review is only one step. After becoming qualified, the candidate's record will sit until a Nom is attached to it. Then, after all the candidates on that slate are complete, there is Slate Review to choose one candidate from the slate. That review is done by a group of people, and they discuss and agree on the which candidate on the slate will get an offer of appointment.
