One point to remember here, is being an outstanding enlisted soldier does help with the nomination process, NOT the Application. As UHBlackhawk mentions, you still need the 3Q, plus chain of command recommendations, and a nomination. Enlisted to Academy requires a Presidential Nomination, the number of which granted each year is directly governed by 10 USC as to the number of nominations appointed. So there is not an EASY path by going enlisted, just different, and possibly even more competitive than the traditional way. A possibly better route is (if you were 3Q with a nom) is to find out from your RC or FFR where your WCS was lacking and work to improve those areas directly. While it may be too late to sign up for college courses, check with your local college or university and see if you can at least take a "part time" load entering late, and take, Calculus, English Comp, and Physics on a college level to show the adacemy you can do college level academics. This is JMHO, but if I was serious about an academy, I would strive to re-apply and get appointed next year. Good Luck with whichever route you take. Enlisted is not so bad, especially now, with more and more responsibility, and respect being directed towards enlisted members, and a lot of training is top notch allowing for high paying civilian careers post AD.