On last year's "Those Of Us Still Waiting" thread, many users found it therapeutic to update their status on the list after the big TWE drop came. Here's a link to that one in case anybody's interested:
USAFA / For Those Of us Still Waiting.
For those with a TWE today, sorry to hear your news. You have so much optimism and positive energy invested in this process over the previous months and for many it's difficult to read the TWE in your portal. Don't dwell on it. Dwell instead on the great things you've done that have gotten you to this point. You are an incredible young adult, you're smart, you've demonstrated leadership and have conducted yourselves admirably. You started an application that many get discouraged from. You completed it and officially became a candidate. You received letters of recommendation from teachers and adult leaders in your life who know your potential. You interviewed for a nomination from your Congressional rep and/or senator. You passed the candidate fitness assessment and completed a DODMERB physical. Just having taken this journey is an inspiration to others in your spheres of influence. The good news today is you have an answer about what you won't be doing next year and can push forward with plans B, C, D, etc. Today offers you an opportunity to learn and be able to demonstrate resilience. Be encouraged by what you've learned about yourself in this process, the hoops you've jumped through to complete the tasks and meet the deadlines needed to get you here. Take some time over the next couple of days and reflect upon your answer to the question "why do you want to attend USAFA". Take that energy and RE-APPLY next year! Whatever you choose to pursue this coming year, pursue it with enthusiasm. If the desire to attend USAFA is still in your heart, you can look forward to opening an application for c/o 2026 in a couple of months. There may be someone who received a TWE today who may get a call in June with an last-minute appointment offer, but for the most part a TWE today means an open door to a different path for next year.
Best of luck and look forward to seeing you listed on the appointment thread next year (or even the next year) as a successful re-applicant!