On the first part, that is possible. On the second, I got in so I didn't get one. But my friend did, and it specifically said he was on the wait list. Plus, theres a whole thread in the USNA forum of people who where wait listed.
I had a principle nom, and was told I was 3Q'd by my BGO, so it does happen.
As for a "wait list" notification, the USNA does, other academies may do it differently.
Being the question is about a "first generation" collage student, both you and your brother are "first generation" colllage students. Even so, I would check with your BGO first.
Does anyone know how long we will be running during PEP? On our workout guide the longest run it says to do before the academy is 4 miles, we will get to go further during the summer?
I echo 1964BGO's advice, start early!!! I didn't start looking at the academy seriously until the end of junior year (various reasons), and I felt really behind in the application. I realized there was a lot of things I could have done to make my packet better, if only I had started early.
As...