You do get paid a higher stipend depending on multiple factors including but not limited to CAP awards, time in jrotc of any branch, and amount of college completed. Prior enlisted are paid at the pay grade the come in with.
You actually got a slot. Stuff like this can happen due to others declining their spots to the Prep School. If you really want to check you can email or call the academy.
My understanding is just because they have been given a recommendation does not mean they will be given a prep school appointment. In the past I’ve noticed if there was a prep school appointment given it was done before the first deadline for notification usually early April. Considering how few...