Seems the 20,000+ number is just for show then. Wonder why they would do that?
Comparing what it takes to apply to a service academy to what it takes to apply to a
regular college is like comparing apples and oranges.
If the Naval Academy only counted those who
fully completed their application to the Naval Academy it would be equally as misleading.
The information you give the academy to simply get accepted to NASS is about the same as the amount of information you have to give to a regular college to
fully apply.
If a student only goes HALFWAY through the academy's application process, that is probably TWENTY times the amount of work to FULLY apply to most other institutions.
Unlike most universities, the service academies make the application process,
in itself, as a monumental hurdle and an indication of commitment.
Just think of all the effort and paperwork generated just to secure a
nomination! NOTHING like that exists for civilian universities.
How many universities require an extensive medical exam (DoDMERB)? How many universities require its applicants to demonstrate their physical fitness (CFA)? How many universities do not permit applicants to choose WHO gives the university a recommendation (11th grade English and Math teacher)? What university has anything remotely as extensive as the academy's Candidate Information System? Hell, some universities do not even require a personal statement of any kind.
I would estimate that you can apply online to 80% (probably higher) of most universities, in a single sitting. Don't forget to mail them a check, though!