crazy politics
due to crazy Illinois politics and their quasi illegal redistricting, we went from one of the most competitive districts in the state to one of the least competitive districts (based on amount of people requesting noms)...and we never moved.
This a was after son #1 got in (so not helpful) but plenty of time for daughter to apply.
Keep in mind if there are only two applicants from your district applying and the other applicant has a 36ACT, is a native american who speaks fluent Chinese and Russian, president of StuCo and can pitch a fastball 100 miles per hour then you now live in an incredibly competitive district.