As a candidate to a service academy (USMA), I am aware that my chances of acceptance are small, regardless of being qualified. And although I want a service academy more than anything, I am applying to civilian schools as well. I know that I cannot apply ED to any school and had a long chat with my guidance counselor regarding applying EA instead. There is one civilian school in particular that I am very interested in. The advice I received from my counselor was to let the civilian school know that I cannot apply ED, since I am a SA candidate, but that they are my first choice civilian school. Not so sure I agree with this advice. First of all, it's coming from a large public school advisor that has little experience with the academies. Secondly, in this environment of such superficiality in the admissions process, I feel the civilian school would use it as an excuse to reject me. On the other hand, I like being up front and honest but I am not sure my honesty would be appreciated.