You are absolutely correct. People need to realize that EVERY SINGLE PERSON who gets an appointment DESERVES it. The Air Force has been doing this for a while. They know the qualities and potential they are looking for in an officer. And just like enlisted personnel, the Air Force knows that for the mission to get accomplished efficiently, they need personnel from many different categories. While the "ideal" system would be that everyone that comes in will stay 20 years; and that the "new" personnel are at the same number as those retiring. But that isn't practical. But that's OK, because a well trained military member; even if they only stay for 5 years +/-; becomes a greater contribution to our country as a whole than if they hadn't spent any time in the military. (Yes, I said it. Ex-military personnel going back into the civilian world are "Generally" more valuable to the overall success of our economy and country). So if you've been selected for an appointment into the air force academy, it is because the Air Force recognized the qualities in you that give you the potential of being a success as a military officer. The appointment alone should be enough proof to the candidate, their friends, and family that they no longer should ever doubt their capabilities. You should NEVER AGAIN doubt yourself. The fact that you even applied to the academy and are qualified puts you at the top of most of your peers.
But what about those who don't get an appointment. This is most difficult. As I mentioned earlier, the reason a person didn't receive an appointment doesn't mean they aren't qualified or doesn't possess the qualities the air force is looking for. The most important thing to know is that there are only so many people who can get an appointment. There's more applying nationally than can be accepted. There's more per state and district applying than can be accepted. In theory, there are roughly 15,000 high schools in our country. If hypothetically, the #1 class ranked student of every high school applied to the big 3 academies (Only because they appoint the most for my illustration); that's 4,200 students accepted. Assuming they were all equally qualified 3Q; that would still leave roughly 11,000 who didn't get an appointment. And guess what, I would guess that there is close to 15,000 applicants to all the academies combined each year. The big 3 usually have around 9000-10,000 each year applying. And there's a lot that DON'T apply to all branches. Matter of fact, I would say that not that many apply to all 5 of the standard academies.
So realize; usually only a certain type of person even applies to the academies. This alone puts them ahead of a lot of other college bound students. Those of you that make it, you deserved every bit of it. Those of you that don't receive an appointment, DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!!! There's so many reasons why you didn't get an appointment, with many having nothing to do with you. But if you are qualified and make to the end, but didn't get the appointment, be proud of yourself. You can apply again next year if you still want to. THAT IMPRESSES THE ACADEMY A LOT!!!! (Determination). Also, if you are qualified for the academy, then you are MORE THAN QUALIFIED to attend most universities in the country. Including the Harvards, Yales, Stanfords, Duke's, Cornell's of the world. Every person who applies to the academies should be proud of themselves and for being willing to accept a commitment that most people wouldn't even consider. best of luck to all of you. mike.....