Not to throw to much of a damper on everyone's enthusiasm but a ******** monkey or your average 12 year old can fill out the online form and start a candidate file. It is a necessary step and receiving the letter is confirmation that your electronic application did not head into some electronic oblivion, nothing more.
You are about to start one of the most competitive college application processes in the country. It is a four part application process and all 4 parts have to be successfully completed just to compete for an actual appointment. Every year there are a few hundred applicants that successfully complete all 4 parts and still do not get in. It's a difficult process because it's a hard school to survive in and even more is expected once you graduate. Think of the process like a fish ladder with bears sitting on the sidelines. The lazy, careless , and stupid ones either quit or are eaten alive. The tough, smart, and lucky ones with non-stop drive make it to the top.
Couple of overall suggestions:
- Rolling admissions - Every year it seems to be a race to get the application completed as fast as you can. This is dumb. Admissions does not even start reviewing applications until an August-September timeframe. A reasonable early timeframe is to have your application in by the end of September.
- Getting application completed early means nothing if you are turning in crap. Every part of your application should reflect your best effort. Especially the Personal Statement and letters of recommendation. You want no regrets or second thoughts that, "it could have been better".
- NASS is a double edge sword. You are evaluating the Academy but those detailers are evaluating you. Bust your ass and support your squad mates. Do not quit at anything. At all costs do not disrespect your detailers. The results can vary between unpleasant and potentially fatal to your application hopes.
Best of Luck to All