No worries, did all the sweating with the first 2. This is our 3rd go round (my Daughter-in-laws brother)
We know all about the "Go Figure Factor" our second son is now a 2nd at USNA Rock Solid! Or as us country folks say "Like a pig in slop" . He had relatively low ACT for Math, and fairly low GPA, but something about him, his package, and interviews was right there. West Point Appointment, USNA Appointment and 4 yr ROTC at VMI offer. Next Son looked better on paper, higher ACT's, way better grades, 3 nominations, ZERO appointments Ouch.........
This young Man (candidate #3) has a hook, that special bootstrap story, that is very real. It will be what might help him...we shall see, he already has full ride at civilian college, and has grown so very much through the whole application process which has been a 2 year growth quest for him. So he is way better off regardless.
I think that might be one aspect that is overlooked about this application process. How much these young people learn and grow through the process, even if they are not one of the lucky chosen ones.