I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out.
You can believe what you want. Looks like you are new here, so I would encourage you to go back through the numerous threads on this topic. There are several people here who know what they are talking about, and all have the same message. NASS is a recruiting and awareness program, and has no bearing on whether DS is competitive for appointment next year. I heard it directly from Admissions during BGO training last year.
Rejection is ok as DS got his today, but it would be nice to get some feedback on the reasons for why applicants did and did not make it: not enough athletic accomplishment, SAT/ACT or GPA thresholds, etc. I just wish the reject letter had a bit more honest evaluation in specific areas to work on
Are you suggesting that USNA give each NASS applicant feedback on how they can improve their application ? Do you realize how many applicants there are, and that NASS is essentially a sideshow to the main event ? From January to April, Admissions is busting their ass to seat the next years class....I suspect that there is not a whole lot of time to analyze each applicant, let alone give individual feedback.
Is DS one of those that has always dreamed of attending Annapolis ? Do you live in the DC/VA/MD area ? If yes to either of those questions, DS is not the target audience for NASS. Sure, some get selected... but it's really not the purpose of the program.