It means not to get stuck over what anyone else's application looks like. Even the ones who get there are in a non stop pressure cooker. A second year applicant may have the better advantage once there.
While the retention rate seems acceptable, it is a hard realization for some parents that just because DS/DD cleared the hurdle of appointment/acceptance, that does not guarantee they will graduate and commission. It is a long, 4 years, and many events can lead to DOR or disenrollment...right up until graduation (seems to happen every year). Nothing is assured until that diploma and commission is in hand, and I believe parents need to always have that reality in the back of their mind.
Yes, getting accepted is only the beginning of the journey.
... others that make it through to graduation and commission, don't make it through the five year service committment, also a reality ...
... many reasons, including injury, medical & often for poor choices and decisions. There are no do-overs.
There was a cadet in DS's class that was in the process of disenrollment. Everyone knew except the parents. It was sad seeing his mother in the exchange over parent's weekend, buying all the latest USCGA gear, and her cadet was almost out the door.
The last update to the Statement of Obligation and Acceptance I have in my file is dated in 2017. In that update, it states for 1/c and 2/c cadets:
Here is the incoming class profile for the class of 2024 https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?attachments/0001-jpg.6165/
Sounds like you were pretty close. My DS got EA LOA with a 32 ACT Naval Arch major 3.82 GPA PFE score of 245 and also Band member with CG enlisted vet parent.