My DS was waitlisted for the Class of 2020. He accepted his Plan B school and took a similar class load that a first year student at the CGA would take and did well academically. He also joined the Rowing Team as a walk on. (He rowed in high school for three years.) He emailed the CGA rowing coach with any significant progress, improved erg score, and medaling in a regatta in his freshman year. He also became involved in several activities on campus. In addition, he contacted his AO at the academy and asked for their input. She encouraged him to retake his SAT. He re-took his ACT and SAT. He improved both. He had to apply Regular Decision and received his appointment on March 30th of last year. If you want it badly enough and you are competitive it can happen. Don't give up if this is your dream!