This time last year, my son had completed his applications to all three service academies. He was like most of the applicants: an A student with numerous AP and honors courses, lettered in two varsity sports, lead in the school musical, president of the largest service club on campus, treasurer of NHS, numerous service hours, etc... You get the picture. We live in a very competitive area of Texas per this forum and he even received an nomination from one of our senators. All that being said, when March rolled around, he received his rejection email. It was hard for all of us, but especially our son. He had been accepted to every college to which he applied, but wasn't excited about any of them. After a month passed, he spent the night with cadets at Texas A&M. He enjoyed it but still wasn't excited. He had ever intention of reapplying to the academies during his freshmen year. Fast forward...he loves A&M and has NO desire to leave. He feels like he was meant to go to college there. He's a member of the Corps and is thriving. I'm writing to remind anyone reading this that sometimes things work out the way they are supposed to. If your child doesn't get in to a service academy, it's not the end of the world. In fact, it may be the start of the best thing that ever happened to him/her. Best of luck to all of you!