I understand the frustrations.
My son was given 30 days to retest, the results above were his outcomes. Which were much better than his original scores.
He had a 4.8 GPA, 6 AP classes, 1300 on SAT 690 in Math, 610 English and Reading, top 25% in his class, he received a nomination from his US Congressman, captain of his baseball team, player of the year for his rugby team, and took 3rd place at state chess competition. With numerous leadership/mentor roles in church and community. Many volunteer hours at nursing home, homeless shelters, food drives, and feed my starving children.
He did not get his results, but was told that his Academy interview went very well and he scored very high in leadership.
It was discouraging, and after seeing how devastated he was last year I would rather he stick with AFROTC, I would not tell him that as he is determined and driven and I am not one to not support his dreams and goals, but it was pretty gut wrenching. Same ends, just different means of attaining that goal (officer).
Just remember, it is stated over and over on this forum, every young person evaluation is different, what held one back may not be an issue for another. I do not mean to sound prideful, but with everything shown above I was truly at a loss as to why he did not receive an appointment, not bitter, just bewildered. My son's resume is even stronger this year, 1 year of college under his belt (3.8 GPA, Aerospace Eng major), and an AFROTC scholarship recipient, and an even stronger CFA this year will hopefully put him over.
All I can suggest is that it is their decision to attend, be supportive, even if they do not get an appointment if they decide to reapply do not discourage them, it is a calling and a great calling indeed.
Good luck and God bless.