<p>Whistle Pig:</p>
<p>I detect more than a slight trace of cynicism. At a briefing early on during plebe summer, my son's class was asked how many were in the top half of their graduating class. A large number of hands went up. They were then told that "half of you will be in the bottom half of your class".</p>
<p>The honor list takes into account the overall order of merit, which includes military coursework, physical aptitude and performance, and military leadership qualities. It is not a purely academic (grades only) ranking.</p>
<p>My point was to encourage applicants who were told they had "average" chances of admittance not to take it to heart and become discouraged. Even those who were deemed only "average" can excell with motivation.</p>
<p>And I will disagree with your statement that SAT scores do not have a "significant" correlation to the potential for successful academic performance. Motivation and perseverance may play a significant role, especially at a civilian school, but at the Academy, where mids (especially plebes) have more on their plate than can be accomplished in a 24 hour period, and lights out is strictly enforced, aptitude does play a more significant role in success.</p>
<p>CM</p>