<p>The two kids I know who applied and were accepted to the Naval Academy applied because it was the NA, and the rank was probably irrelevant. They both (one boy and one girl) had planned on applying from a very early age.</p>
<p>I doubt it is that hard to get a nomination from a member of Congress. I don’t remember either of these kids being stellar students or athletes - the boy was more of a student (nerd).</p>
<p>I also think that the service academies recruit from the military forces, which would further skew their rank.</p>
<p>I know what the girl (who has graduated) is now doing, and it would be the envy of anybody who knew. Huge envy!</p>