<p>
</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard from people who went through the process, this can vary by state, congressional district, and by individual Congress member. If the state/district doesn’t have many high school kids who are gung-ho on Federal military academies and/or one or more of a congress member’s nominees flunks/drops out in the year of application…nominations would be relatively easier. If the opposite is the case, getting one may be difficult/impossible in a given period. </p>
<p>Moreover, some Congress members will have extra requirements such as an essay, passing a civil service exam with a minimum score, and/or a personal interview before deciding to grant the nomination or not.</p>