We are grateful for a reader sending us the following letter:

Great article on the College Rejection Bonanza!  One point that often gets left out of college selectivity discussions, however, is that the U.S. service academies (Naval Academy, West Point, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy) are often the most selective colleges in the country.  Selection rates at these institutions are rarely above ten percent — and for few of the reason you listed.  The admissions rate is low because — get this — a lot of high school students want to attend and the service academies will only accept the very best students.  Also, when you have to hire your own product, you tend to care more about the quality of the student you accept and the value of the education you provide.
 
Rob du Mont
U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1989