rameses,
I was not trying to run down the efforts and commitment of those who have studied for, and gained degrees. Just commenting on the apparent fact that the higher the hurdles set by the selectors over the years, the higher the failure rate of those who do eventually make it to the college. When I first came into ATC there was almost nothing in the way of selection - certainly nothing like the flaming hoops that present day aspirants have to jump through - and yet failures, or even re-courses, were a very rare occurrence. So something has gone wrong over the years. And if it's not the quality of the students, then it's the structure and philosophy of the instructional institution, and the quality of the instructors. And that's another can of worms opened!
Anyway, from your comments it sounds as though you are mature and well-balanced, and I wish you the very best of luck in June.