Originally Posted by
Braddersb
surely candidate A who has put down 1st choice pilot, 2nd choice ATC or WSO, is going to look more appealing to the selection board than candidate B who only has put down 1st choice pilot, and no 2nd choice???
Not really. Appeal will come in performance at interview and not a career wish list. As A_A and Muppet say, you will be very exceptional to get a scholarship but if you don't apply then you don't want, if you don't want you don't get.
As competiton is so stiff you don't need to fret if you are not successful. The study, application and interview will all add to your life skills.