From my, albeit limited, experience with things like this I can say that unfortunately a lot of bewildering decisions do get made. Whilst there will be those with seemingly excellent credentials not making it through the sift there will be some who have absolutely no business being there whatsoever.
I had the displeasure of meeting someone at a recent airline scheme assessment day who hadn't the slightest idea about flying, aviation or how it all worked. He asked if a class one medical was included in the assessment fee price and also asked how long the course was. Meanwhile I know people with experience around the flying community, excellent academics and relevant work experience who didn't get invited.
I am not sure how it works at CTC, but at some places when schemes like this run it is often people who aren't genuine aviation people doing the initial sift. They may work at a flight school in an administrative role, but that does not make them people who know what is good and what isn't in the flying world.
It's all a bit cynical I know, but thought I'd offer some consolation.