and i also remember that last year, they shortlisted 50 people for the 36 places. But before people think 'great, much less competition', out of that 50 they didn't actually find 36 people they liked, so had to open up selection again. Its not a case of just trying to be better than 14 other people.
Are you sure about that? What I heard is that many candidates were unable to find enough funding to start training, this is what I've been told at CTC open day. I don't think there was any problem with the candidates, it was just a matter of financing.