[stanfan]

From what we have read about recruits, it seems clear that at least some of them have been told what score they need to achieve in order to be admitted.  Hence the stories about celebrations when that score is achieved and tales of kids pulling the plug and moving on when they don't hit the magic number.  This is not to say that the number is the same for each recruit.  It seems a curious way to run a railroad.

[stanfan]

From what we have read about recruits, it seems clear that at least some of them have been told what score they need to achieve in order to be admitted.  Hence the stories about celebrations when that score is achieved and tales of kids pulling the plug and moving on when they don't hit the magic number.  This is not to say that the number is the same for each recruit.  It seems a curious way to run a railroad.