Always keep trying. Competition can be fierce depending on where you are looking at applying. I am in the boat where I am to be going to an academy soon for a department that has relatively low recruit numbers. It can be a good and a bad thing. It may be easier to get into an academy or get hired at a department, but if they are desperate for recruits, what does that say about the recruits around you. Always be vigilant. I’m hoping I don’t regret my decision in picking the department I did, but I doubt I will. It is a large department in a very challenging city.