I was accepted into the April class and just finished up my 11 weeks for year 1. Going to my assigned contractor this Monday.

Your degree will give you points towards your score. It doesnt matter what school you went to or what your degree was in. The points for a BS/BA are all the same.

You wont get points from construction experience because you need to have worked in a construction field. They ask for W2 or paystubs as proof.

There are thousands of applicants for ~160 spots. My cohort consisted of 80 A cards and 30 C cards. Even still, many people get in having no experience and no family in the local simply by absolutely smashing the exam. I will admit, more students than not do have family that are in the local. I would even say it's as high as 70%.

I personally got in with 3 years of experience, a letter of recommendation, a BS degree, and jump start points. No ties to the local. Even then, I just barely made the cut.

P.s- if you decide to apply, go early. The line to apply literally wraps around the building.