Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
Silly Cube...you cant judge Starfleet by a 'Wesley Episode.'
|
Actually, I think you can.
Starfleet is very clearly a school, and while this is the future we still have people talking about classes and professors etc. For that to work, you still need to have semesters and terms which means you just don't get to come and go as you please. Regular enrollment is likely no different than it is today, albeit with no tuition fee. You take the entrance exams, you do well you enroll at the beginning of the term.
What we saw in Coming of Age was an opportunity for someone who was too young to or unable to enroll at the start of the term being given an opportunity to enter into Stafleet academy.
Crusher was likely too young, came to the right age and was given an opportunity to enroll early due to his prodigy status.
Mordock, was from a non-federation planet which means he likely hadn't been given his Officer approval to apply in time for regular enrollment. He would go on to be the first Benzite in Starfleet. We know Benzar wasn't a federation planet from the season 2 episode Matter of Honor when Mendon explains his position on the Enterprise and the officer exchange program.
T'Shanik is odd, until you realize the character was originally supposed to be a Klingon, so was likely intended to be in the same boat as Mordock.
Olinia Mirren is the only one I can't find a tie in for. She admits to being nothing special, but still somehow got into this early entrance exam. Have to assume nepotism. Mom is probably a Captain or something.