From having one son currently at RMC and the other currently merit listed I offer the following comments.
Son applying this year was told that he would be merit listed on the 15th of March and that he would be therefore in the first selection as the cut of was March 16th. I assume that they need some time to review the files, get any small items such as credit check and references done and forward. He is merit listed for all trades that he applied for, with each one being really its own segmented competition. If you come up for your third choice first and are deemed acceptable, an offer may be made. They will not it certainly appears review if you would later also come up for one of the others. I am not sure what turning it down on the hope of getting one of the others is. I can't see it being viewed very positively as you indicated you wanted a military career and listed and now don't want.
He was told that the selection process would start fairly soon following, perhaps the next week or the week of the 25th. Those files selected initially go to RMC for their review and acceptance and/or recommendation for civi university. I am sure that they have their own basis of selection for Kingston/St Jean but certainly leadership and military potential is high if not the highest. Advised " not to anticipate anyone being advised until around April 15th or later". "Offers will be made over quite a while and into the summer". (His brother did not receive until late July or early August) A decision will be made as to the location being offered, or where they want you. If you indicated civi U there still is a very good chance the offer will be RMC and if RMC that Civi U. About 50% of the first year RMC students (and all the CEGEP for Quebec) go to St Jean.
While they will look at you application in regards to why you do or do not want to go to RMC, they will put you where they want you to be. I am continually surprised by individuals applying that do not want to go to RMC, with the reason being that 1. They want to go to a "normal university without the uniforms and military stuff" and 2. That they "don't want the hard core military while at university". 3. They don't want to relocate and want to stay at home or with their friends. If all of this really bothers you and it is that important, take a good hard look at if you really want this. You are going to be hard-core military, move around at various placements a lot, and have summer military training each year at school. It you don't like it and enjoy it and your trade give it a lot of thought.
Older son was at St Jean for the first year and would not have changed a thing. He has strongly indicated that he is glad that he was selected for RMC and not a civi university.
A final comment. How many students at your high school received a FULL scholarship for four years of university?? This includes all fees, residence, books etc. And.... received a salary while doing so and summer employment. And... have a job at the end of it and further training??? If there is more than perhaps one or two I'd be very surprise... and most likely none other than perhaps you. That they want what they deem "the best" should not be a surprise. While someone that is not excluded for any reason ( minimum marks, medical, CFAT, interview etc) will it appears be merit listed, they are not strong candidates and in this competition will most likely not be selected. As I indicated in my earlier post..... if looking at 2013 or later work hard to get yourself as high on the merit list as you possibly can.
Those hat have applied sit back and relax. You will not hear anything for a couple of weeks at least and it is out of your hands now.