You'll either get a professional recommendation or a rejection when you first submit your package. If you get the pro-rec then they'll want to see your MEPS report, PRT, and EPSQ. It's kind of like getting called back for a second interview in the civillian world. I don't think it is very common to get a professional recommendation and not make the end cut, (assuming there are no issues with MEPS, PRT, or EPSQ) but it can and does happen. There are people on the forum who had pro-recs but for some reason weren't actually selected. Does that all make sense?