Developing a plan B

Matthewmillr94

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2011
Messages
77
Hey all,

I realize that it might be a little premature to be considering my other options at this depth, but doing so somewhat alleviates the anxiety that arises from all the mailbox stalking going on in my house. I (obviously) have not heard from the academy yet, and it's definitely, without a doubt, my first choice. I also plan on majoring in aeronautical engineering (if at the academy) or aerospace engineering (if elsewhere). My question is this: What would look better to USAFA at this time next year? Going to Georgia tech, which is the 4th best school for aerospace engineering in the country, according to US News and World Report? Or going to Virginia tech, which also has an AE program, but being enrolled in the corps of cadets?
I have been accepted to both schools and most likely have scholarships on the line for both. I would be on AFROTC with either path.
What would make me look more attractive to an Air Force admissions counselor?


Also, what is everyone else's plan B?

Thanks!
 
To serve the rest of my enlisted contract to the best of my abilities, and then re-enlist after it nears the end date.
 
First of all, you should choose a backup plan/school with the thought of where you think you would be best suited/happiest/most successful etc. if you ended up having to stay there for all 4 years. Things change, you may end up loving a typical college experience, ROTC, etc so choose it with that in mind. That being said, what will make you attractive as a reapplicant (if it even comes to that) is rocking your first semester classes--showing the academy that you can be successful at the college level. You're not choosing between a top tier school and a local community college--you've mentioned 2 great schools, either which should look great on an application.
 
I'm having the exact same problem as you. Same schools and same major choice. As far as the choice between GA Tech and VA Tech, I plan on picking the one that I would be happier staying at for four years. Unfortunately, I have no idea which one that is yet. Like you, I'm torn between the corps at VT and the engineering program at GT. Both of them have great ROTC detachments and engineering schools and I'm having trouble to find something to dislike about either one. Here's to hoping USAFA makes the choice easy for us!
 
Have you thought of . . .

I'm having the exact same problem as you. Same schools and same major choice. As far as the choice between GA Tech and VA Tech, I plan on picking the one that I would be happier staying at for four years. Unfortunately, I have no idea which one that is yet. Like you, I'm torn between the corps at VT and the engineering program at GT. Both of them have great ROTC detachments and engineering schools and I'm having trouble to find something to dislike about either one. Here's to hoping USAFA makes the choice easy for us!

Maybe you've thought of this already, but your plan B decision may become more clear to you if you visit both schools, see the campus, talk to cadre/leaders in the military science dept (including other cadets), and visit with some of the engineering professors.

We had our son go to Engineering Camp at his plan B school last summer, so he got to meet and interact with some of the professors and spend time in the engineering dept. The university also gave students a tour of the campus. We went back last month to tour the dorms. We've been to football and basketball games, and besides the school spirit, the ROTC detachments participate in some of the opening ceremonies, which is nice to see, and they wear their uniforms to the football games (and do pushups after every home team score.) my son just felt right at this school. They also post photos on their ROTC Facebook page whenever they do weekend training. The Engineering Dept at this university provides an additional scholarship to ROTC students with a certain math score on their ACT. We didn't know about it, but the PMS helped my son get the additional money to help with room and board.

So I guess my point is, when preparing for plan B, try to visit both campuses. And what other things might distinguish one school over another?

Of course, I hope you, my DS, and the other hopefuls on this forum all get their BFE and don't have to worry about Plan B! :shake:
 
I was in the same boat last year when I applied to the Academy. I received a TWE letter and ended up attending a state university. I am currently in AFROTC and it has been awesome!!! AFROTC provides a great balance between military and college life. I would encourage everyone who doesn't receive an appointment to check out ROTC (Army, Navy, or AF). It is never too early to plan your backup. (I like many, am waiting to hear back from the Academy :yllol:)

Concerning the person that asked about VT vs GT, that's totally up to you. I applied to VT and got accepted, I just couldn't afford to go out of state. I visited VT and met with one of the officers there. Basically you are with the Corp for 5 days a week and the majority of each of those days. From what I remember, you live in the barracks. They cut you loose during the weekends but you might still have Corps stuff on the weekends. (Definitely check to see what it is like up there, I visited 2 years ago so my info might not be 100% correct, but from what I remember that is what its like) GT is like the typical ROTC experience, PT 2 days a week, lead lab, and a ROTC class (this is like what I am doing). Great balance between military and civilian life.

Once again totally up to you, but I wouldn't look at it so much as of what would the Academy want to see more, but where would you be happier? Both are excellent engineering schools. You will probably find, like I did, that college is pretty awesome and it was hard for me to reapply but the Academy is what I really want to do and its where I want to be.

Haha so my plan B is what I currently do: AFROTC at a state university :)
 
Hey all,

I realize that it might be a little premature to be considering my other options at this depth, but doing so somewhat alleviates the anxiety that arises from all the mailbox stalking going on in my house. I (obviously) have not heard from the academy yet, and it's definitely, without a doubt, my first choice. I also plan on majoring in aeronautical engineering (if at the academy) or aerospace engineering (if elsewhere). My question is this: What would look better to USAFA at this time next year? Going to Georgia tech, which is the 4th best school for aerospace engineering in the country, according to US News and World Report? Or going to Virginia tech, which also has an AE program, but being enrolled in the corps of cadets?
I have been accepted to both schools and most likely have scholarships on the line for both. I would be on AFROTC with either path.
What would make me look more attractive to an Air Force admissions counselor?


Also, what is everyone else's plan B?

Thanks!

Congrats on acceptance to VT and Georgia Tech! Plan B for me is the Citadel , major in chem and then apply for all three branches again (in the event I get a no from all three)
 
Plan B and C for son are: AFROTC at Auburn and AFROTC at Norwich. He has scholarships for both (AFROTC scholarship at AU), Plan D is the Academy Prep Program at Marion Institute.

If those don't work out, then try to get a slot on a reality show - "The Real Life, Middle of Nowhere"... :cool:

Best :biggrin:
 
As a candidate for the class of 2016, I too have developed a plan B. Originally, I had planned to go through the AFROTC program at one of the five schools that I applied to if I did not get into USAFA. But then I thought to myself... what would be the reason why I wouldn't get my appointment? ACADEMICS!
After further reconsideration, I knew that if I went to a regular university and did AFROTC and tried to reapply, my test scores would probably be the same because I would have to balance getting my studying done for the uni, reapplying AND studying for the SAT/ACT. So, I have decided that I am going to apply as a self-prep at a prep school to help boost my test scores. Good luck everybody with your plan B's! :thumb:
 
As a candidate for the class of 2016, I too have developed a plan B. Originally, I had planned to go through the AFROTC program at one of the five schools that I applied to if I did not get into USAFA. But then I thought to myself... what would be the reason why I wouldn't get my appointment? ACADEMICS!
After further reconsideration, I knew that if I went to a regular university and did AFROTC and tried to reapply, my test scores would probably be the same because I would have to balance getting my studying done for the uni, reapplying AND studying for the SAT/ACT. So, I have decided that I am going to apply as a self-prep at a prep school to help boost my test scores. Good luck everybody with your plan B's! :thumb:

More like good luck with our plan A's! :wink:
 
Back
Top