I am planning to study meteorology in college and would like to become a weather officer in the Air Force. My 5 top schools right now (I am a Junior) are Virginia Tech, Texas A&M, Penn State, Oklahoma, and the Air Force Academy. First two are SMC's, Next two would be ROTC-only, and AFA is of course a service academy.
I think I can be competitive for an ROTC scholarship or to get into the AFA
Pros for AFA:
No cost.
Guaranteed commission
Likely best preparation for a successful military career as an officer
Cons for AFA:
Most difficult academically
Very strict schedule and uniform requirements
I did not think I wanted to go to the academy so I did not apply for summer seminar
Very far from home (I live near DC)
Pros for SMC:
Better preparation for military career/leadership
VT is the only place I can get in-state tuition
Cons for SMC:
Strict schedule and uniform requirements
No guarantee of commission
Cons for AFA and SMC:
I am curious about the level of freedom I will have. I am not sure if a regimented schedule fits me as a student. I have developed a great work ethic over the years, as shown by my grades and course load, and I do not think I NEED a strict schedule to help me be successful in school. I don't really party so that is not an issue, but I may want a more traditional college experience.
Pros for ROTC only:
More freedom, more traditional college experience
No strict schedule or uniform requirements
Cons for ROTC only:
Not as many leadership opportunities
No schools where I can get in-state tuition
No guarantee of commission
A Few Questions:
What is the biggest difference between the AFA and a SMC such as Virginia Tech?
Does a SMC offer any better chance of a commission than only doing ROTC?
For those who went to an SMC or Academy, what did you like most and least about the strict schedule?
I hear a lot of people saying if I can get into the AFA, I should go. Would you agree or disagree with this statement?
What is the chance of receiving a commission from ROTC, and if I do not, are there any options after college which can lead me to becoming an officer?
Also please let me know if I am misled about any of the information in this post. Thanks!
I think I can be competitive for an ROTC scholarship or to get into the AFA
Pros for AFA:
No cost.
Guaranteed commission
Likely best preparation for a successful military career as an officer
Cons for AFA:
Most difficult academically
Very strict schedule and uniform requirements
I did not think I wanted to go to the academy so I did not apply for summer seminar
Very far from home (I live near DC)
Pros for SMC:
Better preparation for military career/leadership
VT is the only place I can get in-state tuition
Cons for SMC:
Strict schedule and uniform requirements
No guarantee of commission
Cons for AFA and SMC:
I am curious about the level of freedom I will have. I am not sure if a regimented schedule fits me as a student. I have developed a great work ethic over the years, as shown by my grades and course load, and I do not think I NEED a strict schedule to help me be successful in school. I don't really party so that is not an issue, but I may want a more traditional college experience.
Pros for ROTC only:
More freedom, more traditional college experience
No strict schedule or uniform requirements
Cons for ROTC only:
Not as many leadership opportunities
No schools where I can get in-state tuition
No guarantee of commission
A Few Questions:
What is the biggest difference between the AFA and a SMC such as Virginia Tech?
Does a SMC offer any better chance of a commission than only doing ROTC?
For those who went to an SMC or Academy, what did you like most and least about the strict schedule?
I hear a lot of people saying if I can get into the AFA, I should go. Would you agree or disagree with this statement?
What is the chance of receiving a commission from ROTC, and if I do not, are there any options after college which can lead me to becoming an officer?
Also please let me know if I am misled about any of the information in this post. Thanks!