Haha, this is one of those "what is the answer to life, the universe, and everything" type questions. You will get a lot of different answers.
Here is my attempt at an answer:
What attracted me:
A. The challenge. I knew that USAFA would challenge me to be my best, and I wanted to do that.
B. Focus. Everyone here has a similar goal, and a reinforcing community is very helpful sometimes.
C. For my goal (serve as a pilot), this was the best route both statistically and in preparation.
Values:
This will vary for each person, due to background and experiences here (and elsewhere). The importance of honor is definitely highlighted, and that helped me refine my own integrity. The value of things like teamwork, persistence, forthrightness (is that a word?), and other aspects of leadership are big here.
Experiences:
This one is very difficult to convey in words. There are simple to describe things, like completing the confidence course obstacles, flying a glider, seeing the inside of an ICBM launch control center, catching a C-5 flight to Spain, or getting an F-15 ride. Those are only activities. It is very difficult to describe the experience of basic training, Recognition, working AETC at Lackland, or being a flight commander during the academic year. (In other words, I not going to write my life's story here.)
What I've gained:
Well, first, 4 years of some pretty unique experiences have to count for something! In the more philosophical arena, I've gained a much better understanding of the seriousness of the military profession. I have learned a lot about good and bad leadership, ethics, and team morale. I know a little bit more about the complexity of the world, and understand just how much I and "we" DON'T know. I've learned a lot about myself--how I can push myself, what my weaknesses are, what I can use as strengths, etc.
........So, do you have any specific questions?