I think the last 3 posters have pretty much hit it pretty well. The only thing I wanted to touch on was what dad started to say. Here's the timeline.... Now, figure out how you'd fit it.
Scenario:
1. Find out in March-April that you DIDN'T receive an appointment
2. Decide to "Enlist".
3. This is not Vietnam era or even the 1980's. When you enlist, it could take up to 6-9 months before being allowed in. (So much for Reapplying to the academy next year)
4. Everything works rights and you're enlisted by December 2012.
5. 6 weeks later, Basic Training is done.
6. March 2012 you're going to Tech School. Could be 6 weeks, could be 6 months. Could be close to a year. (So much for Reapplying to the academy in the Fall of 2013).
7. Graduate tech school; get to your first base; speak with the education office, your commander, etc... to apply to the academy.
Earliest you're reapplying to the air force academy is the Fall of 2014. Basically, 3 "Seasons" since the apply this year. And as others have said, being enlisted is a lot of work. Trying to work all day 8-10 hours and studying your CDC's (Career Development Course) "Your job". And possibly getting a college degree. I suggest if you really want to be a commissioned officer, that you make ROTC as a backup if you don't get into the academy this year. If that doesn't pan out, look at getting your degree and applying for a commission when you graduate.
Of course, if you just want the military and being commissioned isn't the most important to you, there's absolutely nothing wrong with going enlisted. Romad, KDC, and 1999 were dead on about being enlisted. For What it's Worth, I too went 21 years as enlisted in the Air Force. I am an ALO, and from my understanding the only ALO in the country who is retired enlisted. But I've been helping individuals get accepted to college, rotc, enlisted, and the academy for quite a while. There's nothing wrong with going enlisted. I had the opportunity to get my commission, but I chose to finish as enlisted. You can definitely apply for the academy while being enlisted, and there are definitely some advantages when applying, but it's not an automatic shoe in. You're pretty much going to be booked for about the first 2 years before you can apply for the academy. So you're looking at about 3 more application seasons. Best of luck to you. Mike....