Here's a perspective similar to aglages. I'm a parent who has two kids in college. The oldest one wanted USAFA since she was 12 and did not even apply for the AFROTC scholarship. The second one applied for both USAFA and the AFROTC.
The oldest received an appointment to USAFA and just completed her freshman year there. There have been ups and downs and that first year is indeed tough. Despite it all, she highly recommended it to her sister. She recently wrote home and feels strongly that her decision to attend USAFA was a good one.
The second received a USAFA appointment and a Type1 AFROTC. She struggled with what she wanted to do - made harder by the fact that her sister was already at USAFA. She visited USAFA a few times and, of course, got all the inside scoop on the pros/cons. She ultimately decided to accept the AFROTC scholarship. Her primary reason was she felt that she wanted a more civilian college experience. She's about to head off to her freshman year.
It will be interesting over the next few years. I think there is indeed a huge gulf between the two experiences - and one is not better than the other. I would strongly recommend getting together with some cadets from your area - you can connect on this forum sometimes. Ask around. Find out what the experience has been for them. Visit the Academy during the semester! Think about your goals after college - but remember that the vast majority of us change over these growth years.
It really comes down to what is right for you ... and most of the time that's not really clear at age 18. Do the best with the information you have and make the most of wherever you go. Remember that if you get either opportunity, you are more fortunate than the vast majority of all HS graduates.
The oldest received an appointment to USAFA and just completed her freshman year there. There have been ups and downs and that first year is indeed tough. Despite it all, she highly recommended it to her sister. She recently wrote home and feels strongly that her decision to attend USAFA was a good one.
The second received a USAFA appointment and a Type1 AFROTC. She struggled with what she wanted to do - made harder by the fact that her sister was already at USAFA. She visited USAFA a few times and, of course, got all the inside scoop on the pros/cons. She ultimately decided to accept the AFROTC scholarship. Her primary reason was she felt that she wanted a more civilian college experience. She's about to head off to her freshman year.
It will be interesting over the next few years. I think there is indeed a huge gulf between the two experiences - and one is not better than the other. I would strongly recommend getting together with some cadets from your area - you can connect on this forum sometimes. Ask around. Find out what the experience has been for them. Visit the Academy during the semester! Think about your goals after college - but remember that the vast majority of us change over these growth years.
It really comes down to what is right for you ... and most of the time that's not really clear at age 18. Do the best with the information you have and make the most of wherever you go. Remember that if you get either opportunity, you are more fortunate than the vast majority of all HS graduates.