The one point I challenge all candidates to consider (and mentioned by others) is to really think about the Service, not necessarily the SA. Remember you will spend a minimum of 5 years on Active Duty if not more. Its great you got a feel for the school, but what do you think about being in the Army? Or Navy? Or AF? A day or so in the field is fun, don't get me wrong. But think about that for a week or month or months. Also at 17 your body can take a beating and jumping out of planes sounds glorious to a teenager. Guess what at 28, 34, 42 jumping out of planes hurts, hiking 20 miles with a pack hurts, it all hurts, because these things are very hard on the body and take a toll. Trust me, I have been there, have the aches and pains to prove it.
Really think post your school days. What kind of job do you want in the military? What are the options that each Service provides? Duty stations? Chances at advanced schooling? Promotion opportunities? Transferable skills to the outside world? Don't get me wrong it is great you are thinking about the school because you need to be happy there with your major, social life, training, etc. I mostly hear candidates making comments about the school, not about the service itself. I challenge each candidate to really think about these things, do research and ask questions here or to grads/vets. Each Service is great and has things that they do extremely well, but each has its own personality, strengths, missions, quality of life, etc. At 17 you don't think about a spouse and kids, but at 22, 25 ,28, etc they become issues and play huge roles in your decision to remain in service, duty stations, etc.
Here are few of my take aways from each service:
AF has lots of pros for great bases, shorter deployments, push education, alot of technology, great golf courses, good quality of life. For some that might sound great, others might not want to be in the "Corporate Service." Also the USAF tends to be either a pilot or everybody else mentality. Navy is great, but if you hate boats, not a good place. But there is also the USMC which is by far the best service there is obviously!
As far as service options, USNA probably has the most with being able to go Navy or USMC. The Marine Corps is small, tons of camaraderie, work hard play hard mentality, very prideful service. Education is not pushed as hard at the lower ranks (as much as I think it should be), but they truly believe in leaders leading at the lowest level. The Navy has a wide range of choices with ships, subs, SEALs, Diving, and many others. You will truly get to travel the world and see many places, but if you hate a boat, that won't be fun. I am a believer, even as a Marine, there is no greater challenge than leading a war ship as a CO and ultimately the coolest job ever, Commanding a Carrier, I mean the pure power you have is insane! Navy pushes education and technology. No other job other than SWO in any service or career field has you reporting to a ship 30 days after you graduate and handed a job and Sailors to lead. Duty stations aren't bad in the Navy, but really depend on your warfare specialty. That is crazy scary! At least I had TBS and MOS school to break me in. The Army is huge and has tons of jobs, duty stations and branches. Tons of opportunities for unique schools and training. Duty stations sort of suck though, there are some gems though! Just a few of my thoughts for candidates to chew on and think about. Good luck on your applications.