greentrees,
Not to be harsh, but nobody here knows the posters financial situation. To say it is not that expensive to visit from the east coast is a fallacy, unless you think spending 1000-1500 dollars is not a lot of money for a 3 day weekend. Personally, I do find it expensive. Do the math. Airfare, car rental, gas, hotel, and food for at least 2, since I am sure he is not going by himself. For some that amount is equivalent to several months car payment, or maybe 1 mtg payment. Harder still for some if they have children in college that they are paying money instead of loans. Honestly, if our DS2, child number 3 was the OP, it would be a no go until the appointment because of everything I just stated, unless DS2 went into our backyard and somehow found that elusive money tree we have been searching for during my entire marriage.
Leave money out of it, but since we all know many applicants play sports, and have other commitments, such as jobs, timing is an issue. At our DS2's school they are already in FB practice 5 days a week. Miss a practice during the summer you must practice for 3 days in a different way, (gear/helmet issue), you cannot miss more than 2 practices. FB season, is the same way, you have to re-start training again before you can play the next game. Varsity only plays on Friday night. Logistically, it isn't an option until the season is over, which is the end of Nov. if you don't make district. Dec if you do.
Let's also remember many MOC's interview, which means if he has 3 interviews they will be held on weekends. Plus SAT/ACTs taking up weekends. This is also on top of being smart and doing Plan B...college w/AFROTC scholarship. AFROTC scholarship also requires an interview too. He could have every weekend booked until Xmas.
P0wderedM1lkMan,
I wouldn't worry about visiting right now, if you get an appointment from both, than go out and visit. Even if it is fiscally hard, it makes sense since this will be 4 yrs of your life, but until that time, don't stress yourself thinking you have to go and visit.
I agree with others, in the end of the day your time commitment AD will be longer than your SA career. Up to 3 X longer if you go to grad school right out of the gate with a UPT slot. Grad school is concurrent, but the clock for pilot does not start until you are winged. UPT is 1 yr long. The AF does a bait and switch in a way because they tell you that is a 11 yr commitment, but people don't add in the 1 yr at UPT, so really is 12 yrs if you graduate. Add 1,2,or 3 yrs depending on the grad school, and you are at 13-15 yrs.
In other words if you go to MIT, assuming it is a 2 yr program, and than UPT, you will be 36 yrs old before you can leave the AF. Almost 50% of your life will be in the AF, 100% of your adult life. I am assuming you want to fly because usually that is why people are torn between the Navy and the AF, a SWO will not want the AF because last time I checked the AF doesn't have boats!
That is how IMPO you should approach it. My adult life. The AF is not for everyone, nor is the Navy. If the idea of being landlocked at Sheppard AFB as a FAIP is revolting to you, you have your answer. If the idea of being out to sea for 6 month is not your dream either, you have your answer.
Good luck, and whatever you choose, thank you for your willingness to defend this great country.