I did not mean to imply that the information isn't valuable or better/worse than a straight SMP. Different states may not allow for the tuition scholarships without at least a BCT committment and a traditional MOS assignment. My DS's experience does lead me to believe the SMP process is competitive and that ROOs and recruiters can and will offer different prospects different plans. They also factor in who wants Kicker and must go to AIT.
Word of caution about working part time during the year...AROTC will begin to require more of your time each year. This is a good thing and really why the contracted cadets receive stipend. IF you need to work I hope you receive Federal Work Study on your finaid award, this is the best case for getting a job that must work around your school/academic requirements
Working in the summer is an excellent idea - employers must let you off work to attend Guard/Reseve 2 week drill.
Just a reminder to all who are considering SMP as a backup, talk to the ROO at your schools, regulations for NG especially can change quickly. Ohio NG used to cover instate tutition for any guardsperson, as of 4/12 they will still cover your instate tuition, but if you accept active duty over a guard 2LT position the money must be paid back. Essentially, all Ohio NG's are now GRFD scholarships.....these are the types of things only a ROO involved with SMP programs will know. Recruiters who are not in high SMP areas may not understand the implication of this change(or those like it). Just a heads up on following this path