+1 Packer.
Like every ROTC selection board, the longer you wait to get your packet in, the further down the queue you will be. I think our DS had his in by the 15th of Sept. He got his scholarship from the Dec. board.
Just like the sister services, there is a limited amount of money. Traditionally for AFROTC @900 scholarships are offered annually.
Many SA candidates will apply AFROTC scholarship as plan B. AFROTC and AFA do not talk when it comes to offering scholarships. If the AFA candidates gets an appointment they can hold onto that scholarship until I Day. In essence, that money is gone. This is one reason why IMPO you want to meet the 1st ROTC boards.