Received Appointment...Am Unsure

neoloop

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Hello!
I received an appointment to the Air Force Academy this past week, however I am unsure if I should accept.
For background, I received a Type 1AFROTC Scholarship, a MCROTC Scholarship, and many smaller scholarships that have guaranteed I’ll be attending college for free.
I know for sure I DO want to become an officer in the Air Force (not a pilot though), therefore now I am trying to decide what path I want to take.
personally, I just don’t want the kind of lifestyle the Academy provides. I don’t believe it fits with my personality and what I want from college, however my parents constantly assure me they think I’ll be happy there and can do it.
additionally, I attended the Summer Seminar, and even after the Seminar, I cannot picture myself there.However, I shadowed the AFROTC I would attend if I do not go to the Academy and can picture myself there and was more excited that one day more than that whole week.
everyone around me is telling me that four years doesn’t matter and that I’ll enjoy myself and I can do it.. etc.
I am just unsure of if the Academy is too big of an opportunity to pass up that regardless of how I feel I should still accept.

thank you so much for reading!
 
Hello!
I received an appointment to the Air Force Academy this past week, however I am unsure if I should accept.
For background, I received a Type 1AFROTC Scholarship, a MCROTC Scholarship, and many smaller scholarships that have guaranteed I’ll be attending college for free.
I know for sure I DO want to become an officer in the Air Force (not a pilot though), therefore now I am trying to decide what path I want to take.
personally, I just don’t want the kind of lifestyle the Academy provides. I don’t believe it fits with my personality and what I want from college, however my parents constantly assure me they think I’ll be happy there and can do it.
additionally, I attended the Summer Seminar, and even after the Seminar, I cannot picture myself there.However, I shadowed the AFROTC I would attend if I do not go to the Academy and can picture myself there and was more excited that one day more than that whole week.
everyone around me is telling me that four years doesn’t matter and that I’ll enjoy myself and I can do it.. etc.
I am just unsure of if the Academy is too big of an opportunity to pass up that regardless of how I feel I should still accept.

thank you so much for reading!


Do what YOU want! Nobody else!
 
Agree with the above. I would add though that a ROTC scholarship does not give you a free education. It pays tuition. Room and board is on you. Or vice versa.

That being said DS never finished his USNA application because he knew it wasnt for him.
 
As the dad of my DS, who wants to be a pilot and knows he wants the life of an AFA cadet, and is waiting to hear if he'll receive an appointment... It sounds like you may have already answered your own question. It should be something you know you want to do, especially after attending summer seminar where you had a great preview. Weigh your options carefully, you don't want to look back in 5 or 10 years and discover how clear hindsight truly is.
 
Hello!
I received an appointment to the Air Force Academy this past week, however I am unsure if I should accept.
For background, I received a Type 1AFROTC Scholarship, a MCROTC Scholarship, and many smaller scholarships that have guaranteed I’ll be attending college for free.
I know for sure I DO want to become an officer in the Air Force (not a pilot though), therefore now I am trying to decide what path I want to take.
personally, I just don’t want the kind of lifestyle the Academy provides. I don’t believe it fits with my personality and what I want from college, however my parents constantly assure me they think I’ll be happy there and can do it.
additionally, I attended the Summer Seminar, and even after the Seminar, I cannot picture myself there.However, I shadowed the AFROTC I would attend if I do not go to the Academy and can picture myself there and was more excited that one day more than that whole week.
everyone around me is telling me that four years doesn’t matter and that I’ll enjoy myself and I can do it.. etc.
I am just unsure of if the Academy is too big of an opportunity to pass up that regardless of how I feel I should still accept.

thank you so much for reading!
Please do what feels to be best for YOU!!!! This is your life and your future!!
 
You know what they say about SAs: “A great place to be from, but not a great place to be.”

SA life is tough enough without harboring major misgivings before you even start — which seems to be the case with you. Just about every cadet/mid at some point questions whether they should be there. That’s normal. Your case seems a bit different, and yes, you already seem to know the answer.
 
My daughter is finishing up her first year at USCGA (electrical engineering major). She LOVES it and is thriving, but it has been very hard. As her mom, I was so proud of her when she got in -- it would have been hard for me if she had decided not to go. When she finished that first day and we had 15 minutes to say 'goodbye,' she looked like she had been punched in the gut and wanted to run for the door! BOY was I glad she had made the choice to be there herself -- deliberately and thoughtfully. You may already be familiar with Angela Duckworth's book entitled - GRIT. In her book she dissects success - really examining the mix of passion and persistence that make someone successful in adverse circumstances. Talent describes the slope of the learning curve - not staying power. It is a great read no matter what path you decide to take.
 
If you don't want to go there, don't.

Your parents expectations are based in their thoughts and experience. Sometimes that is of immense value, and sometimes it's no more than barely-educated opinion. My parents were excited but very apprehensive, but they really did not understand the Academy. In the end you are the one to live your life. If you are making an educated and thoughtful decision, that's about the best you can do--both USAFA and AFROTC lead to a commission.
 
It's clear that you have thought this out and are seeking opinions that would help you bolster your explanation to your parents if/when you decline the appointment. You don't need the advice of strangers to make this decision, your post shows your genuine feelings and the best thing we SHOULD offer in reply is that you need to be able to follow either path with zero regret. It sounds like you know yourself well enough and have enough relevant info to make the choice that is best for you.
 
Go with what makes you most happy. It would not be good to go to the Academy and then want to transfer out.
 
It is somewhat disconcerting that you believe the Academy lifestyle is not for you, but your parents constantly assure you that they think you will be happy there. The USAFA life is very rewarding, but also very tough, regardless of the decade. From my four years, I do know that the cadets who were the most unhappy at the Academy were the ones who were forced to go by their parents. The previous comments by members urging you to follow your own instincts and judgment are right on.
 
From what I understand winning a Type 1 AFROTC scholarship is more difficult in most cases than receiving an appointment or ROTC scholarship from any other military branch. It appears you did your due diligence by attending both platforms in order to find the best fit for you.
 
I hate saying it. You can’t do what your parents want this time. Go the AFROTC route. Your original post clearly answers your question. Good luck setting your parents straight.
 
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