My advice is general in nature. Do the best you can in college by having the best cpa you can get. Enjoy your experience overall. In terms of Rotc, like everything else in life, the more you put into it, the more you will get from it. Since you are interested in both rated and non rated positions, I can only give you advice about the rated position as my son did AFROTC and is now a pilot. Most of the factors in getting selected for a rated position including CSO, are in your hands. You need to do well in the AFOQT test, your PT test and have a good GPA. The other factor is the Commander Rankings which is out of your hands. This is how the commanders perceive you. This is where you personally have to shine, where you have to been seen and impress people. This is also where cadets become competitive and try to screw other people over. Be a team player. Try to participate in all of the activities and not just the required ones. Show them you want to be a leader. Obviously, you cant do all this in your first year, but it is a gradual thing you need to do over the four years. I would also add, don't be married to Rotc. Have an outside life, friends and activities so that you don't burn out. I guess depending on the detachment, you should also consider joining Arnold Air. Depending on the Arnold Air group at your school, it can be sort of like a fraternity where you have to pledge to become a member. Its sort of hardcore Rotc with stupidity and fun associated with a fraternity. My knowledge regarding this is based on one Arnold Air group and so I have no idea how they operate nationally.
). It's not that hard to succeed in college and AFROTC while enjoying the social and cultural aspects of college life. Remember too that all of the other freshmen will be just as nervous.