AFROTC Planning

[Nytoga330]

DS high schooler would like a career in the Air Force. 1st choice would be a Pilot slot. He’s very active/committed to Civil Air Patrol.

With his stats, he will have an in state tuition scholarship or even higher merit aid somewhere like Alabama or Troy University. Then he’d walk on AFROTC.

From his research, it seems like the best plan for him would be to
-academic merit scholarship over AFROTC scholarship (won’t have to worry about payback and can choose whatever major he wants)
-pick a major that is interesting to him and one that won’t be too difficult (and also let him use his AP credits from hs)
-Air Force pilot slots assignments- most important are grades, not what college you went to (this is where we’d like confirmation that this is a correct assumption)

If he goes this route, it will allow him to get the most out of college without having to grind through an engineering/math degree. He’s interested in studying abroad for a semester.

His backup if he doesn’t get a contract is law enforcement.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[flightdeck]

DS high schooler would like a career in the Air Force. 1st choice would be a Pilot slot. He’s very active/committed to Civil Air Patrol.

With his stats, he will have an in state tuition scholarship or even higher merit aid somewhere like Alabama or Troy University. Then he’d walk on AFROTC.

From his research, it seems like the best plan for him would be to
-academic merit scholarship over AFROTC scholarship (won’t have to worry about payback and can choose whatever major he wants)
-pick a major that is interesting to him and one that won’t be too difficult (and also let him use his AP credits from hs)
-Air Force pilot slots assignments- most important are grades, not what college you went to (this is where we’d like confirmation that this is a correct assumption)

If he goes this route, it will allow him to get the most out of college without having to grind through an engineering/math degree. He’s interested in studying abroad for a semester.

His backup if he doesn’t get a contract is law enforcement.

Thanks for any advice!

In addition, play all the free cards that are available, which is applying to the USAFA and ARFOTC Scholarship. My DS landed the T1 AFROTC scholarship at BU, he is grinding out Mech/Aero Engineering, but he likes all the mathematical stuff, he also did the study abroad his 1st semester, which he loved and turned out to be a steroid shot of maturity & responsibility for him. And yes, college grades are paramount, however, choosing a path of least resistance may not be a recipe for success.

 

[Nytoga330]

In addition, play all the free cards that are available, which is applying to the USAFA and ARFOTC Scholarship. My DS landed the T1 AFROTC scholarship at BU, he is grinding out Mech/Aero Engineering, but he likes all the mathematical stuff, he also did the study abroad his 1st semester, which he loved and turned out to be a steroid shot of maturity & responsibility for him. And yes, college grades are paramount, however, choosing a path of least resistance may not be a recipe for success.

Congratulations on the scholarship! Great college town. Where did he study abroad? And is typically done 1st semester? I thought it was more of a junior year thing.

"And yes, college grades are paramount, however, choosing a path of least resistance may not be a recipe for success."

Do you mean as in success in life generally, or success in getting a pilot slot? If it's the former, I'm not as concerned. DS takes on a lot and goes above and beyond in subjects he enjoys. But he's thought about aerospace engineering as a major, but only bc he thinks that's what the air force wants. I don't think he really loves the content.

 

[flightdeck]

Congratulations on the scholarship! Great college town. Where did he study abroad? And is typically done 1st semester? I thought it was more of a junior year thing.

"And yes, college grades are paramount, however, choosing a path of least resistance may not be a recipe for success."

Do you mean as in success in life generally, or success in getting a pilot slot? If it's the former, I'm not as concerned. DS takes on a lot and goes above and beyond in subjects he enjoys. But he's thought about aerospace engineering as a major, but only bc he thinks that's what the air force wants. I don't think he really loves the content.

Study abroad (Rome) was via NU where he's doing his main studies, AFROTC at BU. Many, many factors involved, boxes to check and hurtles to complete before the discussion of obtaining a pilot slot comes into play. For starters, high grades of course, rocking a high AFOQT score, successfully completing summer field training, being actively engaged, solid moral and ethical character, and definitely no medical issues, to name a few of those boxes, should place you near the top within the AFROTC detachment. Final note, he has to do what he likes, otherwise it could be total frustration, if you want to do something and like to do it, really goes without saying, there will be a high probability of success. I wish him all the best.

 

[Beamer]

DS high schooler would like a career in the Air Force. 1st choice would be a Pilot slot. He’s very active/committed to Civil Air Patrol.

With his stats, he will have an in state tuition scholarship or even higher merit aid somewhere like Alabama or Troy University. Then he’d walk on AFROTC.

From his research, it seems like the best plan for him would be to
-academic merit scholarship over AFROTC scholarship (won’t have to worry about payback and can choose whatever major he wants)
-pick a major that is interesting to him and one that won’t be too difficult (and also let him use his AP credits from hs)
-Air Force pilot slots assignments- most important are grades, not what college you went to (this is where we’d like confirmation that this is a correct assumption)

If he goes this route, it will allow him to get the most out of college without having to grind through an engineering/math degree. He’s interested in studying abroad for a semester.

His backup if he doesn’t get a contract is law enforcement.

Thanks for any advice!

As a current AS200, I hope I can share my experience and advice.

- I recommend applying for an AFROTC scholarship and any academic scholarship. Apply for all the aid you can apply for. I get money back because my AFROTC scholarship covers my tuition. I have a few friends that use that money to pay for dorms, etc. An extra check in my bank account helps me through the long nights of homework.

- Pick a major that you enjoy. I'm in an engineering major which means lots of math and science. I will admit that I am jealous of the business majors, liberal majors, and etc. Engineering is hard and it is not for everyone. Our cadre have told us that the Air Force will get their payback eventually. You should think about what you want to do. If you want to do business, do business. If you want engineering, do engineering. Don't force yourself to do something you don't want to do.

- Air Force Pilot Slots are hopefully in my distant future as well. In order to get one, you have to be a well-rounded student and cadet. Your PCSM score makes up 40% of the application (AFOQT, TBAS, and Flight Hours (44 max)). Technically 60 hours max, but you get max points at I believe 44 because it is a range 44-60, so you really only need 44. Grades are important and commanders ranking is factored in. I don't remember the percentages off the top of my head, but you can do a google search to find a lot more info.

If you have any additional question, feel free to ask.

 

[Nytoga330]

- Pick a major that you enjoy. I'm in an engineering major which means lots of math and science. I will admit that I am jealous of the business majors, liberal majors, and etc. Engineering is hard and it is not for everyone. Our cadre have told us that the Air Force will get their payback eventually. You should think about what you want to do. If you want to do business, do business. If you want engineering, do engineering. Don't force yourself to do something you don't want to do.

Thank you. I agree. I am not familiar with ROTC/Military, so this is all new to my family. We are in the medical field and it's agreed in our field that you don't/shouldn't care what school you go to for undergrad...you just want to go as cheaply and pick a major you can get the best GPA in.

- Air Force Pilot Slots are hopefully in my distant future as well. In order to get one, you have to be a well-rounded student and cadet. Your PCSM score makes up 40% of the application (AFOQT, TBAS, and Flight Hours (44 max)). Technically 60 hours max, but you get max points at I believe 44 because it is a range 44-60, so you really only need 44. Grades are important and commanders ranking is factored in. I don't remember the percentages off the top of my head, but you can do a google search to find a lot more info.

Good luck to you! Thanks for this info. I didn't realize you can get points for having flight hours. We are hoping my son will get his ppl before college, but it depends on if he gets accepted into some Civil air patrol summer programs.

 

[mascara_mom]

DS high schooler would like a career in the Air Force. 1st choice would be a Pilot slot. He’s very active/committed to Civil Air Patrol.

With his stats, he will have an in state tuition scholarship or even higher merit aid somewhere like Alabama or Troy University. Then he’d walk on AFROTC.

From his research, it seems like the best plan for him would be to
-academic merit scholarship over AFROTC scholarship (won’t have to worry about payback and can choose whatever major he wants)
-pick a major that is interesting to him and one that won’t be too difficult (and also let him use his AP credits from hs)
-Air Force pilot slots assignments- most important are grades, not what college you went to (this is where we’d like confirmation that this is a correct assumption)

If he goes this route, it will allow him to get the most out of college without having to grind through an engineering/math degree. He’s interested in studying abroad for a semester.

His backup if he doesn’t get a contract is law enforcement.

Thanks for any advice!

My son is currently 5 1/2 months into UPT 2.5- Graduation sometime in April.
The state of GA, he received the HOPE scholarship (90% tuition paid)- signed up for AFROTC on college orientation day. Received a Commanders Type 1 scholarship first semester of sophomore year and contracted. He was a Mech. Engineering major- also with ROTC, he was pushed going to college for 5 years (last semester was gravy).
His high school/college/ROTC/ same base in UPT- friend was NOT a STEM major. She graduated with a BS in Business Admin/BBA International Business Mgmt. She is currently in track select training in UPT.
You are correct--- GPA is most important and as said above, however, other scores are weighed out for an overall. There was a formula my son said they used I believe. He ended up coming home summer of freshman year and wanted a few flight lessons/solo to help his score to be selected for a pilot slot.
You are also correct, the college you went to is not important either. My son's DET was pretty small for a BIG University. This gave him much more opportunities, I feel.

 

[Nytoga330]

My son is currently 5 1/2 months into UPT 2.5- Graduation sometime in April.
The state of GA, he received the HOPE scholarship (90% tuition paid)- signed up for AFROTC on college orientation day. Received a Commanders Type 1 scholarship first semester of sophomore year and contracted. He was a Mech. Engineering major- also with ROTC, he was pushed going to college for 5 years (last semester was gravy).
His high school/college/ROTC/ same base in UPT- friend was NOT a STEM major. She graduated with a BS in Business Admin/BBA International Business Mgmt. She is currently in track select training in UPT.
You are correct--- GPA is most important and as said above, however, other scores are weighed out for an overall. There was a formula my son said they used I believe. He ended up coming home summer of freshman year and wanted a few flight lessons/solo to help his score to be selected for a pilot slot.
You are also correct, the college you went to is not important either. My son's DET was pretty small for a BIG University. This gave him much more opportunities, I feel.

Good for him! We are in GA too. Can I ask which college? And did his type 1 just pay for the rest of tuition? Or was it applied for some room and board on top of the Hope scholarship?

 

[mascara_mom]

Good for him! We are in GA too. Can I ask which college? And did his type 1 just pay for the rest of tuition? Or was it applied for some room and board on top of the Hope scholarship?

University of Georgia (Go DAWGS!) We paid for his first year after HOPE, not cheap at all. But when he received the Type1- They paid for what HOPE did not--$300.00/semester for books and a set stipend bi-monthly which increased each year which is used how they wanted (food/housing/bills). The only fee that wasn't covered was the Rec Fee of $75.00 per semester.

 

[Nytoga330]

University of Georgia (Go DAWGS!) We paid for his first year after HOPE, not cheap at all. But when he received the Type1- They paid for what HOPE did not--$300.00/semester for books and a set stipend bi-monthly which increased each year which is used how they wanted (food/housing/bills). The only fee that wasn't covered was the Rec Fee of $75.00 per semester.

Haha, my son is more of a Tech fan (his grandfather went there), but I've been trying to get him on the UGA wagon. As someone who always rooted for underdogs, my life as a sports fan would have been much happier rooting for some winning teams.

We looked at the AF ROTC detachment page at UGA. It appears they went through a renovation recently and seem to have nice facilities. We definitely want to visit there. I would assume it is like Bama and a large detachment? (150 cadets or so?). We'll also look at Troy university, a small detachment of about 50 cadets. My son wants to get the feel of large vs small detachments.

My wife and I would love if our son got into UGA and spent his time there. As of now, he's really wanting to go to Tech (even if he has to transfer in from a crosstown school like GA State) because he's heard great things about their AFROTC. But from what I've researched, it seems like high GPA (which would be harder at Tech) makes a big difference in getting a pilot spot. And others have said that detachments change (leadership) and you really should go to the university that you'd enjoy more (outside of AFROTC).

 

[Nytoga330]

My son's DET was pretty small for a BIG University. This gave him much more opportunities, I feel.

I just realized you already wrote that it was a small detachment. I'm surprised. They don't list the #'s on their web page. Do you think it's too early (as a sophomore) to make onsite visits to the AFROTC? I'd love DS to get excited about our state schools.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

Thank you. I agree. I am not familiar with ROTC/Military, so this is all new to my family. We are in the medical field and it's agreed in our field that you don't/shouldn't care what school you go to for undergrad...you just want to go as cheaply and pick a major you can get the best GPA in.

Good luck to you! Thanks for this info. I didn't realize you can get points for having flight hours. We are hoping my son will get his ppl before college, but it depends on if he gets accepted into some Civil air patrol summer programs.

@Nytoga330

Re: Cap Training: that's great.

Recommend the Specialized undergrad pilot familiarization course in Columbus AFB in Mississippi if that would work with your schedule and budget:
Official Link: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/pr...special-activities/af-supt-familiarization-ms
Also see if your son might qualify to take lessons with a CAP volunteer flight instructor using CAP planes. Not available in all areas and only a limited basis but it's a great program.

Good luck.

 

[Nytoga330]

@Nytoga330

Re: Cap Training: that's great.

Recommend the Specialized undergrad pilot familiarization course in Columbus AFB in Mississippi if that would work with your schedule and budget:
Official Link: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/pr...special-activities/af-supt-familiarization-ms
Also see if your son might qualify to take lessons with a CAP volunteer flight instructor using CAP planes. Not available in all areas and only a limited basis but it's a great program.

Good luck.

Yes! Besides applying for every powered flight ncsa, he wants to do the one you linked and PJOC.

 

[Nytoga330]

Also see if your son might qualify to take lessons with a CAP volunteer flight instructor using CAP planes.

Unfortunately not at his squadron. Still haven't been able to do a glider O flight yet

 

[mascara_mom]

I just realized you already wrote that it was a small detachment. I'm surprised. They don't list the #'s on their web page. Do you think it's too early (as a sophomore) to make onsite visits to the AFROTC? I'd love DS to get excited about our state schools.

Army is bigger at UGA---Airforce much smaller. My son commissioned with 18 others in May 2021, just to give you and idea.
From the pictures I see on a morning at PT- Looks like about 50 Cadets in the picture.
Their Facebook page is public. "Detachment 160 Air Force ROTC"
Looking at Det 165 (Tech) they have about 80'ish Cadets. However, They HOST 11 other crosstown schools around metro Atlanta. Their Facebook page is also public.
UGA is JUST UGA students.

 

[mascara_mom]

Haha, my son is more of a Tech fan (his grandfather went there), but I've been trying to get him on the UGA wagon. As someone who always rooted for underdogs, my life as a sports fan would have been much happier rooting for some winning teams.

We looked at the AF ROTC detachment page at UGA. It appears they went through a renovation recently and seem to have nice facilities. We definitely want to visit there. I would assume it is like Bama and a large detachment? (150 cadets or so?). We'll also look at Troy university, a small detachment of about 50 cadets. My son wants to get the feel of large vs small detachments.

My wife and I would love if our son got into UGA and spent his time there. As of now, he's really wanting to go to Tech (even if he has to transfer in from a crosstown school like GA State) because he's heard great things about their AFROTC. But from what I've researched, it seems like high GPA (which would be harder at Tech) makes a big difference in getting a pilot spot. And others have said that detachments change (leadership) and you really should go to the university that you'd enjoy more (outside of AFROTC).

LOL! I will say that my son had a TOTAL blast marching for the Redcoats AND presenting colors with the Honor Guard--- this is him in the corner saluting at a Military Appreciation game. He wore 2 hats that day--- after this, changed back into his marching band uniform.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=858189641241671

--- Also, being on a winning team gives opportunities to go to the SEC championship games for free at the Benz! LOL.

My son graduated before they moved/renovated the DET. Looking at the pictures, they moved to a new building on campus.

YES, GPA is a big deal when they put it in their formula for a pilot slot. I do agree about he leadership changes, etc. Enjoying the college, volunteering, involving yourself in DET outside activities are important. I am going to be honest, my son was NOT a good "big" test taker in high school. His SAT scores were at the minimum to be accepted to UGA. We honestly think that they accepted him because his major was Mechanical Engineering in which they were trying to get it off the ground and credited. He ended up flourishing at UGA (and obviously became a great test taker)

We are on the Southside of ATL. - so several of my son's classmates attended Tech. One went AFROTC at Tech. He was even excelled in elementary school, so a Brainiac. He was so good he went to ENJJPT and just had his Drop Night (assignment of aircraft) and is currently in training to fly the EA-18G. Bad-A Aircraft!

As far as checking out the DET's/Schools- Email them and ask what their policy is about touring. Don't hurt!

 

[mascara_mom]

@Nytoga330

Re: Cap Training: that's great.

Recommend the Specialized undergrad pilot familiarization course in Columbus AFB in Mississippi if that would work with your schedule and budget:
Official Link: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/pr...special-activities/af-supt-familiarization-ms
Also see if your son might qualify to take lessons with a CAP volunteer flight instructor using CAP planes. Not available in all areas and only a limited basis but it's a great program.

Good luck.

This is where my 2nd LT is! Hopefully (has 2 more check rides), he will be training on his track aircraft at this time.