Between AFROTC and USAFA

I sure can't say anything that Mike didn't; and he did it quite eloquently!!!
:groupwave:
 
To add a bit more...

USAFA has the "full-time military" advantage, in that cadets here get overwhelmed with the military (both good and bad). We are VERY used to doing things in a military way.
Since USAFA does overload some aspects of life, the academy does mitigate this by making some things easy. (meals provided, just about everything a cadet needs is within walking distance, many things are automatically deducted from out pay, etc.)

ROTC cadets have a little more experience in taking care of themselves in the civilian world. They need to figure out where to go for dry cleaning, barber shops, food, etc. and must make it fit into their budget.
 
I think a harder question is AFROTC or Prepschool falcon foundation. It took me a whole day of pondering, but I decided to take my chances, do the prepschool, and then hope to be good enough
 
xTx; the prep school in my opinion (if it's an option) is definitely a great choice. It gives you 4 things that neither ROTC or the Academy can give you. 1) It gives you as close to knowing the military/academy life as you can get without being at the academy. 2) If you do well there, you have a much better chance of getting the appointment to the academy than if you were in ROTC. 3) If after a year of prep-school; if you don't like military life and move on; you'll get some college credit for the school you move on to and will know what you really do and don't like about the military. ROTC still has some vagueness to it because of the civilian college influence. And 4) If you do get into the academy next year (Most prep-school grads do); you'll be academically much better prepared. Good choice and best of luck to you. Mike....
 
xTx - you can have your cake and eat it too!

Take your AFROTC scholarship to MMI and go there as a falcon scholar. win/win!
The AF cadets who were there when my daughter was there made money!
They have AFROTC there and are very active with AFROTC at UA. They even took the kids to colorado springs for a football game.
 
Thanks for the info. That would be nice to use the ROTC scholarship too.
I was thinking more on the lines of NWPS, but I didnt know how the AFA viewed it, since it is a semester-long "prep school" instead of going to one of the full-year "junior colleges"

All I know is whatever I do, I better do it fast :w00t:
 
There are advantages and disadvantages to both. If the AFA didn't approve the program it would not be on the list. As long as you go and do well you will be fine.
Pick the program that suits you.
Did MMI or any other prep schools send you information?
 
I didnt get any information from the prep schools yet
For the NWPS, it states that since it is a half-year, you should go to a college around you for the 2nd semester. Is this highly advisable, or is it just a technical thing to say, and isn't really required?
 
I'm currently a cadet at USAFA in the class of 2012 (HAP!). I just wanted to put in my two cents. Freshman year was not that bad. I have only been Recognized about a month now, so I still remember it well. All you have to do is try your best and DON'T VIOLATE THE HONOR CODE. You spoke about free time and individuality. Honestly, during the week academics will take up most of your time, but there are a whole bunch of clubs that you can join as an outlet. Also, you said that you don't want to look back ten years down the road and wish that you had gone the other way. I can tell you that if you take the Academy route, AND you actually make it through, then you will never look back. They say that the strongest steel is forged in the hottest fires, my friend. But don't worry. It's not 4 years of hell like you think.

Here is the best way to describe USAFA. The first year is like getting hit in the face really hard all day every day. The next three years you're not getting hit at all. At other service academies, it's like getting hit in the face gently for all four years. I hope you understand.

Monetarily, everything is provided for you here. Mitch's has better food than pretty much any civilian school, too. If you want a sense of purpose and belonging then come here. You will make the best friends you've ever had at usafa. Shared adversity. If you go to a civilian school, you may feel that you're missing something. There was once a guy to visit my squad who was a freshman in AFROTC. He was applying to usafa for the class of 2013 I believe. I asked him why he would do that and give up a year of college. He said that all he had learned in the whole year was how to put up a flag and how to wear the uniform. Apparently, they didn't do pt, field exercises, or much of anything. I'm not saying that every ROTC branch is like that, but you certainly won't get the same type of military experience that usafa can offer.

You say that you don't want to be molded by others? Individual leadership styles are encouraged here. I've heard it a thousand times, "Watch the people above you. Take what you like and leave behind what you don't. Form your own leadership style from that."

In conclusion, I want you to know that it will be hard if you choose to come here. It's supposed to be that way. You WILL want to quit at some point, and in that moment you'll find out what kind of person you are. If you have the right attitude, then you can accomplish anything at usafa. Believe me. Good luck in making your decision. Maybe I'll see you with the Doolies next year.
 
First let me start off by giving some background info on myself. I was a cadet at the Air Force Academy with the class of 2012 but ended up leaving in the middle of the first semester because of a family emergency, luckily my AOC was able to set it up for me to go on an Administrative Turnback and return with the Class of 2013. That being said, I enrolled at a university for the second semester and while here I checked out the ROTC program just in case I decided to stay. The difference is very distinguishable. You will definitely have more of a life by joining ROTC. Personally, however, I believe that the Academy experience is worth it. The friends I made I already consider closer friends than those from high school and there's always things to do to take your mind off the stresses that come with being there. That's one reason I made the choice to go back even though it means starting my 4 degree year all over. I can honestly say that if I didn't go back I would probably regret it, and after all the hard work you put in to get into the Academy you may too if you pass up this opportunity. Ultimately, it's whatever you want out of your college though.
 
Thanks a lot for all the advise guys. I know that it came it very wise words. When I question the Academy I realize it may seem extremely foolish of me to do so, but I want to be absolutely sure about my decision. The more I consider my choices the more I believe I will like the Academy environment. Many of the questions I posed were not so much that I truly felt against the Academy and the experience but more or less the fact that I had wanted to hear somebody tell me in their own words how great the Academy experience can be compared to other options. I still don't know for sure, but I am going to orientation on Monday and Tuesday so hopefully I will be able to come to a decision soon. Thanks for the advice and if anyone has anything else they would like to add or other viewpoints to say, even if they have been said before, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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