Decreased chances for USAFA with AFROTC?

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USAFAApplicant’29

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Jan 10, 2024
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Hello:

Will getting accepted into AFROTC and going through one year of college with the scholarship decrease my chances for a second application to USAFA?
I would think that there is a disincentive for USAFA/Nomination authorities to accept my application because I am already in the pipeline for USAF.

Thank You.
 
No, it should not. Be the best AFROTC cadet you can be, and do well in school. In fact, as I remind my students, your AFROTC unit can provide an AFA nomination. I have a student and AFROTC cadet this year with the nomination (non-scholarship), and another who won his AFA appointment as an AFROTC-scholarship freshman. I some cases, I've had students who simply decided not to pursue an Academy appointment as a freshman after arriving on campus and simply 'loving' the unit and the school. The same may occur for you. Best of luck!
 
You certainly can. I personally know a recent '23 AFA grad that spent his freshman at a large state U in the AFROTC unit after not getting an appointment from HS, and applied again and was accepted (without the support of his ROTC CO who told him he would not get it). So yes you can, and keep in mind the amount of debt you will accumulate at a "normal" college. You will be in severe debt compared to zero debt via USAFA.
 
Absolutely not!

In fact, that year may enhance your chances. I've had many young people I've worked with do precisely that.

The most recent is a Marine 2Lt in flight school right now. Did NROTC for a year and then went to USNA.

I've had several in AFROTC that moved to USAFA.

FOLLOWUP: ADDED 2-4-2024

My former student called me to inform me that he had placed high enough in his training to select his first choice: JETS.

So he's off to T-45 training and then hopefully the F-35!!!
 
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@USAFAApplicant’29 - I have read in this forum that approximately 25 - 30% of the appointments are reapplicants either coming from college or the prep school. I'm a reapplicant with a 4-year HSSP ROTC scholarship.
 
USAFAApplicant’29 said:
Hello:

Will getting accepted into AFROTC and going through one year of college with the scholarship decrease my chances for a second application to USAFA?
I would think that there is a disincentive for USAFA/Nomination authorities to accept my application because I am already in the pipeline for USAF.

Thank You.
Click to expand...
No! In fact, it can make your case even stronger if you are doing well in an AFROTC Program and you get the CDR’s endorsement. Nevertheless, do the best with what you have with your current tribe! They maybe your tribe to commission and beyond.
 
A lot of my friends have spent 1-2 years at a normal university as part of AFROTC, and this can often be a stepping stone towards becoming a more competitive candidate for USAFA. Be involved, show dedication, try to get involved in leadership positions (both in AFROTC and outside) and do well in your college courses. All of this will be beneficial if you do decide to apply again to USAFA.
 
The two accession sources do not coordinate in this way. USAFA will likely view you as MORE competitive that an identical package that does not have AFROTC experience on it. If you want to fly, you definitely want to go to USAFA as its graduates get a far larger share of pilot slots.
 
If you do well in the college program you could get a good LOR out of it and some decent essay material.
 
@USAFAApplicant’29 - I am an AFROTC scholarship cadet who just received an appointment for the Class of 2028. I was waitlisted for the Class of 2027 but was not awarded an appointment. I recommend studying hard, focusing on doing well in AFROTC, and having a strong nomination package with strong interviews. I earned a principal nomination from my congressman. Stay positive if you don't receive an appointment this year and work to improve your application for next year. Unless you have already been told there is still time to earn an appointment this.
 
M
USAFAApplicant’29 said:
Hello:

Will getting accepted into AFROTC and going through one year of college with the scholarship decrease my chances for a second application to USAFA?
I would think that there is a disincentive for USAFA/Nomination authorities to accept my application because I am already in the pipeline for USAF.

Thank You.
Click to expand...
My son did one year AFROTC at a good college, then got a nomination from his commander and from our states Senator and is now a doolie at the academy.
 
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