Hard Decision and Need Opinion.

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mattias1133

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i have been offered both full sholarships to Citadel and Ga Tech. I would plan to do AFROTC at either but I don't know which to chose.
I believe Tech has better academics but Citadel has the military atmosphere.
What is better for me?
My career goals are to study Physics in the Air Force and get a Masters and (hopefully) a PhD through Air Force. I need opinions.
 
Many of us frequenting this forum can voice opinions but, IMHO, the #1 factor is what is the best fit for you? Which environment will enable you to thrive (the tough academic environment and looser social environment of GT vs. the structure that will more likely be present at the Citadel)? Assuming you have visited both, which felt more like "home" to you when you visited?

My DS rolls his eyes quite often when I answer his questions with questions, but I believe either choice can lead to success providing it is what you believe and you are willing to put in the effort required to succeed...
 
Nobody can answer that for you. That is like asking I can only take 1 day off this week, but want a 3 day weekend, should I take Monday or Friday?

I am going to give you 1 piece of advice. Goals are great, but you are way too young to even think about Masters and PhD. You need to 1st contract next fall. Second, get selected for SFT as a sophomore. Third, apply for ED and get accepted. Fourth Commission. SO on and SO Forth.

To get to step 2 you need to love where you are attending. Not everybody is built for an SMC life. You have to love everything about college. It is not just academics, nor being in ROTC, it is about feeling like this campus is your second home. There are way too many kids that drop out of ROTC because it was not a good fit. There are many kids that love ROTC, but hate their academic program. For AFROTC with their SFT board it can be a huge impact, especially if they need that ROTC scholarship to stay at the school.

Best wishes.

Xposted with FMHS
 
Only you can answer this question. What environment best suits you? I would say tech has the edge academically. Great school. Citadel you will be immersed 24/7 in a military environment with lots of opportunities for leadership, training and mentor ship. What feels like the right place for you? If you decide AFROTC isn't for you (or you aren't picked up for field training) what school do you prefer? Which one can you afford?

Looks like I cross posted!
 
Having neither visited nor attended either school, my input is going to be a huge generalization, but hopefully not too inaccurate.

GT: More "traditional" college experience, 5x larger than The Citadel, good academics, big city.
The Citadel: More "structured" or "academy like" experience, 90% male, good academics, much more emphasis on leadership, especially of the military variety.

The two schools are very different, and your choice will ultimately come down to what you want out of college, and there is no school that is definitively "better" for you to attend. Also what you need to realize is this: once you commission into whatever service as a 2ndLt/Ensign, you are now a 2ndLt/Ensign, and whatever college you attended probably won't affect your future career in the slightest, though it could affect which graduate schools would accept you.

If I were in your shoes I would probably pick GT, and I would be sure to try and visit both if you can and haven't already. That said, I am not you, and you shouldn't make this decision based off what a stranger on the internet would do.
 
I like Pima's answer. Planning your PhD while finishing up high school is admirable but there is a ton of life waiting to happen to you between now and then. Without knowing you at all , it's difficult to offer any advice.
 
Some people thrive under the strict discipline and pride at El Cid. Others get their spirit crushed and are miserable.

At Georgia Tech, some will be distracted by the freedom, and overwhelmed by the size. Others will love the myriad of choices and ability to get a part time job on the weekends.

Who you are will dictate where you will thrive.

There is no one size fits all answer.

Visit both and go with your inner voice. One school will integrate with your personality better than the other.
 
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GT - one of the country's best engineering schools with a great rep. And I don't think it's early to consider your plans for grad degrees and how our undergrad school will play into that. But it's two different lifestyles. Have you read about the lifestyle at El Cid? Google it and make sure that is the lifestyle you want to lead.
 
Our DS final two schools were between GT and USNA since he wanted a technical degree. He was amazed that many of the athletes in his recruiting trip and the hosts at each school had those two schools as their final choices. That said, both of your choices have strengths and weaknesses. GT takes the edge academically and access to Fortune 500 companies. GT will have significant international representation in the student body. The Citadel will be a bit more homogeneous in Americana but there is bond amongst the cadets like a SA, with military discipline and the added benefit of being in Charleston. Very diverse college experience.
 
Georgia Tech! Especially since your goal is a Masters / PhD in Physics.
 
Okay OP, I have to ask what is your career field that you would like to do in the AF?

mattias1133 said:
My career goals are to study Physics in the Air Force and get a Masters and (hopefully) a PhD through Air Force. I need opinions.
Click to expand...
Permanent student is NOT a career goal.

Sorry, if that sounds rude, mean or unkind. They need you to be an operational ADAF officer. With that being said you need to look at the careers for Physic majors without the ability to go ED and decide which school matches you the most.

I would also say walk in with your eyes wide open. Don't think about Grad school right now, ADAF offers TA for service members. Think about career fields.
 
mattias1133 said:
i have been offered both full sholarships to Citadel and Ga Tech. I would plan to do AFROTC at either but I don't know which to chose.
I believe Tech has better academics but Citadel has the military atmosphere.
What is better for me?
My career goals are to study Physics in the Air Force and get a Masters and (hopefully) a PhD through Air Force. I need opinions.
Click to expand...

You mentioned the military once (AFROTC doesn't count). You mentioned career and academics four times. Unless you are craving a military lifestyle as an 18-19 year old, the answer is GA Tech.
 
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