to add onto cb's post.
That was 2 yrs ago. A lot has changed, especially due to sequestration.
As for AF, this was a question only a few days ago regarding the AFA. The answer turned out to be that even for Mormons they would most likely have to decline their apptmt. and re-apply next yr., including getting noms.
I would think that AFROTC would be more lenient than the AFA, but because of sequestration I am sure it will be rare. I would think it would be for recipients like cb's DS. You would have to show that this is an academic opportunity of a lifetime and not only would you be a better cadet/student your experience would be beneficial to the military.
~~~ Let's be honest the military cares about China, the fact they can now speak Chinese, understands their culture is a plus for the Army.
OBTW, I don't think it is a crazy idea to do a gap yr for religious reasons or an exchange program like cb's DS, but it is crazy from what you posted.
NROTC_HOPEFUL said:
I am thinking I might like to take a gap year to do interesting things and to take a break from academics for a while.
It rubs people the wrong way to see someone say I want to take a break as a scholarship recipient, while the non-scholarship recipient is taking jobs, loans to pay for college and not taking a break.
It also appears you have no plan in place to do this which strikes people as crazy. Most colleges right now are requesting the deposits due within a week. Most are non-refundable. Have your folks paid the deposits? If so, that is another reason why people think it is crazy to be asking this at such a late date with no plan in place. You didn't say I have been offered the opportunity to intern at the UN for a yr, or go to Haiti to build homes. Do you have an amazing exchange/internship in place?
If not than, it just seems to be second thought with no concise plan or course. What would you write on the paperwork for your request? Surely, not what you wrote here.
We get burn out....that is why senior summer yr is usually filled with hanging out a lot. For my kids it was the one summer I said you can choose work or hangout. Their choice. 1 of the 3 worked, the others save all of their graduation money and used that as their spending money so they could be lazy. The 1 that did is a girl. Let's be honest, she worked because shopping for clothes, shoes and cosmetics was in her vocabulary!
The amount of Hokie stuff she came home with for Thanksgiving probably was her entire summer savings
OBTW have you even investigated if the college would allow you to defer? Most colleges would put you through the same rigor for approval. They have a slot for you right now. That is the final reason why people, at least me, are questioning your thought/logic process.