Although Ivy's allow extra time, an ROTC scholarship cadet would need the approval from Maxwell to extend their time. They can't just decide to change majors without informing the AF, or move their graduation date back a semester or two.
Also, although there are more options for exchange programs. It is rare to see cadets to take this option.
The reason why as a C200 (soph) they will be eligible for SFT, and ROTC has an impact on the selection process.
C300 (jr) will get their AFSC. Again, the det has a great impact on their ranking.
In AFROTC, holding det jobs is a player in the equation.
As a C300 if you want to go UPT, you will be required to take the TCBM (I think that is the acronym...maybe it is TBCM). It is held only at selected locations 1st semester Jr. yr of college.
I will say for our DS, it was about 2 things.
1. Lived the AF life as a dependent for 18 yrs. He knew he wanted to serve 20 yrs., but for once in his life he wanted to experience "the real world". In other words life that was not all about the AF.
2. He did not want to major in the tech world...He got a 720 M (SAT), 34 M (ACT). He was no slouch in this arena. However, his love was/is history and politics. Academically it as not a good fit for him... on top of wanting to meeting people who were "normal".
3. The school he attends, offered him a Scholars program, where there is a requirement to get that citation they must intern on the Hill in DC. To him that was the carrot.
He saw 4 yrs of tech classes, vs 4 yrs of his intended major and getting to intern.
Again, our DS wants to do 20 yrs. This was the time for him to fill that dream wish list of if I could have it all.
It is a personal decision, and every candidate will have their own priority regarding desires.
In the end, there will be some of you who get the BFE and some will get the TWE. Some will graduate the AFA and some will not.
The importance is not which is better. The importance is which is better for that specific cadet. Nobody here should ever say one is better than the other as a blanket statement (I don't believe anyone has done that so don't
me).
I am just saying, as a candidate you know your desires. As a parent you know your child, be honest to yourself.
Best of luck, best wishes, best hopes, best thoughts....
...and thank you for stepping up to the plate to protect this country.