USAFA vs DUKE Rotc?

To what @NavyHoops said, I strongly encourage everyone to apply for the USNA Summer STEM (this is for rising Juniors), USNA Summer Seminar and USAF Summer Seminars. My son did USNA STEM and USNA Seminar and did not get into USAFA SS. While it wasn't at USAFA, going to USNA showed him an Academy experience, but more importantly, it got him to interact with the Midshipman. Youtube videos are great but they tend to focus on the yelling and dumb stuff kids do under that pressure. Being able to just to talk to Middies and hear that they were like him and not all just a bunch of gung-ho types (though he met some of those too) made him feel more comfortable with a Service Academy as an option. Unfortunately due to COVID, we couldn't visit USAFA ahead of time, but he felt good about the decision anyway thanks to USNA.

So, try to get to any Summer program at ANY academy. USMA may be a little different relative to USNA and USAFA, but I would go for any and all that you can get to. I realize this year is still virtual, but take what you can get. I would also recommend visiting if you have the chance. As #NavyHoops said, visiting makes a huge difference.
 
Exactly, @NavyHoops! Can I just add one little thing? This is for parents who have raised kids with similar choices: once the choice is made, please refrain from constantly bringing up the other options...like “my kid got into USAFA, but chose Duke” or vice versa. First, it’s kind of obnoxious. Secondly, I can see hurt in the kids eyes when parents say things like that. Maybe it implies to the kids that they made the wrong decision? Just be super proud of and for your kids and their colleagues who have earned such excellent opportunities!
 
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