We need a back up plan in case ds doesn't make it into military academy

[Peggy in Ks]

The AFA is our goal right now, but if he doesn't make it he plans on going to college and getting an degree and going in as an officer. Does he need to major in a math or science field? This is what I have heard.
Thanks
Peggy

[LizzyBee]

One of my nieces applied to the AFA and was turned down. She went to the Rochester Institute of Technology in NY and majored in aeronautical engineering. She got an ROTC scholarship beginning with her 2nd year and absolutely loved it. She is currently an AF pilot and training to fly a new really, really big cargo plane, maybe a C17?

[NancyL]

Peggy- I am assuming your child isn't a senior? Because in that case when he fills out all the physical forms and tests for the Academy then he can also be applying for ROTC. (you can do it the summer before senior year) If you are a strong candidate they will then point you towards certain ROTC colleges according to what you are interested in. My friend's d. had quite a few opportunities offered to her and the local officer was quite helpful in counseling her about schools, majors, etc. Some colleges provide free R and B to their ROTC cadets, and some don't. If you go on college confidential.com they have a great service academy section. One minor recommendation which I made to my daughter is to consider at least two academies so you can have some comparison between the two. She ended up at her original second choice, after the visit and is really having a wonderful time. She was in the Azores last summer, Dubai is planned for this summer, and she's studying at a Russian State University for the 1st semester of her senior year. (all part of her education, all paid for by the AF, and she's really thrilled with all the great people she gets to go to school with.