<p>Sacto mom,</p>
<p>This is such a personal choice, and every parent has in the back of their mind, "Gee, what if this doesn't work out?" As parents we want only the best for them, and want to assure ourselves that every avenue has been covered to help our children succeed.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Your son is free to accept any scholarship that is offered to him. Should he choose to attend the Academy he needs to inform ROTC so that his scholarship can be offered to another student. (Our cadet was offered full 4 yr. scholarships to AF and Navy ROTC, and a 4 yr.Honor's Student scholarship to a civilian college)</p></li>
<li><p>Some parents/kids make the decision to accept an offer to a civilian school and pay the deposit, just in case things don't work out or no offer of appointment has been made before the 1 May acceptance deadline (there are Academy offers made after that date). Some civilian colleges will permit an "extension" of their offer up to a year, you just need to ask admissions what their policy is for incoming freshmen. In our case we sent a deposit in to the civilian college, our cadets offer came in mid April, and the college refunded the deposit because we notified them of her decision prior to the 1 May deadline.</p></li>
<li><p>You should encourage your son to apply for scholarships through his high school (clubs, church, etc). Any money that he is awarded can go toward his initial debt or downpayment to an Academy. </p></li>
<li><p>As far as ROTC scholarships go, they can be awarded at any time depending on how quick you were able to complete the application process. We know of students who were awarded scholarships in early August of their Senior year and as late as June after graduation. If you are awarded a ROTC scholarship and decide to go to an Academy, you must relinquish your scholarship.<br>
In the case of Momof twins if it was an Army ROTC scholarship they may have that option of retaining. AF and Navy do not "hold" your scholarship, you would need to re-apply. AFROTC is so "major" specific that you risk losing your scholarship if you change your major from the one that they bring you in on. So please, talk to your recruiter and read all the fine print.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>As far as entering an Academy with a deposit paid, and a back up plan, here's what we've heard through admissions officers,(this will be blunt).<br>
Historically, students who enter an Academy with a "back up" plan tend to wash out at a greater rate than those who enter with a complete commitment to that Academy (going in with only that Academy on their mind. There is a difference between entering with a sense of fear of the unknown and entering with doubts that this is really the right decision). </p>
<p>Last year I heard of one young man who DORd after the 3rd week and when asked during exit counseling what his plans were stated that he was going to College B, and freshman orientation for that school was the following week. Admissions did not think too highly of that answer.<br>
Their thoughts were that he did not come to the Academy with conviction. His "I'll try it and if I don't like it attitude...." is selfish. He took an opportunity away from another. When you sign the "Accept" form, it is the intent that you are honestly saying that you have no reservations about your decision.<br>
What I truly find amazing is the fact, and this is NO JOKE, there have been parents on RDay who say, "I didn't know this was a MILITARY school." YIKES!!!</p>
<p>I have been where you are and offer you my best wishes. This is not an easy time for you or you son, so many difficult decisions are being made that will affect your family's life and your son's future.</p>
<p>I send my best wishes to you and am confident that all will be well!
BEAT ARMY!</p>