Hi everyone. I first learned about ROTC and service academies in October and since I didn’t think I stood a chance at top private schools, I never really looked into ROTC. Instead, I’ve been working really hard on my West Point application in hopes of getting in.
I learned today that I was accepted into MIT. Since I don’t think I have enough time to get both applications done (and MIT’s my dream school), I’ve been itching to drop West Point and head straight to MIT with an ROTC scholarship, but I’m kind of in a dilemma. I haven’t started on my ROTC applications and they’re due in like a month and I’ve worked so hard for my West Point and gotten so many teacher and counselor evaluations done for it, and I’m just 3 steps away from finishing my application (DoDMERB, CFA, and interview), it feels too precious to just throw away last minute like this.
Anyone have any advice?
ROTC and the Service Academies are different paths to bring you to the same place: a position as an officer commanding members of our armed forces. Make sure you’re quite comfortable with that before getting too far into this. Even if you eventually choose the Reserves path it’s still a serious commitment.
The first answer for you is easy but harsh: you need a nomination for all academies except Coast Guard, and at this point I believe your only real option is ROTC because I am fairly certain most/all congressional sources of nominations are closed and in the process of announcing appointments for this year. Unless I mis-read your post and you have a nomination in hand, I think you missed your chance for the cycle.
On the other hand the work you’ve done for West Point is not all wasted. The ROTC app process isn’t as intentionally challenging as the academy journey, so get started. More good news: the minimum ACT is 19 so if you got into MIT chances are good you won’t have to worry about beating the required score. 
And even better, if you don’t get the four year scholarship out of the gate you can take ROTC classes, work with the unit during freshman year, become known to them, and then apply again and again, as they offer three, two and a half, and two year deals as well with boards meeting three times a year.
Anyway, reach out to the unit with your questions and concerns and then get cracking on the app. The MIT ROTC unit has a web site at http://army-rotc.mit.edu/
Above + your lack of athletics is likely to make USMA a long shot.
@ktong777: Agree with @StPaulDad, you’re too late for West Point this cycle. ROTC will get you to the same place wherever you go to college and is still doable.
I pointed this out to you in your October thread in the SA forums, but it’s moot this cycle anyway.
Good luck with MIT/ROTC, it’s a fine option.
This is a year old. Closing.