<p>don't worry if you consider yourself a cocky jerk -- that is how I would describe many of the cadets who end up at the academies. I think that self-confidence is what is needed to succeed along with the intelligence to manage yourself appropriately.</p>
<p>consider signing up for civil air patrol -- my kids do it and really enjoy it! it gives you a taste for the military and can look very good on your resume. You can also get some great recommendations for the academies that way. It is an outside activity, so you don't have to change your schedule. I would keep with your academics over rotc -- that is where you shine.</p>
<p>have you also considered signing up for a rotc scholarship? I don't know how the others work, just the Air Force one. they pay your full way, sometimes including room and board and a stipend. you go to the school of your choice and they pay. I had a friend who went to cornell on an afrotc scholarship -- lived in the rotc dorm, loved it -- got discipline without it being too much. continued on to a master (af paid), worked in the AF for a while and then transferred to NASA. she is now one of the top people on the mars spirit mission. this might be another thing for you to consider. with your stats, I think you would be very competitive for the full scholarship.</p>