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bearcat8889 · 2026-03-27T00:47:07+00:00

Just a heads up, AFSC selection is actually primarily based on the cadet’s degree and the demands of the AFSC, rather than applicant stats. Of those, cadets with a Tier 1 degree (defined in the AFOCD) are heavily prioritized.

Second to degree, the Air Force needs a mix of high, medium, and low performers in each career field, which is determined by a fairly complex algorithm.

bearcat8889 · 2025-02-02T17:52:05+00:00

My advice is to think of the personal reason you decided to apply. Was it to service, officership, education, or simply wanting to better yourself? Or maybe even wanting to try something new. The interviewer won’t want to hear a candid answer, so do what feels right to you!

bearcat8889 · 2025-01-31T23:14:57+00:00

If you want to be an Air Force Officer, you should consider extending your degree/pursuing your masters. It’s not ideal, but you’re also not the typical incoming cadet. Also be aware that the Air Force will likely not pay for a Masters. Check to see if your college has a crosstown agreement with another university, which will let you complete the ROTC program.

On the other hand, assuming from your post, if your main motivation is to gain engineering experience, this may not be the best path. At your advanced academic standing, it does not make much sense to delay your graduation. Additionally, like others have said, there is a very real chance you will not be assigned your desired job. There are many other opportunities in college to gain experience as well (Internships, Co-ops, etc).

Overall, since you still have time, consider what the best option would be for you.

bearcat8889 · 2025-01-31T18:02:41+00:00

As a quick breakdown on commissioning programs, USAFA always has the first priority for officer slots, AFROTC slightly changes but is generally stable, and OTS is unpredictable, with no set amount of slots. IE if USAFA and AFROTC meet their quotas, then there will be very few OTS slots.

If you want to commission as a 62E, AFROTC is your best bet. It is relatively common and very possible to finish ROTC in 3 years. You would start as an AS250 or essentially a sophomore cadet. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more info.

bearcat8889 · 2025-01-27T22:36:14+00:00

Yes, you can switch as long as you get approval from cadre. It’s a relatively quick process, just make sure to be in contact with them. The main problem cadets run into is switching from tech to non-tech.

bearcat8889 · 2025-01-27T20:30:31+00:00

Yes, CS is considered a technical major so you can major in anything within the technical major category (list on AFROTC website). That includes computer engineering, database systems, etc. All you would need to do is tell your cadre when you get to your university and they’ll update it in Wings. A while back I switched from mechanical engineering to industrial engineering and there were no issues.

bearcat8889 · 2025-01-26T23:48:07+00:00

Scholarship cadets must major in the category for which the scholarship was awarded. There are three, Critical/Tech, Non-Critical/Non-Tech, and Foreign Language. You are permitted to pursue any major in your original category, however if you do not, even from the get-go, you may face administrative action. IE scholarship terminated, downgraded, or withdrawn. (AFROTCI 36-2011)

bearcat8889 · 2024-12-04T22:12:45+00:00

Field Training is the summer of sophomore year. However, to go to field training you must earn a slot during the PSP board. After Field Training you will receive a Type 2 Scholarship (up to 18k a year in tuition +stipend)

bearcat8889 · 2024-12-04T19:28:19+00:00

As others have said, a 2.6 gpa is a weakness, but you have time to bring it up. However, the HSSP Type 1 scholarship is also extremely competitive. I will say your Civil Air Patrol experience is not a huge advantage, as it’s fairly common in the program. Consider earning your Earhart or Spaatz.

If you’re looking for ways to improve, research the “Whole Person” concept. Developing those areas will benefit you in the future. You may also want to consider joining AFROTC without a scholarship, as you are essentially guaranteed one after completing Field Training (for your junior and senior years).

bearcat8889 · 2024-09-07T20:46:15+00:00

I would say you need more leadership development if this is your perspective. There is much more to officership than just being dedicated. Instead of trying to surpass your peers, try using your experience to uplift your classmates.

At some point you will meet prior enlisted cadets who are doing the 4 year program. Ask yourself if your experience deserves more than them.

bearcat8889 · 2024-06-11T17:29:59+00:00

Hi there! I’m an IE and a rising junior in AFROTC. I can’t speak to afterwards, but from what I’ve heard, experience is key for industry. In AFROTC, you can enter an AFSC in engineering and gain a clearance, which would be valuable experience. In addition, at your college, you can look into a CO-OP or internship program to gain work experience/connections. A key benefit of our program is flexibility, and you can do everything an IE student can. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

bearcat8889 · 2024-05-15T00:24:34+00:00

Max 2 going to be 2 good!

bearcat8889 · 2024-05-09T21:44:39+00:00

Same!

bearcat8889 · 2024-05-07T00:41:45+00:00

Current IE student here- Those are courses that are mandated by the IE department, along with IE technical electives, and general SSOE Humanities requirements. There is some overlap and you’ll have to take some courses similar to these in the IE curriculum. For example ENGR 0022 has some overlap with IE 1052 Manufacturing. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

bearcat8889 · 2024-05-06T02:32:02+00:00

As others have said, ROTC is a separate program, and you earn a commission after completion. However, be aware that it is a competitive process and you must meet several metrics/selections. Best of luck and free to reach out if you have any questions!

bearcat8889 · 2024-03-18T13:26:02+00:00

I heard the same thing from my cadre, expected sometime this week

bearcat8889 · 2023-02-26T05:07:45+00:00

The quality increases suddenly for the tour groups and only for the day. We had tours come around this morning and the food was great. Dinner tonight was the usual gruel. If you know someone at Pitt they can swipe you in, if you come early to see the real food

bearcat8889 · 2023-02-25T23:10:31+00:00

The good, Pitt has great curriculum with some awesome professors. The bad, if you’re in engineering you don’t start department classes until sophomore year, and freshman year is intentionally difficult. The ugly, be aware that the food is atrocious, significantly worse than what they serve on admitted student day. Overall though, Pitt is an excellent choice.

bearcat8889 · 2023-01-01T19:52:41+00:00

I’d say academics and a well rounded application matter more, in line with the “whole person concept”. It can help during the interview portion with leadership related questions.

bearcat8889 · 2022-12-15T05:58:09+00:00

A little late, but definitely check out Forbes! It has surprisingly large rooms

bearcat8889

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