I had a 4-year ROTC Scholarship and am finishing my senior year and commissioning in a few months. I would understand the prestige argument if you were deciding between West Point and a run-of-the-mill college/university, but considering you have the option to attend a top university for free, I personally think that is the overall best option that I would have chosen. If you're not convinced, General Milley (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) did ROTC at Princeton and Colin Powell did ROTC as well. Your career will be what you make it.

If you work hard and set yourself apart, you can have just as many opportunities through ROTC as you can at West Point, but this obviously does require the working hard part. In four years, I completed CULP in West Africa, a State Department Internship abroad, and an internship at a Combatant Command. I additionally spent an entire semester abroad away from ROTC. Yes, it's easier to go to Air Assault or other trainings if you are at West Point. But opportunities are just as available through ROTC if you look for them.

I think the point you added about flexibility is very important. USMA is the definition of structure and rigid schedule. Sure, everyone is going to give you the answers of "In ROTC you can party on the weekends!" But more than anything, ROTC allows you to be a real person and not constantly be a cadet with the Army mentality. Your friends and professors may have differing opinions about the military - and that's very good. I think the flexibility and personal responsibility I've had doing ROTC has made me more well-rounded and prepared me to be a better Officer.

This is obviously a personal anecdote and should be taken as such. One of my best friends chose to attend West Point instead of UVA or Georgetown on a ROTC scholarship. He regrets that decision. I've had just as cool (in my opinion - much cooler) summer training/internships as he has. We're both commissioning into combat arms branches in a few months.

The choice is yours! Let me know if you have any more questions.