This is my first time to this site so I'll introduce myself as well. 

I am currently an AS200 Cadet in the AFROTC at a univeristy. That means, I've been in the program for 2 years now.  I thought I'd offer a little insight into that program for all of you young high school students interested in becoming a fighter pilot.  It too, has been my dream to be a fighter pilot for the USAF since I was a kid and first saw a plane. I also had the dream to attend the US Air Force Academy, but was denied two years in a row.  That still wonders me.  During my interviews, the officers told me I was exactly the type they were looking for and was fully qualified.  So it was a shock when I didn't get my appointment.  Though devastating, it didn't stop my dream. 

I was awarded an AFROTC scholarship for Electrical Engineering.  Since I've joined the ROTC, I've heard that most people prefer to get a ROTC scholarship over an academy appointment.  In any case, the AFROTC still offers many great training/learning opportunities.  You simply go to a college or university of your choice (with an AFRTOC program) work toward a degree, and take ROTC classes at the same time.  It's a lot of fun, but also demands time and effort.

In end effect, I wish to graduate with my engineering degree and commission as 2nd Lt with a pilot slot.  You compete for pilot slots your junior year in college.  I have buddies each year that get pilot slots.  It's real, and totally possible.  In a couple years it'll be my turn, and I'll have my pilot slot.  Once you have that slot, you are scheduled to go to IFT or UPT (if you have ur private pilot license).  But getting that slot is the critical thing in college.  You have to do well in academics, take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) and score well on the pilot and navigation sections as well as the academic portion.  Cadets previously were allowed to take it twice, and the second scores all count.  However, the Air Force really frowns on that now, as many cadets typically studied for the pilot/nav sections and failed the academic portions.  I scored very high without studying anything, but there are books out there to prepare you if you wish to study for it.  The Air Force prefers to see cadets only take it once now.  We also do physical training (PT) in the ROTC program, which is actually fun.  You will have a physical fitness test (PFT) to pass each semester.  If you are athletic, in shape and can run well, you can ace the test.  That is a big factor for a pilot slot as well.  When you go to field training (FT), if you prepared well, and perform well while there, your FT score will also be weighed in to determine if you get a pilot slot.  Normally, the summer after your second year (so right now for me) you'd go to Field Training for 4 weeks. There as a cadet, you will be proven physically, mentally, and emotionally in a leadership development course.  I hear its the most fun you'll ever have that you don't want to have again.  The biggest factor however is the commanders rating.  Be active, show leadership and discipline and your commander will over time get to know you and see your potential as a future fighter pilot if that is your dream.  The stars are within OUR reach.  We can do it.  Live for it.  Follow your dreams and don't let disappointments along the way slow you down.  Keep your momentum and you will succeed. 

AIM HIGH!  FLY HIGH!