<p>I think the main advantage to JROTC and CAP is that both programs will provide leadership opportunities that can be identified very clearly on your application. Like ds was saying, the Academy uses a “whole person” method when evaluating candidates. Academics (grades, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, level of classes, etc.), athletics, leadership, and extracurriculars are the main components that they’ll look at. You’ll definitely need solid material to put under the leadership heading of your resume. Team captain, class president, club president… that kind of stuff is really solid to put on your resume. If that’s not really your area, then JROTC or CAP might be a good choice for you, just so that you have some leadership experience to speak of. Just remember that you can’t expect your Academy experience to be similar to these programs!</p>