<p>Thanks for all your advice, both private and public. We’ve taken it to heart. Over the past couple of weeks my wife and I have backed off mentioning the USAFA and have put the onus on our son to start to look for college alternatives. So far, the pace of his pursuit of admission to any institution of higher education has mirrored the interest he shows in mowing the lawn. </p>
<p>He pursues high school studies with a great amount of determination and reads ACT study guides in preparation for the tests, yet lacks any motivation to apply for any college unless prompted. </p>
<p>As parents, my wife and I would never “make” our son go to any particular university, especially one that requires a military commitment. But given that the USAFA application process is 95% complete, we’re going to make him get the DodMERB done and set an appointment with the ALO. One private response suggested that the experience of going through the interview process would be helpful in preparation for future job interviews. We hadn’t thought of that, but we agree.</p>
<p>If he were to obtain an USAFA appointment, he would then have to confront the consequences of accepting or rejecting it, head on. If no appointment were to be offered, then there would be no regrets. </p>
<p>My wife also worries that abandoning the application process at this late date might leave a sour taste in the mouths of those that went to the trouble of writing LORs. We have another son, a high school junior, who is highly interested in attending the USAFA. We need those people who wrote LORs for son #1 to write letters next year for son #2.</p>