When I was in highschool, I thought a lot about the service academies, and while they are a great way to get an education, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to get laid in college, as well as be able to drink beer, and leave campus when I wanted to. Plus, you are at the academies to become an officer, not a pilot, keep that in mind. Even though working fulltime and going to college full time isn't fun, I do think its better than doing a plebe year at one of them. Mild institutionalized hazing just isn't for me. Plus, I'm not really sure if they're still doing it, but the AFA had the whole evangelist thing going on for awhile and I don't know if I'd jive with that very well.
You're 17 or 18 years old, you know you've got to go to college, what do you do? I'd go to college and pay for it yourself, sure free school is nice, but it isn't exactly free, because when you sign on the dotted line you pay with your time. And, when there's all that money and pressure over your head, your not exactly thinking clearly, so you don't want to make a dicision under duress. When you get done with school, you'll have so many options fan open for you, and choices you can make. At that point, make the dicision to military it up. At least that's the path I'm taking more or less, and while going to work full time and school full time isn't exactly fun, I come out on top with no commitment but myself when I'm done with school, and a billion options because my student loans will be less. Good luck. PM me if you need anything.
-pat