Way back when I was applying to officer programs, I was in the same position that you were. I had a spots at both the Academy and ROTC that I could take, and I choose ROTC.
Why? Several reasons.
I had already been enlisted for a couple of years, and with that experience under my belt I felt that I didn't NEED the strict life of a USNA freshman. When I graduated from High School, I DID NEED the structure that the Navy had to offer. I had the grades to go to college right away and money was not a problem. I just knew that I was more interested in beer and chasing skirt than I was basic college courses, so I enlisted. A couple of years later, I had grown up some. I knew what beer tasted like, had caught some skirt, and had learned the study habits that I would need to be successful in college.
I was also somewhat homesick. Now, there are different levels of homesick. I was not crying in my bed wishing for mommy and daddy, but I know that my parents are not going to live forever and going to school an hour and a half from home allowed me to head down to my folks house and go fishing with my dad on the weekend if I wanted to. It was also a good mental break from school, and my mom was always happy to cook me 3 square meals whenever I showed up. If enjoying that makes me a wimp, then I guess I am a wimp. You can't do that stuff if you are at the Academy.
It sounds to me like the original poster is doing a good job of self evaluation and is looking to put themself in a situation where they will find success. Good job. Just because you think you will be homesick at 18 does not disqualify you for military service. The 4 years of college, 3 summer cruises, and all of the training will help with that. You don't have to show up for college with the mid-set required for a wartime deployment. You have to show up for college ready for college. Go to the environment that you think you will do best in. San Diego is cool. Expensive, but cool.
Good luck.
