Mcaf,
Congratulations on graduating from BOOST. I know what a pain in the ass it is there. I was a student in the first class that went through there, so we were the guinea pigs. And let me tell you, we were surely experimented on. I felt like BOOST was a waste of my time. It's purpose was supose to be to raise my SAT score. I graduated number 10 in the class and my SAT score didn't change. The only reason I received my NROTC scholarship was because I took that other standarized test...I forget the name of it. Anyway, I'm sure you're glad it's over. That was one hell of a winter up there this year, huh? It was definately not that cold when I was there for BOOST. Ok, enough babbling...on to your questions.
First thing. Forget that you're a prior and just play the ROTC game. You're gonna have kids that don't have the slightest clue telling you what to do. Best thing I can say is just go with it. I tell you this because I made the mistake fighting their little system my first year there and had a real negative experience that year. Second, GO TO CLASS. Just getting to college and getting discharged for your ROTC scholarship, you may feel a certain freedom to not have to go to class. Maybe not, but I suspect you may. If you are having these thoughts, don't buy into them. I can't even stress enough how much better my GPA would've been if I would have just showed up for class. Not even studying any more, if I would've just showed up for an hour lecture. Third, don't screw up your finances cause it'll bite you in the ass later.
Don't sweat the English and there is definately no need to sweat the ASTB for about a year or so. I also failed the autobiography on the ASTB the first time and then passed it on the second. Like your friend, I was less cautious in my answers. Don't play the "what are they looking for here" game. It doesn't work.
You are correct on the Ensigns and their orders to Vance AFB for primary and intermediate flight training. It's completely random. It's not automatic carrier jets. As John has pointed out, there are a couple fellows there in Corpus for advanced props. I have also known a couple guys go through Vance and get helos.
One thing that I would like to point out regarding the T-37 Tweet that the AF uses vs. the T-34 for the Navy. They both utilize a single engine gas turbine (jet). The main difference is how they each produce their thrust. The T-37 obviously uses the propelled exhaust gasses out the tail whereas the T-34 uses a propeller coupled to the gas turbine (through reduction gears of course). Hence, the T-34 is called a turbo prop. My point is that they both count as single engine jet time. This is why P-3 pilots are picked up for the airlines fairly easily. There are 4 of these "jet" engines instead of only one. Most people think of the T-34 as a typical propeller aircraft powered by a piston engine. If you ask me, the basic structure and operation of the gas turbine is much simpler than the piston. However, there is typically more systems associated with them vice the piston engine.
You are also right regarding the length of training. I know a guy who graduated from UF that went to Vance and was winged in one year. Of course, he got helos though. From people that I have talked through who went through Vance, they DO NOT screw around there. Unlike the Navy, they already know when you will be done when you start the program. If you're navy, and you end up there, you do your primary and intermediate training there. Unless you get the E-6, you will go to Whiting for helos, Corpus for props, or Kingville or Meridian for jets.
One thing I forgot to mention. Make sure you choose a major that you have an interest in. Don't let anyone tell you that have to have a tech major to be competitive for aviation. That's simply not true. Hell, you don't need a tech major to be competive for the nuke program. Just do yourself a favor and major in what you have a desire to learn about. But most of all, enjoy yourself.
If you can make it happen, you might want to consider flying lessons if you haven't already. This isn't to make you more competitive. But it'll give you an indication of your monkey skills, aptitude, and whether you like flying or not. Just my two cents worth.
Take care and best wishes,