Are there any former ROTC Cadets with any advice for a ROTC prospect?

Just a couple of notes from a non ROTC officer. Since you are already National Guard and I assume that you have an MOS, you can skip the first two years of ROTC because you are prior service. Then you join in the Junior year, attend whatever they call Advanced Camp today and graduate with a commission after your Senior year. I highly recommend the Simultaneous Membership Program with the National Guard during your ROTC time. It can give you some experience and you will get paid as an E5 for drill weekends. The Lieutenant is correct, if you want a specific branch, it helps to be towards the top of the class.
Good Luck.

I took Army ROTC in high school (1956-1958) and it was the prime source of early discipline, drill, and learning to teach that propelled me forward to an Army career. What I learned in ROTC had laid the foundation to better performance in Basic as well as the subsequent assignments in my career. Taking college ROTC would be to your advantage to reach a commission.

If you want a better chance at getting a branch you desire, hold a decent GPA, exceed PT standards, and have good rapport with all of the cadre at the school. Do the right thing at all times and be a good person. Show up with the mindset that you want and are willing to learn. There may be some tasks that you already know so use your knowledge to advance everyone else’s. Be humble throughout your endeavors. Good luck!