I was in the same situation a few years back.
I joined the Air National instead of the reserve because of the education benefits (100% tuition + GI Bill SR) and after tech school and On-the-job training started AFROTC.
-I wouldnt say it " set me apart from the other cadets" but having experience from basic and tech school helped me get some things quicker than my peers.
- I was attending a croswtown college and to me it looked like the Det Commander did not care what school you were attending as long as you were getting good grades and volunteering for things.
If somehow you can pull an AFROTC scholarship right after high school, take it and don't look back. You will be able to get your commission quicker and go to pilot training sooner.