1. It's cool to want a fighter or even a specific plane. But DO NOT badmouth other planes even jokingly as you have no credibility at all yet. If you get asked what you want to fly by an IP, answer straight and then ask them about their plane. Get as much knowledge as possible and you might surprise yourself.
2. It's not about being better than the other studs, it's about maximizing your own performance. On drop night, you will basically know what everybody wants. And, every list will be different. After a year studying together, flying form together, sharing multiple failures, and growing as aviators you will cheer with them or shed a tear with them. Don't make the mistake of thinking that winning the competition for a specific aircraft means beating your bros.
3. When it comes time for the drop, ask for what you think you want but love whatever you get. There are serious pros and cons associated with every single assignment out of UPT. Enjoy UPT while you're there, but the best thing you can do is leave with a set of wings and a good attitude.