About 1/3 of my class got a 6 week break between ground and sims. The other 2/3 had all of 16 hours off. It's impossible to predict what the guys above you will bid... And there may not even be a break for anyone.

The important stuff:

1. Don't try to live on fast food for all of ground training. Take the light rail downtown to Harmon's and cook your own food.

2. You will reach a point during Systems in which it seems you'll never learn it all and you're doomed to fail. Relax. It's normal. Just study hard and you'll do fine.

3. Exercise. Sitting in class all day won't do anything for your physical and mental health. Fortunately there's a nice jogging path starting at the Candlewood and heading north.

4. Spend as much time in the Matrix 'sim' as you can. When you start the real sims, you'll want your flows to already be sharp. This can be challenging, trying to study for your Systems final and practice flows and calls at the same time... But make sure you put the effort in.

At the time, the training seemed quite tough. But really, the Systems exam is a lot easier than you think it's gonna be. And once you spend a year on the line you're going to wonder why this ever seemed difficult

Welcome aboard!