For my first post, allow me to take a brief moment of your time to say that I have been scheduled for an interview in early October. I applied in late May.

I have read all 297 pages of this thread as well as probably a couple thousand pages of other threads. Thanks for all of the info. Now the real work begins as I prepare for this interview.

If it helps anyone, my background is:

Worldwide Part 91 corporate (previously 121) - 6,900 hrs - 5,100 PIC - 6,000 jet - Lots of international experience - 2 internal references (no golden-ticket endorsements though) - Persistent updating of the profile

What I've done to prepare so far: I've read all of the gouges on various free and 1 paid site. I purchased ECIC and am a couple of hours deep into that system on day 2 of my tenure with them. I will soon purchase RST as well for good measure. Anything else I should be thinking about just yet? How important are letters of recommendation to turn in at the interview?

Also, how much value is there in making a (long) trip to do the in-person seminar with ECIC? There isn't one near my home city and I have no pass travel bennies. But if you guys think it is worth a trip, I will make it happen.

Thanks again, everyone. Your posts have been very helpful so far.