Originally Posted by
DoSomePilotStuf
I think the idea for the majors is that most all of us are good pilots. Plenty good enough to get the job done once the flight deck door is closed. All they need to know is in your PRIA from that standpoint. They are selective because they are concerned with how we behave when the cockpit door is open. Those who are largely unsuccessful in getting to the next level are those who do not understand or appreciate that fact.
I mostly agree, but there's another aspect of what makes a good pilot... continually learning. If you're one of those people who only knows EP&Ls for a couple days each year odds are you'll struggle if the crap hits the fan. And ASAP will let you get away with it as long as no metal is bent.
With a degree, they have a slightly better idea where you fall on the spectrum when nobodies looking.
Remember, their goal is NOT to be fair to all applicants, it's to screen suitable applicants with the lowest cost, lowest risk, and greatest ease. It's easier for HR to check a box than to try to rationalize intangibles.