Out of 4 friends I knew from home (upstate new york) who were going into flight (either aero engineering, pilot, atc, etc) only one (me) got into Purdue. I had a 3.4GPA in normal (regents) classes, was in many extra things (three bands, honors society, key club, know a few programming languages, ham radio club and license, air traffic internship). One of my friends had a 3.9. He did not get into Purdue. It is very true that extra stuff matters.

Because of this, many people at a school like purdue are not only smart, but many of them are very outgoing and activity based. It is rather difficult to get into a good school with just good grades alone. Just keep that in mind, a lot of people forget that. FYI, Riddle accepted me and all of my friends. One of my buddies explains a LOT of people at ERAU wanted to go to other schools....If I did not get into Purdue I probably would have gone into computer engineering at another school and do ATC some other time. I did not like most of the flight schools I visited AT ALL. They were not real universities compared to Purude, and I am very outgoing. I needed a social life and lift.

Good luck!! Meet a lot of people and do all you can!

 

I got into Riddle and was given no scholarship and only about $7,000 in financial aid. Currently have a 3.2GPA with the SAT over 1700, which is not the best but I am not complaining. At SLU on the other hand I got scholarships and a good financial aid package so I don't get what the deal is. Riddle just wants to steal my money I would think. I got my Private Pilots license at Embry-Riddle and the people there are nice, but it is true what many people here are saying about it. It is incredibly small and does not feel like a real university. I think it is due that 90% of the people are interested in the same things and almost no girls (which I hear is improving but its still very disproportionate) unlike SLU which has like 59% girls and 41% guys which is not bad in my opinion.

I wan't to be a pilot too but decided it was not a good idea to major in it. Lets face it, you can major in anything and still become a successful pilot. I decided to try Aerospace Engineering and minor in Flight. I don't think St. Louis University has an ATC program but either way, it is not something I am interested in.

 

I went to Southeastern Oklahoma State University (141). Here's the good and bad:

Good
1. Wicked cheap (approx $33,000) for all flying courses (does not include tuition)
2. Somewhat small so you get to know people
3. Strong alumni relations
4. Knowlegable instructors
5. Great airplanes
6. Great business school for a minor
7. Opportunity for great actual instrument flying
8. Out of state tuition waiver for good grades
Bad
1. In the heart of boring land OK (but what are you there for)
2. Frequent WX issues in tornado alley
3. No bridge program

 

I agree with the other ATC is something that you can get into just by walking in off the street. Keep in mind that the airline industry is cyclical and will eventually recover. you may even be graduating from school when it is coming into a boom.

 

so ive decided that i am going to attend Purdue in the fall! it feels great to get it off of my shoulders! i know it is a great school and i am going to do great there and do my best and someday be a great commercial pilot! any other tips while attending will be great!

thanks all

 

Well I wish you luck. You will need it because I graduate from college the same year you do so be ready to have stiff competition