usmc-sgt

I did all three. I did a online class, the private pilot class was on campus and a political and ethical values class that was down where MCRD goes on base.

We all tell you this because hindsight is 20/20. You dont realize what you should have done until it is too late.

chowhall

Think I my just try and get some of my General Ed classes out of the way. Do you currently fly for a living?

Grumble

Not sure if you want to continue your career in the Corps, but you've got a great opportunity to apply to the Naval Academy or any other service academy.

If that's not your goal look at other mentioned. Kent State, UND, Embry Riddle, Purdue, etc.

chowhall

Do you know how admissions work for the Universities you mentioned above? I heard schools such as ERAU could care less about you're high school GPA. They simply want the money. Not sure if this is true. I hope it is. Because I have the money (G.I Bill) but do not have the GPA from high school to attend any credible university. This is why I've been looking into Community Colleges that over Aviation programs versus Universities. How would schools such as ERAU look at a Combat Veteran? Do they offer exceptions, or would I have to work my way up just like everyone else?

usmc-sgt

I do, I fly for an airline.

fiveninerzero

You can visit their respective websites for the scoop, but you are definitely not going to have a very difficult time being admitted to the aviation programs above. Years ago I was musing on pursuing an aviation program and contacted several of the schools listed above, among others. Although I chose to take a different route, I found that the schools weren't too concerned about my high school experience. I was treated as a transfer student because I had significant college credit from the USAF.

Even though the USMC doesn't have an accredited college like the USAF, a lot of military training has been evaluated by external agencies like ACE, which recommends a specific level of credit that schools will accept. While it usually doesn't allow you to substitute for credits required towards your degree program, it generally takes care of any elective credits required, lessening the time you sit in classes.

As far as service academies, I only can speak of the USAFA. I recall being inundated once a year with emails requesting enlisted applicants. Evidently the AF set aside 50 slots to the Academy yearly for AD folks, and those slots are never entirely filled. The only requirement was that you had a commander's endorsement, and met the basic requirements for admission (ie. under 23, unmarried, etc.) No congressional rec required. Also, the academic requirements were waived, so if you did not score high enough on the SATs, you were sent to prep school for a year. I'm told that many do not pursue this due to not wanting to spend over a year in a basic training environment, among other undesirable factors. I'm not sure if the Navy offers a similiar program.

What you decide to do, let us know. Although I've completed an undergrad program, my major is not related to aviation, and I am looking to complete some ratings at an IHL after my release from AD.

Grumble

How will you know unless you apply?

As long as you've got the cash, ERAU will take you. Doesn't mean you can suck while youre there, or any school for that matter. You still have to meet standards.

3212L

chowhall,
I am currently using the Montgomery GI Bill (Ch. 30) for my instrument and commercial (60% reimbursment) at an independent flight school. It is not on the west coast, but you may want to take a look at Wallace State College in Alabama. I earned my private there and moved away. It is probably the least expensive A.A.S. program (if cost is an issue) out there with quality instructors that enjoy what they do and are not there to build hours. They have an agreement with the ERAU Worldwide Campus in Huntsville (40 miles away) that guarantees the transfer of their A.A.S. credits to the B.S. in Professional Aeronautics at ERAU. It is not a big school with all new aircraft, but that was never and issue to me. They also have the problems worked out with the Post 9/11 GI Bill and flight training from what I understand. I would also think hard about earning an undergraduate degree and then pursuing a commission/pilot slot in any branch (coming from prior enlisted aircrew in the Coast Guard). Good luck and thanks for your service to our country. http://www.wallacestate.edu/programs/technical/aviation.html

themagicman00

The Navy does offer programs like NAPS (Naval Academy Preparatory School), year long program initially drafted to help enlisted folks coming from the fleet to sharpen their skills before getting to Annapolis. Today this program is used as a tool to recruit athletes that don't qualify academically coming out of high school, but have a great future If they get their academics in order. Still need to have competitive SAT or ACT scores. Annapolis and other service academies are places with high academic standards, and as such recruit midshipmen that can handle the 4year program (5 years if you go to a prep-school)Good luck.

Parafiddle

I thought I read somewhere that at some places like ERAU, you can't get all of your flight training paid for, only up to a cap ($17,000/yr.?). I think it had something to do with them being a private vs. a public college. I've never looked into ERAU, so I don't know for sure. Just something to confirm before you enroll. You don't want to move, get settled in with classes and flight training, and then find out that you won't be able to maximize your GI Bill benefits. If anyone can confirm or deny the above info, please do. I don't want to provide erroneous information. Thanks!