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TristanRealest 04-14-2014 08:40 AM


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 1622859)
In order (at least when I selected):
1) Needs of the Marine Corps.
2) Your grades.
3) Your 'wish list' (choice)

Everything in flight school is competitive.
Much of it is like life in general.
Do your best and you'll end up with options. Do poorly, or make bad choices, and your options will most likely be limited.
BUT - - in the end - - you can be number one in your class and if the Marine Corps needs pilots in a certain community - then that is where you will go as an example.

Thanks for the advice. All this military talk, and I'm realizing that I might not be able to make it. I am in my last year in high school and definitely don't have the best of grades. I messed up by taking WAY too many AP (Advanced Placement) and Advanced classes, and thus, did poorly in some of them, which lowered my GPA substantially. I do not know my exact GPA to date, however, I definitely know its low 2s. Will my poor choices not allow me to get accepted into PLC? Or are my grades based mostly on college grades? Because, I will do outstanding next semester in college. I can't change my past, but only the future. I have over 144 hours of community service too. And, I am trying to get promoted to "Team Leader" at my local Chick-fil-A. Do you think I even stand a chance? Thanks.

Also, when do you think I should speak to an OSO? After I show that I have brought up my grades in college, or now? Thanks again.

USMCFLYR 04-14-2014 09:19 AM

Your grades in college will probably count more so than your high school grades; but it is best to talk to the OSO.
You should contact the OSO now and let them know of your interest and then follow their advice.

km1619 04-14-2014 09:25 AM

Nevermind.... wasn't reading the posts correctly

TristanRealest 04-14-2014 09:43 AM


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 1622969)
Your grades in college will probably count more so than your high school grades; but it is best to talk to the OSO.
You should contact the OSO now and let them know of your interest and then follow their advice.

Thanks for the advice. When I spoke to a Recruiter, they made it seem like I had one chance at, basically, impressing this guy (OSO). They told me to write all my questions down, and have them ready when I called him. Sort of, like a phone interview to see if I was Marine Officer quality. That's why I am hesitant to call him now, I'm afraid that he'll see that I am not good enough (now) and will basically turn me down.

Would you happen to know when the deadline for PLC applications is? For instance, I would like to go my Freshman summer in college if I was accepted. Rather than, the 1 10 week PLC summer.

JJ21 04-14-2014 10:24 AM

remember AP & advance classes will give you a higher gpa vs regular classes I also believe a 2.5 to 3.5 = B average...check with your guidance counselor for your exact gpa. Going to jr college like you are planning on is a good step to get a fresh start towards good grades. LIke you state the past is the past, let that go and start fresh...

Airline pilots are constantly studying...it's never ending, this is what you will do your entire career in aviation as aviation especially avionics/new developments are constantly being updated/going to recurrent training...so learn now good effective study habits...memory techniques...i'm sure there is info on this on the net.

Your going to do great...you are planning ahead, asking questions...these are great steps.

TristanRealest 04-14-2014 10:35 AM


Originally Posted by JJ21 (Post 1622995)
remember AP & advance classes will give you a higher gpa vs regular classes I also believe a 2.5 to 3.5 = B average...check with your guidance counselor for your exact gpa. Going to jr college like you are planning on is a good step to get a fresh start towards good grades. LIke you state the past is the past, let that go and start fresh...

Airline pilots are constantly studying...it's never ending, this is what you will do your entire career in aviation as aviation especially avionics/new developments are constantly being updated/going to recurrent training...so learn now good effective study habits...memory techniques...i'm sure there is info on this on the net.

Your going to do great...you are planning ahead, asking questions...these are great steps.

Thanks a lot, I'm just really trying to do everything I can to stand above the rest. Sorry for all these questions! However, if I were to get selected to fly Helo in the USMC, would I be screwed as far as a airline career is concerned? That is my main goal at the end of the day.

USMCFLYR 04-14-2014 10:52 AM


Originally Posted by TristanRealest (Post 1622981)
Thanks for the advice. When I spoke to a Recruiter, they made it seem like I had one chance at, basically, impressing this guy (OSO). They told me to write all my questions down, and have them ready when I called him. Sort of, like a phone interview to see if I was Marine Officer quality. That's why I am hesitant to call him now, I'm afraid that he'll see that I am not good enough (now) and will basically turn me down.

Would you happen to know when the deadline for PLC applications is? For instance, I would like to go my Freshman summer in college if I was accepted. Rather than, the 1 10 week PLC summer.

I do not believe that.
If you are not competitive enough now - get competitive.
I do not enough the timeline for the various deadlines. I believe the normal summers though are Sophomore and Junior summer breaks.


Originally Posted by TristanRealest (Post 1623001)
Thanks a lot, I'm just really trying to do everything I can to stand above the rest. Sorry for all these questions! However, if I were to get selected to fly Helo in the USMC, would I be screwed as far as a airline career is concerned? That is my main goal at the end of the day.

No....getting chosen to fly helos is not the end of your airline career aspirations. I know quite a few helo pilots who either transitioned to fixed wing during their military service or, at a minimum, flew in the Primary Training squadrons to build their fixed wing time up to competitive numbers.

TristanRealest 04-14-2014 11:10 AM


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 1623006)
I do not believe that.
If you are not competitive enough now - get competitive.
I do not enough the timeline for the various deadlines. I believe the normal summers though are Sophomore and Junior summer breaks.


No....getting chosen to fly helos is not the end of your airline career aspirations. I know quite a few helo pilots who either transitioned to fixed wing during their military service or, at a minimum, flew in the Primary Training squadrons to build their fixed wing time up to competitive numbers.

That's what I'm working on. And there is a 6 week during the freshman summer.

Oh ok, I didn't know you could transition to another aircraft within your military service. I thought you were "stuck" with whatever you got for the rest of your military career.

swamp 04-14-2014 01:00 PM

Part of the best things about college are, girls, finally moving out of parents house, girls, football games on Saturday night, and girls... With the exception of leaving the nest, ERAU offers absolutely NONE of the above. Might I recommend checking out Auburn University aviation. They have a very good flight department, lots of guys working at Delta are ex AU grads, they have a fantastic football program (no comments from the FL State fans), there is nothing in the world like a good ole southern belle and AU is swamped with hot chicks (Katherine Webb), and the flight department does not have to shut down half the year because of cold weather.
Disclamer I am not an AU grad..
After you graduate WITH a good GPA definitely check out the military, like another poster said, I wish I had stronger family support in joining the military, because I chose the civilian route, and its been pretty fun to say the least.
Good luck

TristanRealest 04-14-2014 01:19 PM


Originally Posted by swamp (Post 1623054)
Part of the best things about college are, girls, finally moving out of parents house, girls, football games on Saturday night, and girls... With the exception of leaving the nest, ERAU offers absolutely NONE of the above. Might I recommend checking out Auburn University aviation. They have a very good flight department, lots of guys working at Delta are ex AU grads, they have a fantastic football program (no comments from the FL State fans), there is nothing in the world like a good ole southern belle and AU is swamped with hot chicks (Katherine Webb), and the flight department does not have to shut down half the year because of cold weather.
Disclamer I am not an AU grad..
After you graduate WITH a good GPA definitely check out the military, like another poster said, I wish I had stronger family support in joining the military, because I chose the civilian route, and its been pretty fun to say the least.
Good luck

Haha, those are other reasons I'd stray away from ERAU. However, I'd really like to get In-State tuition. I don't think it'd be worth it to head to Alabama to pay their expensive out-of-state tuition.


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