Need advice on BDCP and SNA slot

[sonshine]

Hey, I just had a few questions for you sna people.
I have just finished up my freshman year of college. I'm double majoring in Graphic Design Print and government with an international relations concentration. I have a 3.56 gpa and took 16 hrs and 19 hrs (respectively) per semester and I am planning on taking 14 hrs this summer. I made the deans list my first and second semester, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Gama Beta Phi (both are academic honor societies). I work full time at the airport and also do a lot of community service.
So, I'm wondering:

1. Should I drop a major and try to raise my gpa so I have a better chance of getting in or is my gpa all right as long as I do really well on the ASTB, PRT, and get good LOR's?

2. Does it hurt or help to double major? Are either of my majors gonna give me a good chance at getting an sna slot? Or do majors really not matter all that much like I've heard some people say?

3. Also should I wait to apply for bdcp untill during my junior year to make sure I can graduate on time if I get selected? I'm taking summer school and some extra hours during the semester so I can to try and offset the hours that the double major adds.

4. Lastly, Should I try to get my ppl? Would it help my application? or just be nice to have, so that I would be more comforable or oriented during flight training?

I know SNA is extremely competitive and I just want to put myself in the best position posible to get selected. I would really appreciate any advice from you guys that have already been through the process, are still in it or just know more about it than I currently do.

Thanks, and I look forward to serving with all you fine people.

 

[flyr534]

listen sonshine, i dont believe the majors really matter that much. The guys here vary from engineers to business and so on.... I didnt have a perfect GPA when I put in my packet for bdcp but i smoked the prt, astb, and had good recomendations.
Now when I applied in aug 01 you had to be a junior to even apply..... As far as the ppl goes, I got mine during my senior year and I will say that it made me more comfortable in the air. It all depends on what you want to fly. If you wants jets, id get that license. They say that the programs even out the different flying experience levels, but it only seems true in advanced schools. In primary you will definately get ahead when you are flying pretty good and the other guy is trying to figure out how to talk on the radio.
And for god sakes, dont study so much you become a friggin book nerd. Get the grade and go chase tail. You are only in college once. Enjoy It!

 

[sonshine]

I meant like after my junior year, sorry for the confusion.
Yeah, I know. I hardly have any free time between work and school; but I want the slot and if it means I have to work harder and lose out on some fun during college, so be it. To me it pays off in the long run. lol. And maybe I will try to loosen up and have some fun.

 

[sonshine]

Sorry didn't mean to double post. My computer did something wierd.

 

[flyr534]

Dont get me wrong, do what ever it takes to get a slot! I did, and it was worth it. You will have to work your ass off for those wings of gold, just as I am. Go talk to the officer recruiter to get more info......... but get a flight aptitude test study guide from a book store. It will have all the ASTB questions in it so you can get an idea. It helped me out alot. I worked full time in college and still found time to have fun, so do the same. Good Luck man.

 

[ben]

sonshine -

1. Pursue a major(s) that you would enjoy if you weren't selected for SNA. I don't think the boards care all that much what you studied in school as long as they see that you did actually study. But look at the worst case scenario: you change majors to something really simple to get your GPA up, don't get SNA for some reason, and graduate with a crappy degree that won't get you anywhere in life. Study what you like and the rest will fall into place. The only way your major comes into play or not is whether it is considered "technical". If it is, you can apply for BDCP as a sophomore instead of a junior.

2. Likely won't help/hurt all that much.

3. Apply now and give an estimated graduation date. Once accepted for BDCP you are expected to maintain a full-time status. Usually 12 hours per semester. Summers are yours to do whatever you want, school is not required. If you have a change of plans as far as major/grad date, you just submit the new info for approval before you actually do anything. Simple.

4. PPL will probably help your app a tiny bit. In my opinion it's not worth it just for the app boost. I got mine after getting accepted just to gain the knowledge and make sure flying was really something I wanted to make a career out of. Bottom line- do it if you want/can afford, but only for the right reasons.

The sooner you talk to an officer recruiter the better. Study up for the ASTB and you should do fine. Apply sooner rather than later. Keep on asking questions till you get all the answers you're looking for. Good luck.

 

[sonshine]

Dude, Hyper, I'm a girl.

I've been pretty set on getting my PPL, I just wasn't sure exactly when would be the best time. Also, I have been studying the gouge on this site; but I still need to get the ARCO book.
I have talked to an officer recruiter. I started talking to him when I started my freshman year and he basically told me to get back with him after my sophmore year. Is that a bad thing? Yes? No? If so, then should I contact a different recruiter?

 

[flyr534]

sorry sonshine..........lol

 

[sonshine]

lol, no problem.

 

[NeoCortex]

Where are you at school? So schools offer PPL as a class. I got mine, after I graduated, and I"m working on my instrument, but I'm doing it because I love to fly.

 

[sonshine]

I go to Oral Roberts University, it's a private school. They have an Air Farce ROTC program but no ppl classes. It's all right though cause there are plenty of places around here to get one. I think one of my dads pilot friends is a cfi also, so I might get it through him.

 

[NeoCortex]

it that in Oklahoma, the one with the big gold hand in prayer?

 

[sonshine]

yup, bronze hands and really wierd architecture. When people fly over they say it looks like Disney world or something like that.

 

[NeoCortex]

I used to live in Ok

 

[sonshine]

cool. where at?