How true is this? I'm confident I can improve my scores and I think I have solid LORs. But my GPA isn't going anywhere. Does volunteering factor in at all?
The good thing is you can improve that score! I went from a 48 4/4/5 to a 50 7/7/8....It took some work and anxiety but I did it. And I did it with a full time job where I can't just study during work (I work every minute except for lunch of course). Also with a very demanding toddler. So all my nights and weekends I dedicated to improving my score. I was upset OAR only went up 2 points but the portion that matters the most for aviation is what I improved the most. I went from not being able to apply for pilot at all to being very competitive (and getting my Pro Yes
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You cant really "study" for the simulation but there are definitely some techniques (like the "Compass trick") that you can apply...Also almost all the questions that you find in the first 15 min of the Aviation portion are here in Air Warriors, and some flashcards you can Goggle. And I think those questions weight a lot on your grade. I studied like 200 flashcards with a friend and went through that portion pretty fast and with confidence. and it was simple things like parts and movements of a plane, WWII planes, history, gallons of fuel on a plane etc. the only thing is the pool of questions is big.
The way I tackled my test is I took it in two sittings! Did you know that was an option? Most recruiters will not tell you, but you can take OAR first and then have u to 30 days to take the rest of the test. So I studied for OAR only, took it and then took about a week and a half to memorize my aviation cards and practice my compass trick. Takes a little time, but time is on your side! You are only 22, tackle that test and then you wont have to worry as much. I do have some friends who got selected to NFO with 5's though, so you can apply with what you got if you want...its up to you in the end!
A lot of people have amazing grades like 9's and 8's but have legal issued or something in the past that haunts them so don't worry about all of those grades you are going to see post here. Just give your package all you got!