Questions on BDCP

[TopShot]

I'm a sophomore in college studying mechanical engineering with a 3.7 GPA. I really want to get in to BDCP and go on to be an aviator. My only concern is that I dont have any extra curricular activities in college because i have to work a part time job to support myself and the wife. Will this hurt my chances? Also, if I do get accepted into BDCP I plan on saving some of the money to get my private pilots license before i graduate. Is this a good idea or a waste of money? Thanks.

 

[nugget81]

The biggest thing that will hurt your chances is not applying. The selection board looks at the whole person/package. So you might be missing a check mark in the extra curriculars section, but find a way to make it up elsewhere (great PRT, ASTB, etc.) Your GPA is solid.

As for the PPL, if you really plan to do that I would go the extra mile and get the instrument rating as well. That's what will really help you in Primary. The PPL alone probably won't give you any visible advantage over your peers if you make it into the program. With a PPL, you'll have just enough time to know what you're doing in the airplane but still not be very good at it (better said, you won't have enough time to be consistently good, but there are exceptions to everything!) The instrument rating will add to your experience and skill, and you can really make some money during the Instrument blocks.

Good Luck!

 

[wink]

Don't worry too much about the ECAs. The board looks at the whole package and will see that you have spent your time employed. That said, it isn't too late to try to get involved in something in case you have to reapply down the road. Things like National Honor Soc. and Key Club take little time. I suspect you have lots of options. The best ones are usually outside of school. Being a volunteer councilor at YMCAs or Boys and Girls Club, spending a couple hours a week tutoring younger kids or even your peers looks good too. All in all, don't sweat it and apply. If rejected, reapply after improving the look of your app. Don't try to guess what they want to see. Go with what you have.

 

[BACONATOR]

I found some on campus jobs and had little to NO other extra-curricular involvements. I had a 3.54 in Aerospace Engineering and got picked up. I also saved some of my BDCP money and got my PPL. It got me out of a class and allowed me to graduate on time. Will it help in flight school? So far not really, but for the other reasons it was worth it. I don't know about your situation, but it may be a good idea for you like it was for me, maybe not. Good luck. You seem like a fine candidate for an SNA slot.

 

[amoore47]

Just had to add my two cents... I'm currently in the BDCP program, and working on my PPL. I have no idea if it will help me down the road in flight school or not, but I did it as sort of a confidence booster for myself. Now, it's simply something I do for the sheer joy of it. Expensive? You betcha. Worth it? Every cent. There's nothing better than getting out of class and knowing I have the next few hours to play in a plane.

 

[Tom]

Ahhh, the PPL, a license to kill yourself.

Anyways, talk to your recruiter and start planning like you want in the Navy as bad as you say you do. Scour AW and look for little things like a Humane Society, food shelf and other easy things to do. You can mention at the end of application about how and why you work.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

A 3.7 GPA in Engineering is pretty impressive as it is. At least in my opinion.

 

[TopShot]

Thanks for the info guys, I feel a better about my resume' now. I guess I just need to make an appt with a recruiter and start the application process. I do have another quick question about the ASTB, should I study for it before I meet with the recruiter or will I be taking it later on down the road.

 

[nugget81]

You talk with the recruiter and set up a time and date to take the ASTB. Don't feel rushed to take it -- take it when you're ready to.

 

[Tom]

My recruiter didn't even give me the application until I took the ASTB. Your recruiter maybe different. Make sure you take the appropriate time to prepare yourself.

 

[TopShot]

Came up with a few more questions...

1. I'm pursuing a technical degree so I know I have to graduate within three years, but is that three years from signing the dotted line or 3 "school" years as in 6 semesters?

2. I'm in the process of getting in shape. Can I start the application process before I'm in shape or should I be fairly fit beforehand?

 

[schwarti]

The Physical Readiness Test is now a part of the application. Start working out now - even if taking the PRT is a little ways off, it can't hurt to be in better shape.

 

[navy_or_bust]

The time is 3 years from when you sign, so you will probably start a little after so you will be done by 3. Also they pay during the summers, so that counts towards the 3 calenders years. For the prt it looks like it isn't part of the initial application. I am working on mine right now and you don't do that until after the board recommends you. So you have time and you don't need to worry about getting the highest scores, but make sure you can pass it. When do you think you will get your app in? I am hoping to be up for March boards and don't want to be competing against your package

 

[TopShot]

When do you think you will get your app in? I am hoping to be up for March boards and don't want to be competing against your package

I'm going to put my app in towards the end of this semester. I want to make sure I have a full three years to finish my degree. Most of the seniors around here that I've talked to are finishing up in their 5th year. So lucky for you, we wont be competing

 

[amoore47]

I just wanted to add one more thing, as far as volunteer stuff goes. You might want to check out Habitat for Humanity. You might have a chapter at your school that you can connect with, or a local office. All you need is a free Saturday to go help build some houses. You don't need any construction experience, and it's an easy 8 hours of volunteer work right there. Plus, if you can demonstrate you're not a liability, they'll let you use the power tools. And what's not fun about that?