Masters for SNA?

[agentamulek]

I am currently nearing the end of my undergrad career and at the moment, I would not consider myself competitive for a pilot slot through ocs (~3.2gpa, math major at top ten public, 58oar w/bad line scores(only one more shot at the astb, my first test was the best), no flight hours, not many extracurriculars). I have looked into flight hours and although I do plan on getting a few under my belt, I will not be able to afford nearly enough to earn a PPL(probably around 5 hours or so, 10 if Im lucky). Since I dont stand out with these stats, I was wondering what an MA in math would do for my chances. Would they look primarily at my graduate gpa? both? undergrad then grad? Looking through the selection stats, there are a few of you with masters, and those with masters seemed to have fared well in the process. Unfortunately, that doesnt really say much since that is only one piece of the selection puzzle. So the bottom line is, would a masters with a good gpa be enough to put me over the top? Do the boards really care about graduate degrees? It sounds funny that I would feasibly be able to afford graduate school and not flight hours, but the out of pocket costs would actually be negative for the masters programs I am considering (departments support MA/MS/PhD students at the schools I am looking into). Thanks for taking the time to read my info.

SD

 

[Recidivist]

Hey dude, I was in the same place that you are in a few years back. My undergrad GPA was not competetive, and I was not selected. I went to grad school and got MS degrees and that helped me out a lot. In terms of how they look at your GPA, it is a combination of your grad and undergrad GPA. Another very important part of your application is the motivational statement, especially if you are weak in other areas.

 

[port_tack]

I would imagine an M.S. in math would help you quite a bit if you do well in grad school. It won't hurt, and if you decide that the Navy isn't for you, having an M.S. will open more doors in the civilian world.

I have an M.S. in Computer Science. I don't know for sure if it helped me get selected or not. I imagine it helped quite a bit. Only the people who reviewed by package know for sure, and they're not telling.

To help your ASTB scores, try studying the ground school stuff like you were planning on getting your PPL.

 

[agentamulek]

I have been studying here and there for my last astb attempt, although I am a bit apprehensive to use my last chance. I tested in the high 70s a while back on my last fresh practice test, but that doesnt really build my confidence.

As far as the "if the navy isnt for me" scenario, thats exactly the thought process I used to arrive at this conclusion. A PPL could potentially be a huge risk (If I didnt get selected, there goes a few grand) where as the Masters route is no risk at all, more education isnt going to hurt someone. Hopefully getting a couple flight hours and the studying that comes with it will improve my astb scores a bit. The thing is, that test really is a crapshoot. First test I got a 58 8/8/6 (under the old testing rules), second test I got a 42 and dont remember my line scores (I believe they were really low), then last time 58 and 5ish/7ish/i dont knowish. That high of a standard deviation of scores doesnt exactly instill confidence in someone such as myself who only has one test left. I mean, if something goes wrong and I end up with another score in the 40 ballpark, thats probably that for me. That makes me nervous. Anyway, GPAs are pretty high in the math masters program at my school as well as the other I have been looking at, so I should be looking at something near a 3.8 or so (b+=f at these two particular grad schools, aka, they dont give a lot of sub b+ grades).

 

[scotty008]

Age is also something to keep in mind... Depending on how old you are now, waiting too long could necessitate a waiver. Just another pain in the ass. Why not apply with your current scores, and make your decision based on what happens after that? You can always revert to the grad school plans and resubmit later... Just a thought.

 

[zippy]

Apply with what you have now and see how it goes while you work to strengthen your package.

If its not going to cost you anything and you have the time agewise, sure go for the masters- maybe work towards flying on the side...

Just out of curiosity, why'd you retake with a 58-8/8/6?

 

[agentamulek]

Actually it was a 59 8/8/6 =/ I miswrote that. I retook the test because I felt I could do better. I hadn't studied at all for the first one since at that time there was no limit on the number of tests, so I felt if I studied, I would do better. Then came the 42 . I would apply now if I thought I had any sort of shot, but I dont feel I do, and rightfully so. There are plenty of more qualified applicants and SNA is a very coveted designation. That being said, Id like to at least add one more positive component to my resume before I throw my name into the hat (masters, flight hours, etc).

 

[agentamulek]

OH yeah I almost forgot...Ill be 23 later this year, so I SHOULD be ok timewise. I would be looking at ~26-27 to receive my MA.

 

[mkoch]

GPA is not a major issue if you have other things to make up for it. My OAR was okay, the rest of my ASTB was pretty decent (2 7's and an 8). My GPA was a solid 3.0, also in math, and I have some pathetic grades in core classes (including a nice solid D in linear algebra). I also picked up Russian language as a pseudo-minor, and have lots of employment experience which includes leadership demonstration. I won't claim to know what the board was thinking, but with a transcript like mine getting through, even as NFO, they must have been looking at something else.

 

[Thisguy]

I would try to apply during grad school. If you don't get accepted, no big deal, you're in school, but if you do, you can finish out a semester and leave school.

 

[Wankertank]

I am not quite sure why you dont just apply anways and see what happens. If you apply now and get rejected you can always reapply 6 mos. later and by showing improvement in your package (extracirriculars, masters, flight hours...etc) and telling the board how committed you are to wanting to be a pilot you only stand a better chance.

And who knows, you might get in on the first try and then you won't have to worry about anything...

just my 2 cents

 

[agentamulek]

I would try to apply during grad school. If you don't get accepted, no big deal, you're in school, but if you do, you can finish out a semester and leave school.

Thats an excellent idea, that way, I could at least have a quarter of grad school under my belt and be making progress toward the degree, which may improve my chances as well.

 

[port_tack]

OH yeah I almost forgot...Ill be 23 later this year, so I SHOULD be ok timewise. I would be looking at ~26-27 to receive my MA.

Be careful, I think the current rule is that you have to be commissioned (not just selected) by the time you're 27 to be a pilot. However, I'd guess that an M.S. would only take two years.

 

[scotty008]

Be careful, I think the current rule is that you have to be commissioned (not just selected) by the time you're 27 to be a pilot. However, I'd guess that an M.S. would only take two years.

You can get waivers for age, but as mentioned above it tends to complicate things. The application process can be drawn out for a very long time, and you don't want to get caught in a rush situation. Applying during grad school is probably a pretty safe bet. As for getting flight hours prior to applying, it might help a little. Most of my friends who went both the Navy and Marine routes after college had never been in a small plane. They got their 25 hours at IFS (Introductory Flight Screening) and went on to do very well at Primary. One is now flying Super Hornets, the other Cobras.

 

[S.O.B.]

I know this is probably the last thing on your mind but the earlier you get in the earlier you can retire. If I were you I would get a masters on the Navy’s time.