Question about bad grades...

[jet_jock_wannabe]

OK, I know competition is fierce to be a fighter pilot and all, but I've recently started to become seriously interested in this field, but my problem is my CUM GPA is a 2.1 (I have my private pilots license and am currently enrolled in the flight technology program which trains you up to ME ratings and stuff) I'm just a freshman and have only 33 credits of a 180 minimum for graduation... and was wondering how badly this will affect my chances of even having a chance later on.

I know I've made some really stupid mistakes academically (and am ashamed of it) and I know I can make it better with a lot of very hard work. I'm sure I have just sealed my own fate with my stupid grades. It would take nothing but 4.0's from here on out just to get a 3.5 Would it make a difference if your grades went from really bad, to really good? Or is it mostly just an overall thing?


Anyway, I would like your guys' input on this (no flaming please. lol)

 

[uncledave]

jet_jock_wannabe,
The board will be able to tell if your grades have been improving and will take that into consideration. Also, having flight experience will help out your application. In fact, my recruiter told me that a PPL will sometimes balance out a subpar GPA. You definatley have not sealed your own fate with your GPA. Just try harder and make sure you give it your best in your future classes.

"Only those Americans who are willing to die for their country are fit to live." -General Douglas MacArthur

 

[jaerose]

You have LOTS of time to correct your problem if you work diligently. You cannot slack off, though, even if it means you don't get to party quite as much as your friends. Actually, it wouldn't take straight 4.0's for the rest of college, but more like around an average of 3.81 to get to 3.5, which doesn't sound too much better but it gives you wiggle room for hard-butt professors and a tough class here and there. Don't get discouraged...rather get motivated. If you really want it, then you can get there.

Also, improving the grades will help just like uncledave said. If you have a good year next year you could bring your cumulative up to a 3.0 (with a 4.0). After that the increases will slow down, but continue. Just do your best and improve yourself in other areas as well, then apply and see what happens. Best of luck.

JR

 

[bunk22]

It's so very hard to bring up your GPA once it has fallen. I had two back to back quarters in college where I earned an amazing 2.2 and 1.7 respectively. A bit too much partying and not enough studying. That was my junior year and it brought my overall GPA down to a 2.5 or 2.6. I had to work hard over the next few quarters to bring it back up to be competitve for aviation. I did, got picked up, and the rest is history. You have plenty of time left to raise your GPA. It all boils down to this: how bad do you want it?

FLY NAVY

 

[ea6bflyr]

Here's a way to motivate yourself: Post pictures of the jet you want to fly in the mirror, and every morning when you wake up and shave, look at the picture and ask yourself how badly do I want to fly jets. It will make a difference!
ea6bflyr

 

[jdfairman]

I sucked my first year and a half of college as well. Got this wild hair and enlisted in the Reserves. I did the Reserve thing through college. When I got back from boot, MCT and Artillery School (OORAH STEEL RAIN), I started applying for Marine Officer Programs and after getting my grades up was accepted. BUNK 22 is right on. Takes forever to get the grades back up, but it will happen. Hell, I ended up graduating Magna Cum and am now in IFS soon to be at P-cola. Anyways, moral of the story is this. If you want it, you can have it, but you gotta start busting your ass on them grades.

When you've got 'em by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.

 

[jet_jock_wannabe]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone... seems there is light at the end of the tunnell... I researched my perdiciment more, and turns out I can retake the classes and the grade I get next time around will completely replace the originals! Wohoo! So, I will definately be taking those two classes over again! Sweet! Thanks again!

 

[dfflynn]

Jet_Jock_wanabe
I finished college with a 2.5 cum gpa and was accepted as a SNA. The thing is you have to ballance bad grades with something else. I had a ton of extra curriculars and leadership positions in college plus taking the and doing well in certian types of courses is also a plus. Taking and doing well in physics and other physical sciences, Math, and engineering courses. My degree was in business but I took those other courses which was important.
With the major you are in and your flight expirence going for you, you won't need a perfect GPA, that said a 2.1 probably won't cut it either so work hard bring it up but don't think you need a 4.0 to acomplish your goal(though it never hurts).

 

[beau]

Hey Jet,

Now is not a good time to let your grades slip. First off, SNA Slots are getting a lot more competitive (2.5 might not cut it now). Remember that when you go up for service selection the only grades they have to judge you on are through you Junior Year of School(NROTC anyway). I dont know how your College/University works, but generally, Summer classes/Online classes/Intersession Classes tend to be quite a bit easier then normal classes during the semester. If your really sweating it, try some non standard courses (theres more than one way to skin a cat), meaning those mentioned above. But like I said, that is the gouge from my College experiance. Oh yeah, if you get alot of face time with your CO and make a good impression he Will give you a good reccomendation (another portion of selection) on your service selection which might be the difference. But do your self a favor and make yourself more competitive.

Finch

GO SOONERS!!!