by SeanTK » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:21 pm
Don't let organizations like this (or your high school's "guidance counselors") try to scare you into believing that getting into a good college is extremely difficult (Unless you think that the only "good" colleges/unis are Ivies.
Sure, some colleges are more selective than others such as Harvard, Yale, MIT, and anything "Ivy League", but overall, you shouldn't have a problem getting into many others unless you have received C's and D's in your all of your classes for the past few years.
As long as you have at least a grade-B average GPA, you're set to get into most places, including most state schools. (Ohio, PSU, MSU, etc.)
If I recall correctly, my final overall GPA that I ended up with that I could submit to my University of choice was an 89%. Got an acceptance letter to that University (Penn State) in around two weeks. This also factors in no HS sponsored extracurricular activities or volunteer service. Just the GPA, and my mentioning of my private flight training.
I'm not saying slack off, just don't let people scare you and tell you that you have to maintain a near perfect 100% or 4.0 GPA in HS in order to even have a chance at getting into a university, as I was basically told when I was in high school.
I don't know what your GPA is like, but if it is even within the B range, go ahead and shoot for some schools that you were hesitant to apply too. The worst they can do is say no.
Also, think clearly about Riddle. It's certainly an excellent school, but if you are looking at them for a flight program, keep other options open. I was considering Riddle too, but it is EXTREMELY expensive. Take a look at Western Michigan University, Purdue University, U of North Dakota, U of Dubuque, etc.
Try to tour your college if you can. If at all possible, walk around without a guide gushing about how excellent and perfect the place is. Watch the people around the campus and try to get a feel for the campus' culture. If you are up to it, while doing so, try to talk to some random students, ask them what they like and don't like about the place.
Overall, be confident, try your hardest but don't stress yourself out or worry, and finally, research wisely. Look past the advertisements and the college representatives and try to see what the real story is about a particular place. You're going to be there from anywhere between 2 to over 4 years depending on what you want to do, so make sure that you are comfortable with your choice.
This information has been provided to you by a current Penn State University student (Junior status).
Last edited by SeanTK on Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
, 14% of the applicants get accepted...which wasnt suprising to me.
They also have quite a few aviation programs 8-)
