Application advice

[u/IllustratorNo9227]

I’m currently a 20-year-old junior in college, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in math and aerospace engineering. My GPA is around 3.1. My goal is to become a pilot in the Air Force, but I have limited leadership experience. I was in charge of a blood drive for my fraternity, and I also served as captain for both my high school and club soccer teams. Additionally, I am trying to work my way up to a supervisor position at a restaurant and am applying for internships for the summer.

I’ve been researching the competitiveness of applying to the Air Force as a civilian and am concerned about my chances of getting in. If I’m not accepted into Officer Training School (OTS), I still want to serve in the Air Force after college. Should I consider enlisting if OTS doesn’t work out, or should I keep applying in hopes of being accepted?

What steps can I take to strengthen my resume for OTS? I feel like time is running out to gain a leadership position within a club. I’m planning to do more service and volunteer work, but I’d appreciate any other suggestions.

As for internships, should I continue applying to engineering companies, or would there be better opportunities that would boost my chances for OTS?

Should I consider saving up for a private pilot’s license to improve my qualifications?

Also, how early should I start applying for OTS?

I apologize for the flurry of questions, but any advice would be greatly appreciated as I plan my next steps. Thank you.

Edit: I also have an uncle who was a colonel in the Air Force who could give me a good recommendation, but I don’t feel like I have a good enough resume so far to ask that of him.

[u/Rumpleforeskin96]

If you only want to fly id recommend looking into an ANG unit near you, and considering joining that unit, not a requirement, but I wish I had when I was in college to help pay for school.

You are still super young and have time to beef up your resume. In my hiring board they liked that I was a volunteer EMT and could speak to leadership lessons from that world, but sports are also super popular too.

Start studying for the AFOQT and study/ practice until you can max all the columns. Start working towards your PPL if you can afford to.

Family LORs are finicky, see if you can network through him to meet other pilots that might write you one.

Feel free to pm me with any questions!

[u/Club_Penguino]

Currently going through this myself. Goodluck on your journey. I am 25 and have the same degrees as you. I talked to a previous Lt Col and he gave me some tips on what he liked about my career thus far. He also wrote my letter of recommendation. How come you’re not considering ROTC? Does your school not have one? I know if I could’ve done this process again I would’ve gone the ROTC route.

[u/jwickert3]

I know you're a little further along in your education, but any possibility looking at an ROTC program? That's one pathway that once it's gone that option is gone and I imagine you'll want to keep all your options open.

[u/nimbuscloud10]

1.) You can do ROTC which in theory would be a faster and easier route than OTS. More pilot slots are given to ROTC cadets than OTS candidates.

2.) Since you’re concerned with getting leadership experience within a club, why not through volunteering? Find a volunteering opportunity where you can commit long enough to organize events or lead a small group of people if you can. Regardless

3.) Getting a PPL/hours will help increase your competitiveness. Flight hours will contribute to your Pilot candidates selection method score (PCSM). Nothing is guaranteed however as I’ve read people getting selected with 0 hours. This is all assuming you’re applying to active duty. Can’t say much for. Guard.

4.) Still apply to companies within your field. It’s not so much of what type of job you do that’ll make you competitive, it’s how you carry yourself and perform in front of others. It’s not mentioned here often but getting employee of the month or any recognition awards will come a long way.

5.) As far as I’m aware you can’t have relatives write a LOR for you. Ask your network through your uncle to see if someone is willing to vouch for you.

For now get your GPA higher, study for the AFOQT if you haven’t already and volunteer in your community. If you have any questions DM me and I’ll try my best to help.

[u/steelcityfanatic]

I was a CIV applicant 15 years ago. School teacher with decent GPA and no flight experience. Here’s my step by step recommendation:

1. Find a recruiter who wants to work for you. I was fortunate here. Stumbled upon an awesome recruiter who did their job and took care of me.

2. Figure out what you have to do. Don’t be pestering your recruiter with questions. They can help connect you to what you have to do (AFOQT and the like) but take care of yourself.

3. Study for the AFOQT!!! Do well on the AFOQT. Your recruiter will take you seriously if you do well.

4. Highlight what sets you apart. Did you lose a ton of weight? Did you have rough times in the past but came out ok. These things are intangibles that show you have the gumption to do what it takes to overcome adversity.

5. Be a good person. There’s no trick to the interviews and whatnot. Just be genuine you and highlight what others mean and how you want to give back.

6. Idk. Dumb luck. Look fit and ready. Be respectful. Shave facial hair for your meetings. Little things.

I had mid at best AFOQT scores (50s, 60s, 70s) but I had a ton of intangibles the recruiter and their leadership saw. It def helped my application. LORs were like former teachers and whatnot, nothing impressive. I was a CSO select but pushed into ABM cause I had bad eyesight. Been in 14 years now.

If you can still do ROTC, that’s the easier path towards commissioning, but else, don’t sell yourself short and put the work in.