How is 1/10th not a big deal? Lol. There are larger portions, but they all matter significantly for a reason.
I agree 1000%. That 10% can mean the make or break between a pilot slot and a RPA or CSO slot.
Just like the scholarship, SA appointment process or SFT selection...don't leave any points on the table.
Dependent upon your commander, some will look at your GPA and use that when they are doing their commander's ranking. Though, some will evaluate based off your leadership and other characteristics -- hope for the ladder.
There are many units that it is a combination of both. At DSs it was cgpa, AND leadership, plus, AFOQT/TBAS/PPL hours. Just my opinion. but I think it also matters what the career field the CoC comes from prior to their assignment. A rated CoC may see it differently as far as ranking goes than a non-rated.
~ IE The cadets' AFOQT, TBAS and PCSM score may place them higher, even if they have a lower cgpa compared to another cadet. They may believe that those scores are a predictor of success at UPT, and not care about their college gpa.
Back on topic, I would advise bb2405 to talk to their unit, especially if meteorology is classified as a critical manning AFSC. If it is considered critical, than very few with that major will be released for a rated slot. Everything everyone here posts is anecdotal. Nobody sits on the board. Anyone that does sit on a board will be silent.
Finally, my pet peeve is posters forget that a lot has to do with the candidate pool. Last years stats may not be the same for this upcoming year. Big Blue can only send so many every year through the UPT pipeline.
~ Use SFT 2014 rate as an example compared to SFT 2015. The amount of cadets attending SFT did not change...@1900/2000 cadets, but the % rate was dramatically different. 14 was less than 60%, 15 was over 90%. Same amount, but 15 had less cadets fighting for a lot than 14.
FYI, the AF can send @1100-1200 students a year through UPT (LAFB, CAFB, VAFB, and ENJJPT). The classes include:
USAFA
AFROTC
OCS
Guard
International students
USAFA send @500+, last year AFROTC selected 391.
I would also suggest that when you talk to your CoC discuss how you will submit your list for rated. If your Cadre is not rated, you may want to lurk on other forums for advice.
~ Getting a pilot slot is easy. @90% get a slot typically. Getting winged...not so much. The washout rate is 25% for IFS, and than from there another 25% will bust UPT.