PCSM Question

What is the lowest PCSM score that anyone has heard of a cadet earning a spot at pilot training with? I have searched the forums and heard things to the effect of "if you're medically qualified the slot is yours to lose" and also that if you get above the minimum score that's all that matters-a higher score does not help you unless you want ENJJPT. Can anyone with inside knowledge of this selection process comment? Thanks.

Currently on casual awaiting UPT to start.
I've seen folks with PCSM scores in the 20s get pilot slots, and I've seen people with PCSM scores in the 60s not get one. It's all about doing well where you can and being balanced. If you feel like your score is remarkably low then retake the TBAS or log a a few more hours (if possible). But also remember that good grades, good rankings, and a good PFT can frequently make up for a low PCSM, and the same can be said for the inverse.

There are several factors in determining if you get picked for UPT at least if you are in Rotc. One of them is PCSM so ideally you would want a score as high as possible. However, the other facts include GPA, Commanders Ratings, your scores on Field Training and i think PT. Each item is weighted differently so some of the factors will help you more than others. So if PCSM is low maybe the Commanders Ratings will make up for that. So what I am saying that PCSM isnt the only factor and someone with a low PCSM could be chosen if the other factors are very good.

As for PCSM itself, it is made up of the pilot section of the AFOQT along with the results of the TBAS test. You have three ways to increase your PCSM score. Retake the AFOQT and getting a higher Pilot score, retake the TBAS test and do better and or pay for some flying lessons as your PCSM score is increased by the number of flight hours you have. My son PCSM score with no flight hours was 70. With 201 hours, it was 98. So technically you can pay to get your score higher.

There is no minimum score at least for PCSM. There are average scores, below average scores and above average scores. Being in any of the three categories will not guarantee that you will or wont get into UPT. Of course with anything, the higher the better.

Humey is actually incorrect, you must have a minimum score of 10 (out of 100) in order to be considered pilot qualified. That may have been how it used to be, but now you must have at least a 10.

This year, every single firstie at the Academy who was qualified received a pilot slot. So if you have a 10 PCSM or a 98 PCSM, you will receive a slot. You are correct in that ENJJPT is the only pilot training program where a higher PCSM score is valuable, at least in terms of Academy grads.

Of course, that is the case this year, and from what we've been told, next year. Doesn't mean that won't change in the future. If they stop needing as many pilots, and pilot slots become more competitive, PCSM could begin to factor in.

As always, you should do your very best in everything you do.

When will this year's firsties find out if they got a pilot slot? I believe last year it was around 3 October, but I haven't seen anything for this year yet. Thanks!

Interesting. When I graduated, USAFA cadets did not even take the TBAS, and the AFOQT was more of a "is USAFA doing OK" metric than something important to cadets.

raimius said:

Interesting. When I graduated, USAFA cadets did not even take the TBAS, and the AFOQT was more of a "is USAFA doing OK" metric than something important to cadets.

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I believe that is what the class of 2019 believed when they were taking the AFOQT between their Sophomore/Junior summer. Our cadet told us that the AFOQT didn't matter. But then this year they they added the PCSM minimum score to be pilot qualified which caught some cadets by surprise......