Does college choice effect chances at a rated AFSC

[HopefulFuturePilot]

I'm currently a senior in high school and have already started receiving some of my college decisions. I was looking into how to become a pilot and obviously one of the factors is my GPA in college. Assuming all other things equal, why would I choose to go to a more difficult college when I can go to an "easy" college and get amazing grades? Do cadets from certain colleges have higher chances of getting a pilot slot?

 

[EEBTTF]

That is a very broad question. Are you pursuing a AFROTC Scholarship? A lot of it depends on what branch you are pursuing. As of now, the USMC is offering guaranteed flight contracts to contracted cadets who pass the ASTB and physical requirements. I don't think that cadets from a certain college have an upper hand. It all depends on what you do at college, not where you go. Do some majors give you a better shot at a flight slot? In the Air Force, yes - most of the other branches, no.

 

[franknd]

I'm currently a senior in high school and have already started receiving some of my college decisions. I was looking into how to become a pilot and obviously one of the factors is my GPA in college. Assuming all other things equal, why would I choose to go to a more difficult college when I can go to an "easy" college and get amazing grades? Do cadets from certain colleges have higher chances of getting a pilot slot?

I would advise against picking a college and/or major solely because you believe they would help you get a pilot slot. Too many other unanticipated things could occur between now and then, but you'll already have cast your lot with college and major. Now, you're right that grades matter, so if you're a high-SAT-V/low-SAT-M type, you might think twice about an engineering discipline, for example. Play to your strengths and interests. I can't imagine school plays a role, so I wouldn't factor that in at all in terms of getting a pilot slot (of course it could play a role in your major, but that's a different question).

 

[thibaud]

Go to the best (=most academically rigorous) college you can afford.
Study what you're passionate about, and work hard.
Do the above, and your grades will take care of themselves.

 

[Thunderbolt462]

No, it doesn't. Certain colleges will bend the truth by saying "we give out more pilot slots than any other detachment in the nation" and not mention the fact that as one of the largest detachments in the nation, it makes sense from a purely numerical standpoint. If you pull the data, it's about the same selection rate between all detachments. Also, on the selection board, they don't award points for what college you attend and I'm honestly not even sure they can see what school you attend on your package.

To answer your question, you could absolutely go to an "easy" college and major in underwater basket weaving and get a pilot slot. Let's say, however, your senior year you suddenly develop a medical issue that keeps you from commissioning. Now you're stuck with a basket weaving degree from a no-name university. Pick a school and a major that aligns with your interests and goals. Work hard, and you'll get a shot at what you want.