Anyway, back to the topic of this thread. As you all know I agree with paying for ATC preparation. It is not up to us to decide who wants to pay or not to pay for it. If someone wants to pay then that is up to them. If someone wants to do their own research then that is up to them. I would not be able to tell if any candidate had been privately trained or done their own research. Good luck to all that apply. Oh and by the way I would not employ people who cannot spell, it is a sign of bad education.