2.75? HAH hahahaaa!
I am a proud graduate of the U.S. high school system with a cumulative GPA of 1.83! Ah, wasted youth...
The American airlines do not give a damn about your high school GPA, and usually give your college transcript only a passing look. Don't be too worried about getting into a college. Provided you don't get totally trashed on the SAT/ACT, you'll be able to get into a fairly respectable college or university with your grades. One of the great things about this industry is that it's not exclusively the realm of Ivy League types, or Embry Riddle grads with 4-year aviation degrees and $80,000 worth of debt. Perform well in college, and keep up with your flying. I would recommend getting a major in your "backup" career, as a 4-year degree in Aviation Technology or whatever won't help get you a job as much as you would think. 1000 flight hours will get you a fighting chance at an interview with almost any U.S. regional airline these days, but many airlines have considerably lower minimums. I got hired at my company with less than half of that time. I also pulled honor roll grades in college, but I don't think that even helped. In the highly unlikely event that your HS GPA ever becomes a topic of discussion, just talk about how much you've learned about hard work and dedication since those days. Most employers at the regional level are looking for flying skills, personality, and a willingness to learn. By the time you're ready for the majors, you will have a work history and flight experience that will speak louder than grades ever could.
Despite whatever "advice" you've received from some smug guidance counselor, you don't have to be the valedictorian of the class of '08 to make it. You're young, probably fairly intelligent, and you already know you want to go to the airlines. Believe it or not, you're ahead of the pack. The biggest thing you need to worry about right now is finding a way to pay for college and flight instruction. Your high school GPA is in no way indicative of your professionalism, intelligence, or aptitude for flying. All that said, you are going to need to learn to study at some point. If you ever thought HS math was difficult, wait until your first newhire ground school, upgrade, or type rating.
Don't be discouraged! I slacked off as a student more than you ever even thought of doing, and I made it. Sure, I'm poor, tired, overworked, and living at the absolute bottom of the airline industry in terms of quality of life. But you know what? It still beats the Hell out of high school. Good luck!
Last edited by thepotato232; 3rd May 2007 at 19:08.