Direct entry or University
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Swansea, UK
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Direct entry or University
Hello All,
I attended pilot scholarship (new 6th form schol.) selection last August and having passed the aptitude test and medical, unfortunately the RAF did not offer me the scholarship (I believe only 2 were awarded this year). However, the letter stated that I should either re-apply after my A-levels or attend a Higher Education establishment and join a UAS. All I would like is some advice as to whether I should go DE at 18 or go to Uni. I have already submitted my UCAS form, but seemingly from what I have heard the RAF prefer younger applicants for pilot, ie straight after school.
Is it worth me still getting a degree from a respectable establishment as a back up should I get chopped from aircrew training?
I know this might well have been asked before, but possibly not in the same context, thanks for any help in advance.
All the best
Meurig
(PS I applied to do Aerospace Engineering as that the subject that would interest me most as I have a good understanding of maths and phys and I like aircraft! - but I've also heard its a really difficult course to read!!
)
I attended pilot scholarship (new 6th form schol.) selection last August and having passed the aptitude test and medical, unfortunately the RAF did not offer me the scholarship (I believe only 2 were awarded this year). However, the letter stated that I should either re-apply after my A-levels or attend a Higher Education establishment and join a UAS. All I would like is some advice as to whether I should go DE at 18 or go to Uni. I have already submitted my UCAS form, but seemingly from what I have heard the RAF prefer younger applicants for pilot, ie straight after school.
Is it worth me still getting a degree from a respectable establishment as a back up should I get chopped from aircrew training?
I know this might well have been asked before, but possibly not in the same context, thanks for any help in advance.
All the best
Meurig
(PS I applied to do Aerospace Engineering as that the subject that would interest me most as I have a good understanding of maths and phys and I like aircraft! - but I've also heard its a really difficult course to read!!
)
Guest
Posts: n/a
I'd agree with MJ's instinct. Go for it as soon as you can and revel in the military flying during your early years; leave the consideration of later lifestyle options to surface later - as they surely will. Put thoughts of failure and other 'what ifs' in your out-tray, and enjoy the best job in the world. 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I decided when I was doing my A levels to go for pilot instead of going to uni first. Didn't get accepted for a pilot (1991 what an awful year to apply), potential disaster if your options are pilot or uni only and you put all your eggs in one basket. However, I was offered and accepted Airman Aircrew. Have I ever regretted not going to Uni....NEVER. It is a personal choice, just because you get accepted for pilot doesn't mean you are going to complete the course. Are you prepared to accept a circumstance where you are neither a pilot or at Uni?
Join Date: May 2000
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you aren't that bothered about university life (it isn't ALL boozing and wasting cash) then you can always consider an Open University degree whilst in the RAF. However some guys coming out the other end at 38ish have regretted missing out on that opportunity that a degree presents, so it is really 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.
If you are going to reapply after A-Levels, what are you going to be doing - you don't want to be mincing about and if rejected never end up with a decent job. Perhaps go to uni and leave if accepted, and if repected go to UAS for the remaining time at uni (allowing time to settle into uni before embarking on UAS commitments)?
If you are going to reapply after A-Levels, what are you going to be doing - you don't want to be mincing about and if rejected never end up with a decent job. Perhaps go to uni and leave if accepted, and if repected go to UAS for the remaining time at uni (allowing time to settle into uni before embarking on UAS commitments)?
30 years ago I would have said go to Uni and join the UAS
20 years ago I would have said go to Uni and join the UAS
10 years ago I would have said go to Uni, but don't choose a difficult course if you want to do well at the UAS.
Today I'd say either go to Uni, do an interesting course and DON'T join the UAS - join the OTC instead. Then if you like the military idea, apply to join the RAF in your final year when it's too late to be sent to Cranwell before early Autumn. Alternatively, join as a DE and go to Cranwell when you're relatively young, but bear in mind that you'll probably need a tertiary education if you think that you might need a fallback career in the future. If you bong Cranwell, you can still go to Uni afterwards; much harder to do it the other way round.
The sooner you get to your sqn, the sooner you'll get the 2000 hours which entitles you to the 'Experienced Military Pilot' route to your ATPL/IR and, if you wish, second career in the airlines.
I'd still join what I joined if it still existed; regrettably it doesn't.....
20 years ago I would have said go to Uni and join the UAS
10 years ago I would have said go to Uni, but don't choose a difficult course if you want to do well at the UAS.
Today I'd say either go to Uni, do an interesting course and DON'T join the UAS - join the OTC instead. Then if you like the military idea, apply to join the RAF in your final year when it's too late to be sent to Cranwell before early Autumn. Alternatively, join as a DE and go to Cranwell when you're relatively young, but bear in mind that you'll probably need a tertiary education if you think that you might need a fallback career in the future. If you bong Cranwell, you can still go to Uni afterwards; much harder to do it the other way round.
The sooner you get to your sqn, the sooner you'll get the 2000 hours which entitles you to the 'Experienced Military Pilot' route to your ATPL/IR and, if you wish, second career in the airlines.
I'd still join what I joined if it still existed; regrettably it doesn't.....
Agree with BEags here. 20 years ago UAS was a flying club, now it's your elementary flying training. Not sure how easy it is to give full attention to an engineering degree and FT at the same time - and your FT is spread out over 3 years which is not good continuity. (Might get contradicted by anyone with more up to date UAS knowledge here)
I went to Uni 20+ years ago, after a year off, left after 3 years without a degree and joined as an old DE. Still had plenty of hours and would have had the experienced mil pilot bit (if it existed then) and been able to leave at 38 with an ATPL. Wholeheartedly agree about OTC. I guess if I'd failed at flying I would have been glad of my 3 years UAS experience but with hindsight glad I did OTC instead - lots more varied experiences and general mil stuff.
Think now I'd go to uni, as someone said you could always leave uni if accepted by the RAF or if you couldn't stick it.
I went to Uni 20+ years ago, after a year off, left after 3 years without a degree and joined as an old DE. Still had plenty of hours and would have had the experienced mil pilot bit (if it existed then) and been able to leave at 38 with an ATPL. Wholeheartedly agree about OTC. I guess if I'd failed at flying I would have been glad of my 3 years UAS experience but with hindsight glad I did OTC instead - lots more varied experiences and general mil stuff.
Think now I'd go to uni, as someone said you could always leave uni if accepted by the RAF or if you couldn't stick it.
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: The 'Nam
Age: 44
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I applied for University Scholarship during my second year of A-levels and got turned down. "However..." the letter read..."upon sucessful completion of your Part Two Medical, a Security Check and satisfactory achievement of two passes in your A-levels, we would like to offer you a Permanent Commision as a Direct Entrant pilot. My jaw hit the floor and my head hit the roof, the thought of refusing the offer barely occured to me.
As a result, I was presented my wings several years younger than most of the lads I went through FT with but a little older than some. Do I regret missing out on pissing it up for 3 years whilst pretending to study proffesional basket weaving? I don't know. I do know that I have a smaller rank on my shoulder and a few less pennies the bank every month but I also had my wings at 21 instead of 25 or 26.
There are no right or wrong choices, just choices. When the graduates tell stories of student life in the bar you'll wish you'd gone to uni but when you wake up in singapore in a 5star hotel with a wad of cash in your pocket, you'll realise that being a 19 year old holding officer isn't that bad either. Especially whilst your mates at uni are completely skint.
As a result, I was presented my wings several years younger than most of the lads I went through FT with but a little older than some. Do I regret missing out on pissing it up for 3 years whilst pretending to study proffesional basket weaving?
I don't know. I do know that I have a smaller rank on my shoulder and a few less pennies the bank every month but I also had my wings at 21 instead of 25 or 26. There are no right or wrong choices, just choices. When the graduates tell stories of student life in the bar you'll wish you'd gone to uni but when you wake up in singapore in a 5star hotel with a wad of cash in your pocket, you'll realise that being a 19 year old holding officer isn't that bad either. Especially whilst your mates at uni are completely skint.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think having a degree used to mean a lot more than it does today. Undeniably any duffer can get on a degree course at a 'university' these days and thus the value of a degree has been much eroded in both fact and, more importantly, general perception.
True, there are degrees and there are degrees. For example, a degree in Aero Engineering from Imperial is worth infinitely more in terms of knowledge and prestige than most other degrees from most other establishments but still there are so many university graduates these days that the concept of the 'graduate job' is becoming less relevant in most areas of work. That is because most work in today's economy is in service industries which usually do not require 'hard' knowledge or skill sets.
Meanwhile, I think it is true to say that the Forces while now recruiting primarily graduates into the Officer ranks rather than school leavers have not realigned the system to take into account the age difference (and attitude difference) arising from this. Therefore in the Forces you can often take better advantage of opportunities that may come your way if you join at a younger age.
Also, you can always go to university when you leave the Forces. Being older you will probably have a better idea about what interests you and be better able to work at it thus getting more out of it than you will at a younger age.
On this basis I would say that if you have the opportunity to join as aircrew now then take it now. That opportunity may well not exist in a few years time. Life is about living and not about 'doing the sensible thing' i.e. what the establishment (your school and parents in this case) tells you is right (which amounts to serving its needs not yours.)
My comments are based on having a BSc and an MSc, and having served in the RN, and worked in financial software and now investment banking.
Good luck.
True, there are degrees and there are degrees. For example, a degree in Aero Engineering from Imperial is worth infinitely more in terms of knowledge and prestige than most other degrees from most other establishments but still there are so many university graduates these days that the concept of the 'graduate job' is becoming less relevant in most areas of work. That is because most work in today's economy is in service industries which usually do not require 'hard' knowledge or skill sets.
Meanwhile, I think it is true to say that the Forces while now recruiting primarily graduates into the Officer ranks rather than school leavers have not realigned the system to take into account the age difference (and attitude difference) arising from this. Therefore in the Forces you can often take better advantage of opportunities that may come your way if you join at a younger age.
Also, you can always go to university when you leave the Forces. Being older you will probably have a better idea about what interests you and be better able to work at it thus getting more out of it than you will at a younger age.
On this basis I would say that if you have the opportunity to join as aircrew now then take it now. That opportunity may well not exist in a few years time. Life is about living and not about 'doing the sensible thing' i.e. what the establishment (your school and parents in this case) tells you is right (which amounts to serving its needs not yours.)
My comments are based on having a BSc and an MSc, and having served in the RN, and worked in financial software and now investment banking.
Good luck.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Loads of good advice on offer here, and the choice probably comes down to what type of person you are. Are you extremely ambitious or do you just wish to fly your arse off forever? Some would scoff and say, "Young chap will always want to fly". But having trained FJ Nav studes for the last couple of years, I know that that is not necessarily true as you guys are much more aware of careers and your rights, etc than my generation were 15 years ago in training. So, if you are an ambitious chap go to uni and then join the RAF, you will generally get promoted that much faster. If you are a complete speed hooligan with no thought of promotion, then join up now and enjoy the flying until you're 55! Just one word of advice, contrary to at least one reply so far and that is join to be a pilot, not a nav, not airman aircrew, not anything else the RAF offers to fill their quota...stick to your guns, pilot or nothing. There isn't too much future in the other aircrew branchs these days, unlike 15 years ago. If they don't give you pilot, I would then go to uni and re-apply after your degree. Whatever you decide, good luck!!
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: An airfield by the sea
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree completely on the point above - the only branch I ticked on my application form was "Pilot". When the interviewing officer asked me why, I told him fairly bluntly that I didn't want to be anything else. He waited a couple of moments to see if I was going to back down but then let a bit of a smile through and quietly said 'good'! You'll be an officer first (obviously!!) but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on your choice of branch. If they reject you, you can always lower your sights next time around.
Personally speaking, I am very glad I went to uni before joining up. I managed to balance a rigorous degree course with the UAS flying (as did my contemporaries - most of us got fast-jet), took part in university sports, and still drunk inordinate amounts of alcohol. It is a life experience that cannot be equated to anything the RAF has to offer, and one that you couldn't live out later in life. (As an added bonus my friends from uni are also useful sources of free legal/financial advice!!)
I would not be too concerned about balancing your degree studies with flying training; it is all about self-discipline, and if you can get your academic assignments done efficiently then you can go off flying / committing sport / down the pub while the rest of the student world watches Bargain Hunt or Ready Steady Cook!
Just my 2p worth. The only thing that has changed in the couple of years since I left Uni is the tuition fee nightmare... if you will be staring at a large debt on graduation, it might be worth a second thought. But if you have helpful parents then I would give it a go!
Personally speaking, I am very glad I went to uni before joining up. I managed to balance a rigorous degree course with the UAS flying (as did my contemporaries - most of us got fast-jet), took part in university sports, and still drunk inordinate amounts of alcohol. It is a life experience that cannot be equated to anything the RAF has to offer, and one that you couldn't live out later in life. (As an added bonus my friends from uni are also useful sources of free legal/financial advice!!)
I would not be too concerned about balancing your degree studies with flying training; it is all about self-discipline, and if you can get your academic assignments done efficiently then you can go off flying / committing sport / down the pub while the rest of the student world watches Bargain Hunt or Ready Steady Cook!
Just my 2p worth. The only thing that has changed in the couple of years since I left Uni is the tuition fee nightmare... if you will be staring at a large debt on graduation, it might be worth a second thought. But if you have helpful parents then I would give it a go!
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Southern England
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I joined at 19 having made the Uni/RAF choice.
I had more than the min requirements to go to Uni, but I had had enough of studying. Off to the RAF I went, and then spent the next 2 years studying! Doh!
BUT, I don't regret one minute. I started off as a pilot, reaching the final trip on BFT (as it used to be), only to fail.
I am now an Air Traffiker, and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time in the RAF.
There are down sides to joining as a "non-grad":
1. You get paid less for the amount of time in. (Rank)
2. You see people become Flt Lt's after a few months out of Cranwell, whilst you are a Plt Off for the next 2 years.
3. Therefore they get paid more.
4. They have huge overdrafts....
Ok, I give up. I am glad I joined when I did, even though options for change had a huge effect on my career. If I had gone to Uni, I would probably be a very different person to who I am now, and I like me!
As some of the others have said, you can get an in-service degree, and I know many people studying for OU at present. Listen to all the advice, and think hard, but a degree is always available, the RAF may not be.......
MATZ
I had more than the min requirements to go to Uni, but I had had enough of studying. Off to the RAF I went, and then spent the next 2 years studying! Doh!
BUT, I don't regret one minute. I started off as a pilot, reaching the final trip on BFT (as it used to be), only to fail.
I am now an Air Traffiker, and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time in the RAF.
There are down sides to joining as a "non-grad":
1. You get paid less for the amount of time in. (Rank)
2. You see people become Flt Lt's after a few months out of Cranwell, whilst you are a Plt Off for the next 2 years.
3. Therefore they get paid more.
4. They have huge overdrafts....
Ok, I give up. I am glad I joined when I did, even though options for change had a huge effect on my career. If I had gone to Uni, I would probably be a very different person to who I am now, and I like me!
As some of the others have said, you can get an in-service degree, and I know many people studying for OU at present. Listen to all the advice, and think hard, but a degree is always available, the RAF may not be.......
MATZ
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: London
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I remember asking the very same question about d/e and uni. Basically I wasn't satisfied that I would pass OASC as at 18 years of age, straight out of college, I felt that I wouldn't have had enough life experience to show for.
Well now I'm away travelling, living out of a backpack for the best part of a year, and at present working in Australia, as soon as I'm back, I'm straight down the careers office to sign on the dotted line.
The point I'm trying to make is, that uni is not essential, and as I found out, the RAF are trying to aim for a younger bunch, which is why I decided to do what I'm doing, still gaining the same life skills you arguably get from uni, and I'm only 19.
Its definately not an easy choice for you to make, as everyone is going by what they did in the past, you just gotta take a deep breath and make your own decision based upon your own circumstances.
Good luck anyway, and to anyone else going for it!!!
Well now I'm away travelling, living out of a backpack for the best part of a year, and at present working in Australia, as soon as I'm back, I'm straight down the careers office to sign on the dotted line.
The point I'm trying to make is, that uni is not essential, and as I found out, the RAF are trying to aim for a younger bunch, which is why I decided to do what I'm doing, still gaining the same life skills you arguably get from uni, and I'm only 19.
Its definately not an easy choice for you to make, as everyone is going by what they did in the past, you just gotta take a deep breath and make your own decision based upon your own circumstances.
Good luck anyway, and to anyone else going for it!!!
Free Man, Not a Number
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Well here of course.
Age: 58
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not really a choice is it - IMHO (and biased) go for direct entry - if it's what you want to do then completing a degree in the interim will not help.
Degrees are worth doing but they only show that you can learn and repeat. And they can be gained via the OU at your own pace.
I went to Uni, and left rapidly when I was offered a job. I did try and join the then RAF with Ground Duties as my choice - but the recruiter refused to forward my paperwork if I didn't want to fly he said I wouldn't fit in, and would take an officer slot from someone who had failed flying training - he did suggest Army! I did want to fly but my eyes were way below minimum.
I stuck with my job, kept my head down and did pretty well, however one day I suddenly found I was too old to join. I regret not joining - if I'd known then what I know now etc....
So my 2p's worth - join, argue for pilot, stick to your choice. Enjoy it - this is the only life you will be issued and it's not a rehearsal. The money and degree aspects balance out in the short to medium term, and they are not really why you are there - are they?
Degrees are worth doing but they only show that you can learn and repeat. And they can be gained via the OU at your own pace.
I went to Uni, and left rapidly when I was offered a job. I did try and join the then RAF with Ground Duties as my choice - but the recruiter refused to forward my paperwork if I didn't want to fly he said I wouldn't fit in, and would take an officer slot from someone who had failed flying training - he did suggest Army! I did want to fly but my eyes were way below minimum.
I stuck with my job, kept my head down and did pretty well, however one day I suddenly found I was too old to join. I regret not joining - if I'd known then what I know now etc....
So my 2p's worth - join, argue for pilot, stick to your choice. Enjoy it - this is the only life you will be issued and it's not a rehearsal. The money and degree aspects balance out in the short to medium term, and they are not really why you are there - are they?
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: @ a loss
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The biggest aspect of the Uni/DE decision is lifestyle choice and 'future-proofing'. That aspect requires a lot of soul searching and a crystal ball.
As far as the job of piloting is concerned, I'm convinced that 5 'O' levels, 2 'A' levels, and the right aptitude and attitude is all that's required. If you want to go to Uni for more education/lots of drinking/ a bit more time to mature/one eye on the future, etc, then fine. If you are going simply as a fall back for potential failure in flying training, then you may have a confidence problem which could rear its ugly head during that training. As others have said already, you can always go to Uni if the flying thing doesn't work out.
My decision was relatively easy. I'd almost had enough of general education by the end of 'O' levels. I'd definately had enough by the end of 'A 'levels. And after two terms of an engineering degree course I finally plucked up the courage to do something about it.
From there I never looked back. Front line Harrier tour, instructing on the Hawk, type rated on all single seat jets in service at the time. Left at age 32, joined the airlines, now 44 and a Training Captain & FRAeS. Crucially though, I'm still learning every day I go to work and still enjoying it.
Having said all that, none of my graduate mates express regret about their route either, so its 'horses for courses'
As far as the job of piloting is concerned, I'm convinced that 5 'O' levels, 2 'A' levels, and the right aptitude and attitude is all that's required. If you want to go to Uni for more education/lots of drinking/ a bit more time to mature/one eye on the future, etc, then fine. If you are going simply as a fall back for potential failure in flying training, then you may have a confidence problem which could rear its ugly head during that training. As others have said already, you can always go to Uni if the flying thing doesn't work out.
My decision was relatively easy. I'd almost had enough of general education by the end of 'O' levels. I'd definately had enough by the end of 'A 'levels. And after two terms of an engineering degree course I finally plucked up the courage to do something about it.
From there I never looked back. Front line Harrier tour, instructing on the Hawk, type rated on all single seat jets in service at the time. Left at age 32, joined the airlines, now 44 and a Training Captain & FRAeS. Crucially though, I'm still learning every day I go to work and still enjoying it.
Having said all that, none of my graduate mates express regret about their route either, so its 'horses for courses'
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Oop North
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The OU and the MoD have recently started the In-Service Degree Scheme to recruit school leavers pre University and get better service out of them. Basically, you gain 130 credits for finishing RAF Flying Training as Pilot or Nav and then can finish your degree with the OU, or other University that recognises the scheme, in your own time with financial assistance from the RAF (You need 360 points for a full degree, an extra 3-4 years..ish study).
Having done plenty of study with the OU in the RAF, I can vouch for its usefulness in fitting into the lifestyle, just a pity this didn't come in earlier!! Although I'm not sure how good the take-up has been...It's also only a trial.
Obviously, you'll only get an OU unnamed BSc or BA. Now would a named military qualification be more useful on leaving???
Having done plenty of study with the OU in the RAF, I can vouch for its usefulness in fitting into the lifestyle, just a pity this didn't come in earlier!! Although I'm not sure how good the take-up has been...It's also only a trial.
Obviously, you'll only get an OU unnamed BSc or BA. Now would a named military qualification be more useful on leaving???
Pilot Officer PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whilst I know a lot of people don't agree with the way the UAS system has gone it is still a very good way of getting into the RAF. A great deal of those going for Direct Entry do fail at the age of school leavers, and the UASs do groom you for OASC. Having just spent a week interviewing prospective members I can tell you that compotition is tough, but most of our students love what we offer.
Tonks
PS Looking forward to meeting all the successful lads and lassies on Thursday
Tonks
PS Looking forward to meeting all the successful lads and lassies on Thursday
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: By the sea
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a 20-year-old Uni student who originally decided on DE but got binned from IOT, here's some advice.
University nowadays is not what it's cracked up to be, you will be poor, with a huge overdraft, and worry constantly about where your next tuition fee instalment is going to come from. You won't spend all your time propping up the bar because:
a) You'll be out working to earn your next tuition fee installment
b)You cannot afford the alcohol anyway
c)You'll be working your a*se off with your academic studies because anyone can get into Uni these days, and you have to get a 1st/2:1 for it to have been worthwhile.
All the above don't count if Mummy and Daddy have deep pockets, don't expect uncle Tony to help as the support system is a joke - £3,500 a year to live on is less than unemployment benefit (plus you have to pay it back).
I never regretted choosing the RAF over University and was just unlucky in that I developed a medical problem during IOT. The main reasons students go to Uni is to gain qualifications that will help them get a decent job, you have that opportunity now so take it - you might take a little longer to get Flt Lt but you'll be earning the same as graduates by the time you're 23 (ish) and won't have a £12,000 loan to repay. Plus, you'll really love your job which is something very few people are able to say.
Live for the moment, don't just do the sensible thing. OASC could reject you in 3/4 years time and getting into a UAS is not as easy as it used to be.
In the end it's your choice but I know what I would do..........
Good luck whatever you decide.
Yakkers
PS: Should you go to IOT make friends with the ex-rankers, they'll help you through the tough times and help you appreciate that the real RAF is nothing like what you see inside the wire at Cranwell.
PPS: I'm not all bitter and twisted, honest! Plenty of good stuff has happened to me since I left Cranwell, things always work themselves out.
University nowadays is not what it's cracked up to be, you will be poor, with a huge overdraft, and worry constantly about where your next tuition fee instalment is going to come from. You won't spend all your time propping up the bar because:
a) You'll be out working to earn your next tuition fee installment
b)You cannot afford the alcohol anyway
c)You'll be working your a*se off with your academic studies because anyone can get into Uni these days, and you have to get a 1st/2:1 for it to have been worthwhile.
All the above don't count if Mummy and Daddy have deep pockets, don't expect uncle Tony to help as the support system is a joke - £3,500 a year to live on is less than unemployment benefit (plus you have to pay it back).
I never regretted choosing the RAF over University and was just unlucky in that I developed a medical problem during IOT. The main reasons students go to Uni is to gain qualifications that will help them get a decent job, you have that opportunity now so take it - you might take a little longer to get Flt Lt but you'll be earning the same as graduates by the time you're 23 (ish) and won't have a £12,000 loan to repay. Plus, you'll really love your job which is something very few people are able to say.
Live for the moment, don't just do the sensible thing. OASC could reject you in 3/4 years time and getting into a UAS is not as easy as it used to be.
In the end it's your choice but I know what I would do..........
Good luck whatever you decide.
Yakkers
PS: Should you go to IOT make friends with the ex-rankers, they'll help you through the tough times and help you appreciate that the real RAF is nothing like what you see inside the wire at Cranwell.
PPS: I'm not all bitter and twisted, honest! Plenty of good stuff has happened to me since I left Cranwell, things always work themselves out.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Geriatrica, UK
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yak Yak, nice to hear from you and I hope things are going well.
I am a Daddy in the circumstances you describe and confirm that it can be OK if Mum and Dad have deep pockets as long as they have long arms as well!
The actual cost of being at Uni for my offspring is more like £5500-£6000 per year. This is horrendous and, for a Medic/Dentist, will mean a loan of £16000 to £25000 plus an overdraft like the National Debt on graduation. There is no time to work for spending money in the final two years of the five years as the courses increase to about 45-48 academic weeks with attachments away from home base.
So we help the future medic out on pensions going up at 1.5-1.7% while we see the workforce leapfrogging up the income ladder in nearly double figures.
Sorry, that's off the thread! What do I think about the Question?I would go with the Uni option. But if you feel you have a vocation for military life, it may be the right thing for you.
We need good leaders in the future and who knows, you could fit the requirement. But if you decide to try it, look around you as you go along and decide as early as you can whether it'll be right for you in the long term. If it isn't looking good, get out and into something that fires up your passion. Don't just muddle along.
Hey, Good Luck!
I am a Daddy in the circumstances you describe and confirm that it can be OK if Mum and Dad have deep pockets as long as they have long arms as well!
The actual cost of being at Uni for my offspring is more like £5500-£6000 per year. This is horrendous and, for a Medic/Dentist, will mean a loan of £16000 to £25000 plus an overdraft like the National Debt on graduation. There is no time to work for spending money in the final two years of the five years as the courses increase to about 45-48 academic weeks with attachments away from home base.
So we help the future medic out on pensions going up at 1.5-1.7% while we see the workforce leapfrogging up the income ladder in nearly double figures.
Sorry, that's off the thread! What do I think about the Question?I would go with the Uni option. But if you feel you have a vocation for military life, it may be the right thing for you.
We need good leaders in the future and who knows, you could fit the requirement. But if you decide to try it, look around you as you go along and decide as early as you can whether it'll be right for you in the long term. If it isn't looking good, get out and into something that fires up your passion. Don't just muddle along.
Hey, Good Luck!
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: By the sea
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
(sorry, off thread)
Hey fobotsco - nice to hear from you, I thought it was time to rejoin PPruNe after a couple of years away. To fill you in, I'm studying hard and still contemplating non-RAF career options, enjoying playing with people my own age here at Uni. Might turn up as a civvie interpreter in Iraq, who knows.
Hey fobotsco - nice to hear from you, I thought it was time to rejoin PPruNe after a couple of years away. To fill you in, I'm studying hard and still contemplating non-RAF career options, enjoying playing with people my own age here at Uni. Might turn up as a civvie interpreter in Iraq, who knows.
The points which Yakkers makes regarding University and Cranwell are very apt. Having seen the advantages and disadvantages of both systems from personal experience, you could not have much better advice!
Keep up the study of irregular Arabic practices, YY.....!!
Keep up the study of irregular Arabic practices, YY.....!!