I'll toss in my agreement that you apply as soon as possible. The FAA has been known to allow deferrals for graduation in the past.

As far as a job goes, yes, plan on getting something else. I'm actually working two right now -- one is as a server, which I don't plan to keep long term, and the other is more of a career which I could see myself staying in if something falls through.

As you've gathered, the wait is frustrating. It's difficult to make plans for a career without knowing for months whether or not you'll even make it past the first few steps. Having some sort of backup is smart, and you'll need an income to keep you going during the wait.

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Applied PUBNAT3/4/5/6 - May 31, et al.
AT-SAT - Aug. 14