Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Hallmarks and Quirks
Things I'm Good At:
- Flying airplanes. Designing airplanes. Identifying airplanes. Really, just airplanes.
- Producing the most military pilot students from my ROTC detachments than any other non-military academy.
- Cheering on sports teams in a division where nobody really cares about sports teams.
- Taking out student loans. Turns out, planes are expensive.
My Top 5 Must-Haves:
- The love of aviation or space.
- A copy of Apollo 13, Top Gun, or Pushing Tin at your fingertips. It's practically an admissions requirement.
- The ability to accept that you are going to one of the best schools in the nation that nobody has heard of.
- Extracurriculars. Nobody can possibly survive so much studying without having a little fun, too.
- A swimsuit to enjoy the beach or the campus pool.
Why You Might Have Heard of Me:
- I'm the "Harvard of the Skies", clearly.
- You're obsessed with aviation. Naturally, you're one of the few people who actually knows about me.
- You talked to your awesome pilot on your last vacation and he said he went to ERAU.
On a regular Saturday night, you can find me...
I'm probably spending my weekends down at the beachside bars and clubs or at a house party with a group of friends. I'm also just as happy playing Flight Simulator in my dorm room or gathered in a late night lab in the Engineering building working on my senior design project.
When I do go out, since I'm such a smarty and know that drinking and driving would ruin my flight career, I take advantage of my amazing Safe Ride program that gives me a free cab ride home from anywhere in the city.
Favorite Hangouts:
- Between classes, there is no better place for a burger than Props. It's technically called Propeller's Café, but nobody calls it that.
- Head on over to South Turn for some great wings.
- Weekends are busy down at MaiTai's, but let's be honest, most of my time will be spent in the lab or studying—especially for the engineering students.
Quirks:
- There's a place for everybody here. Super nerdy in high school? Great, you'd fit in perfectly. A total jock who wants to focus on school but also play sports? Perfect, we've got plenty for you here. Want to be in a sorority or fraternity? I actually have that, too. Wow. Go me.
- It's tough to find something new if you decide your original major isn't for you. Everything is so focused to aviation here…I mean, even my business degrees and communication program.
- It's possible to get a "hurrication" day if a strongly named storm threatens the Florida coastline. They evacuate the planes and cancel classes so the flight students don't get left behind.
Famous Alumni:
- At least six American astronauts, including Daniel Burbank and Alvin Drew.
- Multiple U.S. military heroes, including Scott O'Grady and Michael J. Durant.
- A handful of U.S. military generals and commanders.
- Chairman and CEO of Scott's Miracle-Gro, James Hagedorn.