Thinking About Getting a Jr. L1 Cert.

I know there have been lots of these types of threads, but none of them answered my questions.
I am thinking about attempting a Jr. L1 Cert next year in high school, and the two things I need to know are: does it look good on a college application? I would like to go to a good engineering school, and if it looks good on a college application, that is pretty much an instant "yes" (and financial support ) from my parents.
And: how much does an L1 certification sized rocket cost to build and launch once? I don't plan on becoming a regular HPR flier because of the cost.
I am not sure if I would do a scratch build or a kit. Is either one significantly cheaper than the other?
Thanks.

I could be wrong, but I doubt a junior certification is going to matter to a college or university. Participating on a TARC team that makes finals, or better yet, does well at them, is more likely to make a difference.

As far as cost, the motor alone is going to cost you over $25 or more. Realistically, another $100 or more for the rocket, unless you scrounge together parts.

I don't plan on becoming a regular HPR flier because of the cost.

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That statement makes me suggest you hold off -- wait until you're a bit older, and have the money to do it. Otherwise, you've invested money into something you'll never actually use.

Instead, fly smaller stuff you can afford to fly more often.

-Kevin

I spent about $200 on my JR L1.

Alex

If your purpose is to pad a college application,... go scratch design and built. document every step with photos, calculations and research. create a design project report.

to build a kit,... is sort of... so what. won't impress the way a custom design will.

good luck.

Mech. E here...

Thanks for the replies everyone!
I don't plan on doing this for at least another year, maybe two. $200 is a lot, but not much more than I expected. $25 a motor does not sound nearly as high as I expected.
I agree with the "meh-ness" of kits, being more of a scratch builder.
Also, maybe using design methods more complicated than OpenRocket (pencil, paper, and calculator) would make it more impressive.
It was just a thought, I still have no idea if I'll ever actually do it.

My advise....if you've been building/flying model rockets for a while now, then naturally if the hobby/sport becomes an obsession the next step is HPR. If you don't spend otherwise valuable time thinking/planning next project,then probably not.....but it wont help with collage ap, but the skills/thought process neccessary to design a plan and execute that plan is the "right stuff" for success going forward in your chosen field of study.

GO FOR IT MAN!.....

I would recommend you not worry about "What looks good" on college application. Believe me, there are many people out there filling their application with things that "look good." The admissions department also learns to look through this.

Now having said that, if you are into rockets, pursue them. Just don't feel a need to chase something just for your college. Certainly learn to scratch build and participate in TARC. While it would help to do well, it will help to pursue your interests.

And this is the best advice for college and life after - pursue your interests. REally, that is what will get you far.

1tree said:

And this is the best advice for college and life after - pursue your interests. REally, that is what will get you far.

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Some of the best advice I've ever seen, right there!

-Kevin

Making a college application look good was not what made me interested in getting a high power cert, it was just something that might make it more appealing to my parents. They'll still support it even if it has no effect on an application. (They are always telling me to pursue my interests. I say "Okay, more rockets!" ) I may still do it just for the experience. We will see though, $200 buys a lot of C's, D's, and E's!

I guess it all is what you're trying to accomplish. I fly mostly A-C, with the occasional D and E around here because that's what our recovery areas will hold. I enjoy these flights and look forward to launching with the kids at these (it's mostly the kids). And yes, $200 will get me a large number of LPR flights (though I guess E is technically MPR, but whatever). But personally, the few times a year I get to fly HPR... that's the big rush for me --my kids too.

"Daddy--that motor is bigger around than my whole rocket!"

Who's grinning more when we touch off the HPR? I can't tell. I just know it's worth it.


Later!

--Coop