Its interesting to note that the RAF still doesnt require a college
education for its pilots.

Secondary education in the UK is tracked, tested, and standards
enforced. There's absolutely no comparison between the graduate of an
American high school and an equivalent university-track student in
Britain.

Isn't Cranwell (the RAF equivalent of West Point) still a two-year
course? And aren't most UK bachelor's-degree programs still three
years in duration?

These aren't indications of a lesser interest in higher education on
the part of Brits (though there is some of that as well, especially
with respect to women). They're a recognition that British schools and
universities get their students better prepared, at least when it
comes to academics.

I went to graduate school in Manchester. My friends were all
undergraduates, and many were first-year students.

all the best -- Dan Ford
email: www.danford.net/letters.htm#9

see the Warbird's Forum at www.warbirdforum.com
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