Hi, I apologize in advance for my dumb question.

I'm a basic Aeroplan member and will be flying with AC for the first time in 5 years in two weeks time. My question is this: If I earn 35,000 status miles before the end of this year, will that bring me to Elite ? or do I have to earn 25,000 first to earn Prestige then fly an additional 35,000 as a Prestige member before the end of 2009 to earn Elite?

Thanks!