Why go to vmi

All cadets must take ROTC as an all-college program requirement for completion of their degree. Approximately 50 percent of VMI graduates are commissioned each year upon graduation. These scholarships cover tuition and may also include allowances for books and fees and living expenses. Cadets who do not participate in varsity athletics are encouraged to participate in club sports or other athletic programs.

Athletic competition develops cadets physically and enhances their team building skills. Joined Aug 18, Messages Hello, I'm the parent of a senior and we will be going to visit VMI soon.

I have an honest question and I am not trying to stir people up or cause friction, so please don't flame me! When I mention that my son is applying to service academies, the reaction is generally favorable. When I mention a couple of civilian colleges he is applying to, the reaction is generally favorable. When I have mentioned that we are going to visit VMI, I have found that I get a strong response from people and, quite honestly, it is often more negative than positive.

When pressed for a reason, there often isn't one in particular, just a lot of "I heard.. We are still going to check out VMI and plan to form our own opinions. But, I won't lie. It does give me pause. Mentioning the Citadel which is not on the list at the moment does not garner the same response. What do you think causes this reaction to VMI?

Again, I am not looking to disparage VMI or any other school. I don't have much military knowledge and this is very much my son's journey. He's interested, so we will visit, end stop. But that being said, I can't help being curious and slightly trepidatious.

Thanks for taking this thread in the manner it was intended. Joined Oct 28, Messages We went through a lot of those same responses last year while she was applying to USNA and formulating her "backup" plans.

My advice is to follow your instinct to visit VMI and judge it for yourself. I know our family was absolutely blown away by VMI when we visited last year - we quickly realized that VMI is no "backup plan" at all We just shrugged off any odd comments, realizing that many people just don't understand why our daughter would choose this path.

VMI is a very tough school - mentally, physically, academically and even emotionally. Some say it's the toughest school in the world. It's not for everyone. But those who choose to follow the harder path usually have a greater reward at the end. Best wishes to your son as he finds his path.

Joined Mar 14, Messages 6, He ended up realizing that VMI was not a great fit for him and he ended up at a public university close to home, where he has since thrived, earning a campus based AROTC scholarship. My point is that as a parent it is important that you trust your son's instincts. I was wrong. He made a great choice that fits best for his personality and has adapted well. As far as other folks opinions are concerned, take them with a grain of salt. The views they have are likely from long ago and even VMI has adapted to changing times.

Students are provided with the bare essentials as they live with multiple roommates and only a small amount of storage space. They are expected to maintain a commitment to cleanliness and order in their living spaces.

Barracks life ensures that cadets get to know one another intimately and develop respectful relationships as equals. Living with individuals from diverse backgrounds and being free from ordinary distractions are two of the benefits of the barracks style. Students are focused and motivated, and they develop lifelong bonds with one another.

Military-oriented colleges and universities are often subject to the stereotype that science and engineering fields receive precedence at the expense of the liberal arts. Like most other aspects of education at VMI, cadet life is unconventional and unique. The most distinctive of the social events at VMI is the second class Ring Figure Ball, which cadets attend in uniform, with their dates dressed in white.

The ball celebrates the earning of "The Ring," a longstanding tradition. In addition, movie nights, informal dances, live music, and other activities help to keep morale high throughout each academic year. As such, he or she undergoes a unique first-year process known as the Rat Line. The Rat Line involves strict procedures. For example, when in barracks, a rat walks at attention along a prescribed route through the barracks.

The Rat Line also requires meticulousness in grooming, personal habits, and memorization of school songs and yells. The Rat system is an initiation process designed to teach students excellence, military bearing and discipline, self-control and humility, respect for authority, habits of neatness, and the history and traditions of Virginia Military Institute.

Contact Office of Admissions Email: admissions vmi. Larger Map. Visit our Game Day page for more information. VMI offers one of the most challenging first-year experiences of any college in the United States, and it starts with the Rat Line. Because they may be stopped and tested by upper-class cadets during certain hours each day, they must be meticulous in daily personal grooming and in keeping their shoes shined and uniforms spotless.

They must also be ready to recite school songs, yells, and other information — and drop for pushups if they fail. The Rat Line is designed to instill and reinforce character traits that will serve a cadet well during his or her cadet years and in life after VMI.

Success in the Rat Line requires concentration, attention to detail, a sense of humor, resolve, and self-discipline.