Applying to VMI and The Citadel after a break :X

[sabes]

I have a little bit of a unique situation.

I graduated High School in 2007, did not know exactly what I wanted to do with myself, and wound up running a franchise for a multi-million dollar marketing corporation for the past 16 months. This past July, I finally made my decision; my ultimate goal is to be commissioned as an Officer in the US Army (it was something I thought about extensively in High School but put aside because I bought into the whole "quality of life stinks, you'll never have a family" discussion that my father, a vet, had with me - probably should have sounded an alarm bell that he does have a family, lol).

So, now I'm getting back into the wonderful world of college admissions :thumbdown: and I'm lost. haha.

I'm beginning to see that The Citadel encourages students to apply reeeally early; I only sent in all of my materials this morning. Is that going to hurt my chances of acceptance? I mean, I know I could get into Norwich. But I have a close friend who is a senior and member of the cadre there and he absolutely despises it, and we're very similar so I probably would too.

My stats are:
-SAT I: CR 700, W 650, M 540 :eek:
-SAT II: Lit 740
-GPA (weighted): 3.5 :( Upward trend though; started as a 2.8 in freshman year and worked up until senior year was a 3.7
-Class rank: Top 25%
-APs: Took four, got a 4 and three 5s; also took a class at the local state University in senior year and got an A; took at least 50% Honors classes every year
-Sports: Ju Jitsu, 4 years; Equestrian, 4 years (club sport though); JV Basketball, 2 years, Varsity Swim, 1 year, Junior Varsity Volleyball, 1 year
-Awards: (My High School Name) Science Award for Achievement in Environmental Science, John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, Fire Fighter Association Scholarship, Presidential Classroom on National Security participant
-I do stink at math. Quite a bit. I've taken no honors math classes (Honors Bio, Chem, Earth Science and Environmental Science though), and didn't take Pre-Calc for fear of butchering my GPA - and also because I would have had to take Honors due to scheduling conflicts.

Can anyone provide any insight? This break is making me nervous :( Plus, I have absolutely no support from my guidance department because I'm not a current student so I feel like I'm on my own in extremely foreign territory, lol.

[bruno]

Sabes:
There's always more to the story than is presented in a short email (so you can't quote me and I guarantee nada)- but looking at the snap shot you've presented below indicates to me that you are a strong candidate at VMI or the Citadel as well. Your Math SAT is a little low but it's not in the hopper by any means- (I assume you are not looking to be an engineer where Math will be critical). On the plus side- you have a pretty strong GPA and class rank. That break can definitely be spun in a very positive manner- Think about What you learned about yourself and people in running a franchise -I am certain you picked up a lot that is directly transferable to your leadership potential. Looking at sports- 4 years of Jujitsu and making Varsity swimming are definitely favorable. Unless you are a recruited athlete- they are not looking at your athletic performance in itself- but rather as an indicator that you are physically fit and have the needed physical toughness to succeed, can dedicate yourself to a team, understand motivation and competition. Both of those sports do that - and in an interview I would think that you can highlight what you learned about yourself and leadership by participating on those teams. Finally - VMI is extremely interested in increasing the % Cadets who are following a commissioning track (The Superintendents goal is 75% commissioned) so that will work in your favor.
Is it too late to apply? Not by a long shot- both VMI and the Citadel practice rolling admissions so you are not behind the curve. My advice is however that if you are applying for an ROTC scholarship- do so soon as there are a number of boards that meet throughout the year- and I believe that you are maximizing your opportunities to get an AROTC scholarship by getting looked at by as many boards as possible- and it will take time to get your application completed, have a PT test done and your DoD physical completed so that your records can go before the board.

Truthfully- you do need to go into these two schools (VMI/Citadel) mentally and physically prepared. Anybody can make it thru the Rat Line- if they really want to do so- what knocks most people (male and female) out of the Rat line is their own mental state. (That sounds like a cliche- but it is true none the less).If you have thought about that, and are really interested in being challenged in what are unique systems, then I think that you have time to get accepted, and to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship. Time is however important so if you haven't done so- I would get moving on those fronts so that you have the maximum opportunity to have your files reviewed.

If you have specific questions about VMI (or the Army) feel free to post or PM me- I am an alumnus of VMI and have a son there now on an Army ROTC scholarshipso I have some familiarity with what they are looking for at VMI, and as a retired Army officer and my wife is an Reserve O6 with about 30 months in Afghanistan I can at least get you some perspecives on that front as well.
Finally- Good Luck-
Hooah!

[sabes]

Bruno,

Wow! What a thorough, quick, AND detailed response! That was great. :)

Haha, no, my goal is to have as little to do with math as humanly possible for the remainder of my life. :D In that regard I'm pursuing a major in Criminal Justice or History. lol.

Good to know about the commissioning % goal!! I think that's really going to help me at VMI; my essay and both letters of recommendation mentioned my goal of commissioning (what can I say, I've been thinking and talking about it for a while).

I am applying for an AROTC scholarship; I just got my letter in the mail telling me to schedule my physical and interview (yay). I'm a little worried about my run time for the PFT but I know I'm going to pass the push-up, sit-up and pull-up portions with flying colors. I've been interval training to improve my running; my problem is I've always been a sprinter (I can kick most people's butts in the 100-meter but my 2 mile time is kind of mediocre). I'm really sticking to my regimen though so I'm pretty confident I'll be a strong runner by next Fall.

I've learned a lot over the past several months about mental toughness and what it can do for a person. I'd like to think I'm mentally tough but part of the reason VMI is so appealing to me is because I know I'm not as strong (mentally OR physically) as I want to be. I have a very clear picture of the person I want to become and I'm not there yet, and I believe either institution (but, in my opinion, particularly VMI) can help forge me into the person I want to become. I know that sounds kind of corny but, I don't know, I'm just interested in personal growth.

Anyway thank you SO MUCH for the reply :) I will probably PM (if this forum has those) or e-mail you at some point; you seem like a very knowledgable and helpful person! :)

[flyersboy114]

wow, I posted something but it didn't go up, anyway. I got accepted to the citadel two weeks ago, applyin for af and arotc. Ironically I am planing on a cj or history major. I am also applying to SAs as well

[sabes]

Hey you look familiar... :P I think you referred me over here, haha.

History and CJ are the bomb.

I'm kind of excited that The Citadel is already making and sending out decisions... Back in 2007 (for a second there I almost felt old), none of the schools I applied to sent any notifications before February. Needless to say I was a neurotic mess since I applied around this time of year in 2006, too.

About how long was it between the time you applied and the time you found out you were in, just out of curiosity?

[flyersboy114]

well, I had everything except my transcripts in b4 September. I submitted my transcripts be found out 2 weeks later. It's been a week and a half since I found out.

[sabes]

Wowww, that's quick. I kinda hope I hear back really quickly too; that way at least I'll know that my safety's locked and loaded. :biggrin:

I do need to send up my SAT scores though :X They're on my transcript but I don't know if The Citadel accepts those or wants them directly from College Board.

[flyersboy114]

Im not sure, so I did both. Now I am waiting on ROTC scholarships, I need to schedule my AROTC interview, but the stupid doctor messed up my physical, so I have to take another D:

[sabes]

That stinks! :( How did the doctor mess up?

I just scheduled my physical and it's in basically the sketchiest city in the state.... Should be an adventure, at least. lol.

Edit - just in case anyone else is ever wondering, The Citadel does accept SAT scores on official High School transcripts. I called to check because yes, I am stingey enough that spending an unnecessary $9.50 was a daunting concept. :P

[flyersboy114]

Administered the wrong hearing test D: and that doctor was the same deal his office was so dirty but the eye doctor was great. Is vmi or the citadel it first choice? If vmi for what reasons, I'm just curious

[sabes]

VMI's my first choice. I know it seems arbitrary haha, especially when they're so similar. But here are my reasons:

1. Virginia vs South Carolina - I've visited both, and it's a lot hotter and more humid in SC. I'm a New Englander.
2. I'm going Army, and according to one of my best friends who is a senior and a member of the cadre at Norwich, VMI cadets are better prepared for LDAC. In his words, "Citadel cadets are really good at drill and ceremony, but that doesn't matter during field exercises."
3. Academics - the VMI History program is really well-respected. Of course they don't have a CJ program which is unfortunate, but I'd be happy majoring in either.
4. I like the way VMI is run better (honor code, honor court just seems a lot stricter - VMI still drums people out etc).
5. I like the town VMI's in. I'm from a small town so I like that VMI is kind of in...well, the middle of nowhere. The Citadel, on the other hand, is right next to a city.
6. VMI's a smaller school; I tend to like the atmosphere of smaller schools better.

That's definitely not to say that VMI is perfect, and I'd be just as proud to attend and graduate from The Citadel.

If I do get into VMI, I'm very much NOT excited about that lovely 4" of hair rule. :thumbdown: But I'm sure I'll get over it pretty quickly.

[tarrant09]

my doctor issued the wrong hearing test too! it made me kinda upset that now i have to take more time to redo it! Thats crazy

[sabes]

Tarrant - that stinks. :frown:

Where are you applying?

[flyersboy114]

WHAT!?!?! I have to go back as well, and I have like no time now with hockey and marching band.... so I guess during school

[sabes]

So, I requested that my High School send me a copy of my transcript when they sent it to all of the schools I'm applying to; apparently they changed the weighting of grades and now I have a 3.2 :thumbdown: Still in the top 25% thank God.

Oh well. There's nothing I can do to change it... Hopefully I get a decision from The Citadel soon. :X Then I'll be able to stop worrying about it. lol.

[flyersboy114]

Haha! when did u send everything out?

[tarrant09]

Tarrant - that stinks. :frown:

Where are you applying?

I applied to The Citadel (got acad. accepted)
VMI, West Point, USAFA, and Coast Guard Academy

[sabes]

I sent in my applications, fees, letters of recommendation, and essays about a week ago; my transcripts apparently just got sent out. :thumbdown: Now I remember why I was a little skeptical about my guidance counselor, lol.

Tarrant - the CGA is amazing. My aunt lives literally down the street from the campus and it's in a gorgeous location.

[flyersboy114]

YAY! Tarrant me 2 on The Citadel. Well it should take a week to get it, then another week or two to process, so like 2-4 weeks Id say.

All of the SA's are beautiful

[OmarY]

I'm currently at The Citadel and all I can say is that IF you do get accepted, take time out to see the institution and environment before making the decision to come. Make sure you are mentally and physically prepared. It's very tough here, I won't lie. Best of luck.

BTW, I was stuck on getting an AROTC scholarship as well, but once I arrived I changed my decision. Not saying that you will, but I can certainly tell you I am not the only person that has. I plan to go on to Law school. Then again, what really goes as planned anyway?

[tarrant09]

I'm currently at The Citadel and all I can say is that IF you do get accepted, take time out to see the institution and environment before making the decision to come. Make sure you are mentally and physically prepared. It's very tough here, I won't lie. Best of luck.

BTW, I was stuck on getting an AROTC scholarship as well, but once I arrived I changed my decision. Not saying that you will, but I can certainly tell you I am not the only person that has. I plan to go on to Law school. Then again, what really goes as planned anyway?

So can you further elaborate on like what to prepare for mentally or what to do physically? I have visited the campus twice and I really like it. I am also going for an AROTC and NROTC-Marine scholarship, why did you drop the scholarship and change your mind?

[sabes]

Well it should take a week to get it, then another week or two to process, so like 2-4 weeks Id say.


I hate waiting. Blah. At least it's not a LONG wait. :biggrin:

OmarY - I second tarrant's question, specifically about why you chose not to take the scholarship.

[OmarY]

The Fourth Class system will teach you more about yourself than anything preceding it. I always have the option of changing my mind and contracting with the army but as of now I am deciding against it. It isn't my desire anymore. You'll see what I mean when you get here.

If you get accepted you'll receive many letters encouraging you to prepare, but trust me, the chances are you and most of your classmates will report in unprepared. Consistently do push ups. Give yourself a set amount per hour. Run. Run a lot.

[sabes]

All right, I guess they've already started to review my application at The Citadel :eek: I got an e-mail today from an Admissions Counselor asking me to e-mail over a document detailing my activities since High School. So I guess they didn't read the letter of recommendation, lol.

The good thing is that I got back to her within an hour (I had to write an explanation for another one of the schools - Mass Maritime maybe? so I already had it on-hand) so presumably they'll finish reviewing my application materials pretty soon.

I'll continue updating periodically :biggrin: It's a good way to relieve nerves, lol.

[flyersboy114]

Yay!!! They def are about to at least

[sabes]

Yeah! :D She e-mailed me again, thanked me for the quick response, and said I'll have the decision within 10 days.

Oh boy. :)

[flyersboy114]

NICE!

[bruno]

So can you further elaborate on like what to prepare for mentally or what to do physically? I have visited the campus twice and I really like it. I am also going for an AROTC and NROTC-Marine scholarship, ?
If you are going to VMI I would urge you to strongly consider attendance at the VMI STP (Summer Transition Program) for the month of July prior to matriculation. The program is designed to help you make an academic transition from HS (you will take one course which will reduce your course load in your first semester of your Rat year) and will get a couple of hours of structured PT time to help you get prepared for August. It's a very well run program- About 50+% of the incoming Rat class will be there and it is a good way to get yourself set for the blast that will follow the next month- I don't know anyone who did not think this was worth going to.
It's not the rat line- but it will give you as good a prep as can be done without a high decibel high stress environment- it will be Rats and faculty only- no Cadre yet.

[flyersboy114]

Hey Sabes, did you find out from The Citadel yet?

[sabes]

Not yet! :X I'm going to the post office in a bit (day off, wahoo!) and hopefully it will be there by then... according to the Admissions Director it'll arrive by the 17th. I hate the waiting game!

[sabes]

So, I just got back from the post office.

I opened the mailbox and right on top was something from The Citadel - this little tiny postcard. The address side was up; the first thought to cross my mind was, "Man, this could be the ULTIMATE skinny letter," haha... But it was actually just a postcard saying "We've received your application; this is your admissions counselor's name, e-mail address, and phone number." NOT cool; I freaked out for a minute.

Can't wait to get the actual decision! =X

[sabes]

Bruno - I somehow missed your post before; thanks for the advice!! I was reading about that on VMI's Website and it looked very interesting, and like something I'd be liable to sign up for. If I get accepted to VMI I'm definitely going to do that program.

Still haven't heard from The Citadel. I got a letter from Pat Conroy today describing all the benefits of attending The Citadel versus a traditional college but it was only sent because I had "shown interest in attending" the Citadel. I imagine I'll get it tomorrow, a day later than anticipated, because we had a holiday this Monday and I do live in a rural area.

In the meantime I've requested my transcripts be sent to Mass Maritime so hopefully I'll soon have a decision from them, as well.

[flyersboy114]

I never got that postcard....o well Im already accepted. That letter was pretty cool, didnt hook me because I knew what it was like already. I was kinda already hooked as backup plan, def post here as soon as you find out

[sabes]

Lol, so they just called and said that my application hasn't been reviewed yet but will be reviewed within the next week...and then I'll get it in the mail within 10 days after THAT. Oh well.

[sabes]

So I just got an e-mail from my admissions counselor at The Citadel... :D It was sent at 7PM so I was like, That's weird. But I opened it aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I got in! :)

Well, I mean, I'm about 98% sure, because she said, "You'll be getting a letter with great news very soon!" I can't imagine anyone's mean enough to say that to someone who got rejected. :P

Woooooooohoo! So now I know at least I got into my close-runner-up safety. Whew. Pressure OFF, haha.

Next Monday I'm visiting Mass Maritime and interviewing there and then two weeks after that I'm interviewing at VMI...and according to both of those admissions counselors / policies I should know all of my results by December 15th!

Yay. :)

[flyersboy114]

CONGRATS!!!! Reserve your spot asap, which i havent done yet >.<
I have good news today as well, Im qualified for USAFA USMA AROTC and AFROTC, waiting for that latern test for USCGA and USNA. Now if only the phils win will it be a great day.

[bruno]

So I just got an e-mail from my admissions counselor at The Citadel... :D It was sent at 7PM so I was like, That's weird. But I opened it aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I got in! :)

Well, I mean, I'm about 98% sure, because she said, "You'll be getting a letter with great news very soon!" I can't imagine anyone's mean enough to say that to someone who got rejected. :P

Woooooooohoo! So now I know at least I got into my close-runner-up safety. Whew. Pressure OFF, haha.

Next Monday I'm visiting Mass Maritime and interviewing there and then two weeks after that I'm interviewing at VMI...and according to both of those admissions counselors / policies I should know all of my results by December 15th!

Yay. :)
Congratulations- life is already a little less stressful I'm sure. Plus- you have some rounds still in your magazine with MMA and VMI. My son also got accepted to Mass Maritime before choosing VMI and I have to say that I was very impressed with it (and as a Mass resident was also impressed with the affordability/ employability factor!). I've since hired an MMA grad as an Engineer (he got sick of sailing after a few years although he racked up a pile of dough before giving it up) and he has really been a great advertisement for MMA in my book. With at least one choice in hand and others following- it sounds like you have good things coming your way! Good luck!:thumb:

[sabes]

Bruno, I didn't even realize you're from Mass - me too! :)

I visited Mass Maritime a couple of days ago and WOW, is that a fantastic campus with fantastic professors. (And, apparently it's only 30 minutes from me - who knew?) I really like the fact that MMA cadets get so much experience in their field before they graduate. I feel pretty confident about my chances at MMA; during my interview the admissions officer literally said, "Your SATs are off the chart - 700 in Critical Reading?" and remarked to one of the other officers, "We'll take that any day." Plus, she said straight-out that she prefers students who have at least one gap year because they "really see the big picture." So now I feel pretty strongly about MMA too, lol. Apparently they'll be making their decisions shortly after November 1st so that will be nice.

You're right, it feels so much better knowing I got in to at least one of my schools - it's a real confidence boost, plus I don't have to consider the worst alternative (that being, "What if I don't get in anywhere at all?!" lol).

This admissions thing isn't so bad after all =)

[sabes]

I got my acceptance letters from Virginia Military Institute and The Citadel (had a spare 2 seconds to read my mail last night)... which is REAL surprising because it's not even VMI's ED deadline yet and my interview is the day after tomorrow, haha! (And apparently I wasn't accepted ED - guess I forgot to check the box or something; they thought I was an RD applicant.)

I pretty much flipped out. As did my entire family - they loved the "Conditional Offer of Appointment" certificates. I'm just really so glad I got them because we just found out my Papa has about 2 months to live and he's a 30+ year Army Vet, and I can't even describe the look on his face when he saw my acceptances - he was so proud. So my Conditional Offers of Appointment from both schools are hanging in his room now, lol.

Feels amazing to have a choice! :D

[flyersboy114]

congrats!! My grandfather passed away this summer so I know the feeling. I wish I could say I will be joining you, but service academies are fist. Second is Drexel and I got accepted there this past week. Congrats again.

[sabes]

You never know, you might change your mind! :P

Just kidding, I'm sure you're well on track to making the best decision for you and that's what's important. (If you wouldn't mind though, could you PM me your reasons for listing Drexel before SMCs? I'm just curious as to your rationale / etc.)

Congrats on getting accepted to Drexel!!! You must be pumped. I won't be applying there now that I've gotten into 2 out of my top 3 schools; wouldn't want someone to be waitlisted because of me or anything lol.

[bruno]

I got my acceptance letters from Virginia Military Institute and The Citadel (had a spare 2 seconds to read my mail last night)... which is REAL surprising because it's not even VMI's ED deadline yet and my interview is the day after tomorrow, haha! (And apparently I wasn't accepted ED - guess I forgot to check the box or something; they thought I was an RD applicant.)

I pretty much flipped out. As did my entire family - they loved the "Conditional Offer of Appointment" certificates. I'm just really so glad I got them because we just found out my Papa has about 2 months to live and he's a 30+ year Army Vet, and I can't even describe the look on his face when he saw my acceptances - he was so proud. So my Conditional Offers of Appointment from both schools are hanging in his room now, lol.

Feels amazing to have a choice! :D


OUTSTANDING! Sabes PM me if there is anything I can help you with or tell you about VMI. I know of at least one other 2010 +3 probable Rat from this area (Central Mass)and another who I suspect will wind up there as well so you will have some company in your rat class (and at least one 3rd classman from this area to make your life a living hell for a half year or so- nothing personal though just the way things work!) Again- congrats!

[VMINROTChopeful]

I always have the option of changing my mind and contracting with the army but as of now I am deciding against it. It isn't my desire anymore. You'll see what I mean when you get here.

just curious, since i'm at vmi and not citadel, maybe i'm not getting this same experience. vmi's 4th class system also is really tough, but we still have more commission than not at the end. but ive read that 2 out of every 3 citadel grads tho dont commission. why would you say youre deciding against commissioning? is it because you feel that the real military will be the same as the life you are experiencing at school? because i know that after vmi, the real military will be different in many ways!