Malaysian Student to Join Virginia Military Institute.

chukahleong

5-Year Member
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Oct 4, 2011
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I am a 18-year-old student from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I just completed the standard Malaysian high school education, and I am aiming to pursue my higher education in the United States. To summarize my interests, I have a fervent passion in the field of military science and strategies, and I have spent quite a lot of my high school days reading and studying books, documentaries and accounts on military history and military related stuff.

I am aiming for Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. I desire a military style education during my university days, not because I want to join the army, but because I think it will be highly beneficial for me in my career later on as a businessperson. Plus, I am perfectly aware of the physical rigors and hardships VMI demands, and I'm also excited by the idea that I will be part of a prestigious and reputable military institute. As a result, I've decided to apply to VMI as an Early Decision candidate for the Fall 2012 intake. I understand that VMI operates under the ROTC system, but it doesn't oblige its cadets to involve themselves in the army upon graduation. There is also a small number of international population in that school, which makes me think applying to VMI is a feasible idea.

My concern is that throughout the years, I don't think there were any Malaysian citizens who applied to VMI, as the idea of studying in a military college is totally unheard of in the Malaysian society, so I am a rare case here. I wonder if this will be a disadvantage for me, since I will be probably the first Malaysian applicant to VMI? If you're asking about my academic credentials, I have scored real well in the SPM, Malaysia's national government exam (9As, 1D out of 10), I also took AP subjects (US History 4, World History 4, Chinese Language 5, English Language 4), I took the SAT once (1780/2400), and will take it again in October this year. As for my co-curricular, I regret to say that I didn't involve myself in any sports activities during my senior years, as my parents forbade me to do so. But I exercise and work out daily, and my co-curricular achievements mainly lie in the form of competitions won and as a delegate to conferences/national forums. I have two letters of recommendation from the principal of my high school and my English teacher, both which are quite strong in their content.

I would like to know the opinions of those who are replying to this question: is my idea of attending a military institute a good way of enhancing my career portfolio? I intend to major in Business Admin and minor in Military History, and if a double major is allowed, I will most probably do so. Plus, based on the rough description of my credentials, do I stand a chance of getting admitted into this institute?

Thanks very much!
 
Have you done any community service or any other extra curricular activity rather than Sport related?
 
Here are my co-curriculars. I will also write a personal statement for my admission to VMI.






Co-curricular:
(2006) a) Platoon Commander in high school Police Cadet, a uniformed body.
b) 4th place in district marching competition, as member of Police Cadet.
(2009) a) Champion in high school English Week Oral Interpretation Competition.
b) Runner-up in high school English Week Duet Acting Competition.
(2010) a) School representative in Oxford & Cambridge Public Speaking Competition.
b) School representative in Oxford & Cambridge Essay Writing Competition.
c) 8th out of 32 places in Help University College Law Olympiad Competition 2010.
d) Participation in 6th Taylor's University Inter-School Accounting Competition.
e) Participation in Help Uni College Summer Jeopardy General Knowledge Quiz 2010.
f) Vice Treasurer of high school IT Club.
(2011) a) National delegate to Malaysian Student Leaders' Summit 2011.
b) Semi-finalist to Malaysian Public Policy Competition 2011.
 
I am a 18-year-old student from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I just completed the standard Malaysian high school education, and I am aiming to pursue my higher education in the United States. To summarize my interests, I have a fervent passion in the field of military science and strategies, and I have spent quite a lot of my high school days reading and studying books, documentaries and accounts on military history and military related stuff.

I am aiming for Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. I desire a military style education during my university days, not because I want to join the army, but because I think it will be highly beneficial for me in my career later on as a businessperson. Plus, I am perfectly aware of the physical rigors and hardships VMI demands, and I'm also excited by the idea that I will be part of a prestigious and reputable military institute. As a result, I've decided to apply to VMI as an Early Decision candidate for the Fall 2012 intake. I understand that VMI operates under the ROTC system, but it doesn't oblige its cadets to involve themselves in the army upon graduation. There is also a small number of international population in that school, which makes me think applying to VMI is a feasible idea.

My concern is that throughout the years, I don't think there were any Malaysian citizens who applied to VMI, as the idea of studying in a military college is totally unheard of in the Malaysian society, so I am a rare case here. I wonder if this will be a disadvantage for me, since I will be probably the first Malaysian applicant to VMI? If you're asking about my academic credentials, I have scored real well in the SPM, Malaysia's national government exam (9As, 1D out of 10), I also took AP subjects (US History 4, World History 4, Chinese Language 5, English Language 4), I took the SAT once (1780/2400), and will take it again in October this year. As for my co-curricular, I regret to say that I didn't involve myself in any sports activities during my senior years, as my parents forbade me to do so. But I exercise and work out daily, and my co-curricular achievements mainly lie in the form of competitions won and as a delegate to conferences/national forums. I have two letters of recommendation from the principal of my high school and my English teacher, both which are quite strong in their content.

I would like to know the opinions of those who are replying to this question: is my idea of attending a military institute a good way of enhancing my career portfolio? I intend to major in Business Admin and minor in Military History, and if a double major is allowed, I will most probably do so. Plus, based on the rough description of my credentials, do I stand a chance of getting admitted into this institute?

Thanks very much!
I don't really know much about the process for international students but on the face of it - I think that you will be a very strong candidate. I believe that there were cadets from 6 countries in this past incoming class including Taiwan and Thailand. I don't know if there have in the past been cadets from Malaysia, but I don't believe that would factor in against your application.

My suggestion would be that you contact LTC Neil Whitmore in the admissions office: his email is: whitmorend@vmi.edu. I am sure that LTC Whitmore will be more than happy to answer any specific questions that you might have. Good luck.
Bruno
 
International Student Applying to VMI

Dear chukahleong,

sry for interrupting your thread.

I too, am applying to VMI for the class of 2016. I am currently a senior attending an American High School in Hong Kong. I hold a canadian and Hong Kong passport. VMI is my dream school. I have taken AP Chinese and gotten a 5 on it. Right now i am taking AP Economics Macro and Micro and AP Calc AB. I am a cross country and track and field runner. Eagle scout and have received many academic awards. My GPA is 2.99 and i have a SAT score of 1680. I was wondering what are my chances of getting into VMI.


Thanks
 
Dear chukahleong,

sry for interrupting your thread.

I too, am applying to VMI for the class of 2016. I am currently a senior attending an American High School in Hong Kong. I hold a canadian and Hong Kong passport. VMI is my dream school. I have taken AP Chinese and gotten a 5 on it. Right now i am taking AP Economics Macro and Micro and AP Calc AB. I am a cross country and track and field runner. Eagle scout and have received many academic awards. My GPA is 2.99 and i have a SAT score of 1680. I was wondering what are my chances of getting into VMI.


Thanks


Hello there,

Great to know that there's someone out there who has similar aspirations and dreams. I am a total stranger to VMI's admissions style, because like you, I am a foreigner and I am also trying hard to grasp their perspectives towards international students, and I'm trying to obtain as much advice as possible from those who are knowledgeable. To tell the truth, I get really different opinions regarding my own chances of admission from the people back here, and I am not really sure of my chances as well.

But based on your credentials, you definitely are a good student, with a balanced mix of academic and co-curricular achievements. Our difference is that you have some impressive sports achievements, while I do not. Even though I am not part of VMI, I can surely say that you stand a good chance. Your SAT score and GPA doesn't fit into the majority average of VMI cadets, however. But with your AP scores and all, I think it won't be a major setback for your admissions.

If you want to increase your chances of admissions, I strongly suggest that you write a personal statement for VMI. Although VMI's policy makes it optional for applicants to send in personal statements, I still think it's a highly recommended step, as the admissions counselors at VMI can get a good grasp of your thoughts and values, and your plans and aspirations in VMI.

That's basically what I can derive from your credentials. Have you applied to VMI? If you have, then all the best to you! I hope I get into VMI as well, and I hope I can see you there. :)

P.S. A curious note: Are you a native Hong Kong citizen or an American residing in Hong Kong?
 
My ethnicity is Chinese but I hold a Canadian passport. Thanks for all your advice, and I hope you get into vmi as well. I've already applied and have written and sent in my personal Statement. Have you applied yet? Are you applying for early or regular decision and do you know when the admission results comeout?
 
My ethnicity is Chinese but I hold a Canadian passport. Thanks for all your advice, and I hope you get into vmi as well. I've already applied and have written and sent in my personal Statement. Have you applied yet? Are you applying for early or regular decision and do you know when the admission results comeout?

Yes, I've already applied as well, and I just sent in my documents and personal statement a few days ago. I will send in my TOEFL and SAT scores soon. I am applying for the class of 2016, regular decision. If I'm not mistaken, VMI operates on a rolling admissions basis, so the earlier you send in your application, the faster you'll get a reply. If you sent in your complete application recently, my guess is that the reply will arrive around February next year. The latest reply will be due in April, when all universities and colleges in the United States will have to release their decisions to all applicants.

For your information, my ethnicity is also Chinese. :D I know a friend from mainland China whose grandfather is a senior military general in the Taiwan Army, and he highly recommended VMI to me. Just to let you know.

Good luck!
 
For your information, my ethnicity is also Chinese. :D I know a friend from mainland China whose grandfather is a senior military general in the Taiwan Army, and he highly recommended VMI to me. Just to let you know.

Good luck!

The VMI Alumni network in Taiwan is huge! Every year, Taiwan sends three cadets to VMI on a full scholarship--one for each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force). They return to Taiwan each summer for military training, and they commission in the Taiwanese military upon graduation with a 10-year (!) service obligation.

Some of my best friends at VMI were from Taiwan. It was a great opportunity for them to learn about the US and for us to learn about Asia.

I also have VMI buddies from Ghana, Spain, Kenya, Great Britain, and France.

Good luck!

Jackie M. Briski '09
First Class PVT (Ret.)
 
The VMI Alumni network in Taiwan is huge! Every year, Taiwan sends three cadets to VMI on a full scholarship--one for each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force). They return to Taiwan each summer for military training, and they commission in the Taiwanese military upon graduation with a 10-year (!) service obligation.

Some of my best friends at VMI were from Taiwan. It was a great opportunity for them to learn about the US and for us to learn about Asia.

I also have VMI buddies from Ghana, Spain, Kenya, Great Britain, and France.

Good luck!

Jackie M. Briski '09
First Class PVT (Ret.)

Sounds like the VMI international population there is quite active and popular. I'm sure all those cadets represent their nation's armies, since I don't think there are many out there who wish to enter VMI based on a personal desire.
 
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