Citadel Questions

So this may be a very long post as I have many questions about the Citadel. I do not personally know anyone who has attended or graduated from the citadel so I don't have someone to direct these questions to. First of all I have been accepted for the Fall of 2015. I have seen posts about scholars night, what is the criteria for being selected for that? What is the pre-knob visit like? Do pre-knobs have to participate in anything such as PT? I intend on doing army rotc there, what is the citadels AROTC unit like? Where do most of the FTX's take place?
What do most cadets do on the weekends during general leave? I am from up north, will the transition to the heat and atmosphere be difficult? I enjoyed Charleston a ton when I visited! I can't wait to go back! I am also torn between civil engineering and business, as they both interest me. I am very good at math and applied as a civil engineering major, but a business major seems a lot more interesting to me. Lastly what can I do now to prepare for knob year? Sorry for such a long list of questions, and thanks in advance to anyone who responds!

usarmystrong97 said:

So this may be a very long post as I have many questions about the Citadel. I do not personally know anyone who has attended or graduated from the citadel so I don't have someone to direct these questions to. First of all I have been accepted for the Fall of 2015. I have seen posts about scholars night, what is the criteria for being selected for that? What is the pre-knob visit like? Do pre-knobs have to participate in anything such as PT? I intend on doing army rotc there, what is the citadels AROTC unit like? Where do most of the FTX's take place?
What do most cadets do on the weekends during general leave? I am from up north, will the transition to the heat and atmosphere be difficult? I enjoyed Charleston a ton when I visited! I can't wait to go back! I am also torn between civil engineering and business, as they both interest me. I am very good at math and applied as a civil engineering major, but a business major seems a lot more interesting to me. Lastly what can I do now to prepare for knob year? Sorry for such a long list of questions, and thanks in advance to anyone who responds!

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My son did not have to participate in PT, but he came prepared for it just in case. Not sure about your other questions, and I'm sure you'll get a bunch of input here, but if you're interested in majoring in business, have you looked into University of North Georgia as well? Cadets receive in-state tuition and the ROTC program commissions only Army officers (though there is a small unit commissioning Marine option). Some of the FTXs take place at Camp Frank D Merrill, where the US Army Rangers train. Worth a visit if you haven't yet been there. The next National Leadership Challenge is 14-16 NOV 2014. http://ung.edu/military-college/visit-campus/national-leadership-challenge-weekend.php

Curious

Hi Payitforward...just wanted to clarify something. Did you say the is a small unit commissioning Marine Option at UNG? Have never heard that and didn't know if you meant the Citadel instead. Please let me know and feel free to PM if you'd like. Don't want to take away from the topic too much on this thread. Thx.

payitforward said:

My son did not have to participate in PT, but he came prepared for it just in case. Not sure about your other questions, and I'm sure you'll get a bunch of input here, but if you're interested in majoring in business, have you looked into University of North Georgia as well? Cadets receive in-state tuition and the ROTC program commissions only Army officers (though there is a small unit commissioning Marine option). Some of the FTXs take place at Camp Frank D Merrill, where the US Army Rangers train. Worth a visit if you haven't yet been there. The next National Leadership Challenge is 14-16 NOV 2014. http://ung.edu/military-college/visit-campus/national-leadership-challenge-weekend.php

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USARMYSTRONG97:

Congratulations on your acceptance. I am a Citadel graduate and volunteer to assist the Admissions Office in answering student and parents questions in the mid-atlantic area.

First, as to choice of majors - which should be your absolutely No. 1 concern. Although I am not an engineering grad, and the Business School is very good, I would highly recommend you stick with your choice of the Engineering School. You will never regret having an engineering degree - or the opportunity an engineering degree opens for you. Today, whether in the military or private business, there are many great opportunities for engineering graduates. And you cannot beat the small class size at The Citadel where you will be taught only by full professors (there are no teaching assistants in the undergrad programs), or the individual attention available to you if you need help with your studies. The Citadel's programs for student academic assistance annually receive major awards for excellence. As an executive with a Fortune 50 Corporation involved with science and technology, I can tell you that many of our top business executives started out as engineers (including our chairwomen and CEO!). If you want to earn a business degree - go to grad school later.

As to your other questions:

Scholars Night:

Not able to find current reference to a "Scholars Night. Full Academic scholarship candidates are often invited to the campus for an interview. But here is the text from the Financial Aid office about entering Cadet scholarship opportunities (academic):

"Incoming freshman cadets are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their standard application for admission; school administrators determine scholarship eligibility and make award decisions upon the information provided on your college application. Prospective/incoming cadets do not complete a separate scholarship application. *Full Scholarships: some full scholarships do require additional candidate involvement such as writing an essay and participating in an on-campus interview. Award Notification: the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will notify all incoming freshmen about scholarship award decisions by April 30th."

Like anything in life - you need to be your own advocate and call or e-mail the Admissions Office and the Financial Aid Office (see the college web site) and let them know your questions regarding academic scholarships. They do not mind getting questions - and they tell me that the more interest you show in The Citadel (especially as you are accepted) the more interest they will show in getting you comfortable with matriculating. The college only wants Cadets who desire to become a Citadel Cadet - show your interest and ask your questions.

What is the pre-knob visit like? You are a guest, not a Cadet. You get to live in the barracks with Knobs, eat in the Mess Hall, see their daily routine, talk with them and get a first hand idea of what it is like during the 4th Class System. But you are not a participant - and no you do not have to do PT!

I intend on doing army rotc what is it like? The Army ROTC detachment at The Citadel is named "The Palmetto Battalion." It is the largest and oldest military unit at the college, and typically only West Point commissions more officers into the Army each May than The Palmetto Battalion of The Citadel. The college draws upon Palmetto Battalion's history for many of its military traditions. The Palmetto Battalion dates its history back to the college's founding in 1842. A member of the first graduating class of 1846 received a commission in the US Army and along with several members of the Corps of Cadets fought bravely in the Mexican American War. Army ROTC Cadets at The Citadel typically finish highly ranked among their peers in the Army's Cadet Command - which helps them achieve their branch choices upon commissioning.

Where do most of the FTX's take place? The PMS and his staff decide on this. There are numerous military bases near Charleston, as well as state and federal forest lands for conducting training. There are also special clubs for Cadets considering entering special forces training, such as the Cordel Rangers who do their own training in additon to ROTC. Check out the Army ROTC page on the college web site - and again write or call the PMS - he or anyone on the staff will be glad to talk to you - show them interest and it will be returned.

What do most cadets do on the weekends during general leave? Seriously? You have been to Charleston right? There are too many things for a college age person to do there for me to describe. I can promise that you will not be bored when off campus. The Citadel is a five or ten minute bus ride to downtown and the historic district. The several beach resorts are half an hour drive at most. There are several other colleges nearby so something is always going on among college students.

I am from up north, will the transition to the heat and atmosphere be difficult? I came down from New Jersey. The summer months can be brutally hot away from the beaches - no lie. The Citadel is located on the banks of the Ashley River which adds to the humidity. The middle of August (when you matriculate) will be very hot and humid. Take my advice - start running now and during the summer run during the heat of the day (being careful not to dehydrate). You run a lot at The Citadel as a Cadet. You will sweat. The Citadel requires every Cadet to do PT and Knobs will do more PT. Every Cadet must take and pass a standard physical fitness test - or they do more PT until they pass it. It is a military school, not Beer U. The new Commandant is an '89 grad - and just retired as the Commander of the Navy's SEAL Gp 3 special warfare unit - so he is keen on physical fitness. Be prepared.

Lastly what can I do now to prepare for knob year?
I suggest you start running - now. Run - and run some more. Check out The Citadel's web site under the Commandants Page. It has links to fitness programs that you can do before you arrive at The Citadel to be ready to pass the fitness tests every Cadet must pass. From the Commandant's page: "Cadets are reminded that they must complete Physical Readiness requirements every semester. This includes being screened for compliance with Body Composition Standards as well as taking the Physical Fitness Test. In order to remain physically proficient, the cadet must pass both assessments in both the Fall and Spring Semesters of the academic year."

Best of luck - let me know if you have more questions. And please do go to the Knob weekend - best way to know if you will fit the program!!

Regards Glen

Hello, thank you for your response. It is one of the most useful responses I have received. I have decided to stay with civil engineering as my major. I got my letter in the mail inviting me to scholars night! It will be during my pre-knob visit. I am excited to get the ball rolling! I may have questions randomly about The Citadel so thank you for your offer.

No way you could add much to what poster above has given you. A strong perspective he has given from the inside. Yes, The Citadel ranks high in their Engineering Field repetition. It would be my choice over the business.

And as he said run and be in shape. The heat will be brutal. I was just at parent weekend and they were falling out in like flies during parade .... heat and humidity and an 11:45 full dress parade time. Then a mandatory football game date @ 13:00 in full uniform in the Charleston heat!

And what to do recreation wise..... well he answered that. When I was in Charleston in the 70's there was nothing downtown. Now well geeze try to squeeze down the street. Let's see C of C, MUSC, The Law School, Charleston Southern, well you get the point. My DS was saying as we was down town the other night he hopes to get to stay a while before he has to head to branch school. Oh yea some want to get away from the uniform for a day and if they can run up the road a couple hours to University of South Carolina. I can't remember not sure you even get an overnight during knob year.... eave period is very limited.

On a side note.... the push at The Citadel has become to be like V-Tech, A&M or one of the others. Not that I am knocking those schools but that is not the pattern that made The Citadel what it is. I have seen each knob class have it easier in the last few years, of course everyone thinks they had it bad. And I am sure it ain't no cake walk. My DS says they are heading away from the strict military aspect but so is the military. He was expecting a stricter military regime type setting and has been disappointed. He is old school hard core military. You may be looking for something totally different than he was. What is for one may not be for the other.

Oh yeah good luck and congratulations!

Thanks "clueless parent" for the additional information/advice. I am curious still as to the scholars program. Has anyone attended that? What should I expect out of the interview? And how many people receive the full scholarships? I am supposed to get another email soon that will give me more information, I am just anxious for it to come!

There are approximately 25 full scholarships. These scholarships and at least some lesser scholarships are awarded to individuals who participate in the scholarship competition. Understand that DS competed several years ago, and there may have been changes. There were three opportunities to compete for scholarships. At that time The Citadel did not divide the scholarships up, so in theory all scholarships could have been awarded on the first session. In addition, approx. half of the scholarships are designated to SC residents. That being said DS attended the last session, is from out of state and still received a scholarship, so don't be discouraged. At the competition, DS had to discuss his paper in a round table setting with other students. He stated that some faculty observed and took notes.I believe that the topic was something like which of three or four advancements do you believe had the most significance. DS stated that his round table was diverse: a mix between, southern, northern, urban and rural. He believed that he scored well because he analyzed his paper and related it to the other students considering their backgrounds in a positive fashion. Based on my conversation with the head of the honors program his knob year, I believe that he was correct. I was told that the scholarship committee was looking for students who could not only present their own views, but who could also analyze the work of others. In other words, the committee was looking for not just good students, but also for students who could be independent thinkers. Dress appropriately, remember that your entire time on campus is an interview, and have a good time. Good Luck.

Thanks for all of the advice, it is helpful. I recently received an honors program application in the mail. What exactly is an honors program? And what is the benefits of participating in one? How good is the citadels? Would it help my future in the army? Thanks!

USARMYSTRONG97:

The Honors Program is great. I helped a female cadet from NJ get a full scholarship a few years back, she also was invited to enter the Honors Program in liberal arts. Upon graduation she decided not to commission in the Navy, but instead accepted an internship with one of the intelligence agencies in DC and after several years entered law school. She is now an attorney in DC working in the areas of international law and security. Go to The Citadel web page and under Academics you will find the Honors Program web page - lots of good information.

PS as to the Corp of Cadets and its toughness. The average Cadet today has more physical and academic stress than 20 or 30 years ago - guaranteed. IF you are in engineering - you likely will be taking 20 credits a semester. A liberal arts major typically has two majors or at least a minor in addition to his/her major and taking a large academic load. The old brutality of hazing first year cadets is gone - and for good reason. As anyone who has been in the military service can tell you - this is neither professional nor "tough" it is just stupid and would not be tolerated by enlisted or officer class. If interested in the military - there are plenty of opportunities to test your physical and mental toughness in real exercises within the ROTC programs and outside in the various special operations clubs. Guarantee - today's upper classes see more PT than I did as a 3d, 2d or 1st Class Army scholarship Cadet. It is up to the individual Cadet as to what he/she wishes to prepare for - as it is in real life. Good luck

One caveat- The honors program is best suited (and perhaps only suited) for liberal arts majors. Double check to confirm, but the requirements of most STEM majors preclude taking additional classes in unrelated majors.

Hey there. My son is a knob at the Citadel.

I highly recommend the pre-knob visit. My son did not have to do PT during his visit. He stayed the night with a knob with the same major (Mechanical Engineering). He said he found it very beneficial to get the up close and personal view. Obviously, it's not the "whole" view but you at least see what your schedule may be like and experience sleeping in the barracks (he slept on the floor) and mess food. He attended classes with his assigned knob as well.

Summer months are going to be HOT. We are from Florida and have similar weather and he's already a runner but what you forget is to hydrate. You are issued a camel back on matriculation day and are reminded to use it often.

He is also there on Army scholarship. Like I said, we are out of state, and the scholarship was the key to his attending since he could have had a free ride to an instate college (FSU). Like you, he was academically accepted early last fall. Once the scholarship was awarded, there was never another option for him. We visited the Citadel 4 times before his pre-knob.

I've seen him twice since August and both times he has told me he is happy with his choice. It's not always easy but he chose the Citadel for the education and the challenge.

As far as what there is to do in Charleston, Charleston is a beautiful city and they LOVE the Citadel. There hasn't been a weekend yet, where an alum or citizen hasn't praised my cadet or bought their meals or drinks on the weekends. I've never witnessed such support in my life (I'm a military brat). I would be remiss if I didn't point out my son's favorite past time -- The College of Charleston. Ratio is 8:1 (girls:guys).

From a mom's point of view -- I couldn't be happier with the Citadel. No school is perfect and you won't be happy 100% of the time. Academically, I'm thrilled that he is in small classes (under 30) and is being taught by the professors not aides. There are mandatory study times and free tutoring available. He has been assigned a host family that takes him whenever he wants on the weekends for some relaxation and a home cooked meal. His is an amazing family that I can see being part of his life forever.

Good luck with your decision.

For anyone wondering, I thoroughly enjoyed and was impressed by the citadel throughout my visit. My parents told me that they were offered lots of info and the administration was very helpful. I had many different briefings that described a lot about the citadel such as acadmics, rotc, honor code etc. I even got to meet the Dean of engineering! I also got to see how the knobs interacted with the upperclassmen as well as each other. It really confirmed that I wanted to go there and that it is definitely where I want to go. One last thing, the honors program is not only for liberal arts majors, actually more stem majors participate in the honors program than other majors. It works for any major, and is open to all.

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Brodie07 said:

One caveat- The honors program is best suited (and perhaps only suited) for liberal arts majors. Double check to confirm, but the requirements of most STEM majors preclude taking additional classes in unrelated majors.

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I am the Director of the Honors Program at The Citadel. Somehow, a mistaken notion about our program has taken root. The Citadel Honors Program is open to students of all majors. As a matter of fact, in most years a large number of our students major in STEM subjects such as engineering, science, and mathematics. Currently, for example, 46.76% of the Honors students are STEM majors. Engineering majors are able to complete the Honors Program because our Honors course requirements are comprised almost entirely of Core Curriculum courses--those courses everyone has to take in order to graduate, regardless of major. So, we are happy to have engineers in the Honors Program; please don't hesitate to apply.

Cluelessparent said:

On a side note.... the push at The Citadel has become to be like V-Tech, A&M or one of the others. Not that I am knocking those schools but that is not the pattern that made The Citadel what it is. I have seen each knob class have it easier in the last few years, of course everyone thinks they had it bad. And I am sure it ain't no cake walk. My DS says they are heading away from the strict military aspect but so is the military. He was expecting a stricter military regime type setting and has been disappointed. He is old school hard core military. You may be looking for something totally different than he was. What is for one may not be for the other.
Oh yeah good luck and congratulations!

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Very well put; and 100% accurate.