Challenges of evaluating from the west coast

Thanks for the update. Ya'll will make the right choice. These are all very good school, albeit different, schools, with their own strengths and challenges. Our son decided on TAMU last night, up to the end I thought he was leaning towards SUNY Maritime. He said while he loved the idea of New York he didn't think he should choose a school based on a city but rather where he thought he could do the best, learnt the most. We'll see how it all turns out.
 
Scholarship question

Thanks Lawman and we'll see where his heart invariably lands. Quick question for the experienced folks here...The ROTC Scholarship applications re-open in June and we want to get an early start (my DS is a junior). In short, I want to get him in the prep-mode for the essays etc. Are there any reference websites or threads on this board that give some insight into the essay topics or similar? Would really appreciate any guidance so he can start crafting his future essay. Thanks!
 
Hi folks..it's been some time since I posted. Much has happened and my DS has made the nationwide trek to all the SMC's. Wow..that was fun but expensive. Some of you have been gracious enough to send me contact info of your DS/DD that are current cadets. Unfortunately I lost some of that and would really appreciate it if you could send again. I am looking for my DS to chat with current cadets to get additional insight. Thank you again !
 
visits

SGTLee said:
So my DS attended the most recent Norwich NLC weekend and had a very positive experience........We'll also be hitting UNG and TAMU in the fall (JCAP Weekend at TAMU). Want to make sure he has all the info he needs to lean towards the best option (for him). So far only VMI is off his list and since he has to "live it" for 4 years, it has to appeal to him.
Click to expand...

Roughrider said:
Off his list of choices, or places to visit? If he's not applying, do you mind sharing why? I understand this is all subjective. Just interested in another perspective.
Click to expand...

Still interested as well...
 
NAS - thanks for the inquiry. This may sound a bit ambiguous but my DS continues to express a lack of interest in VMI. I've tried not to impose too much since it is his experience and am also loosely aware that when visiting one SMC he did hear some "less than positive" comments about VMI from current cadets. I've made it very clear to take these comments with a "pound" of salt and to consider the "messenger" vs the message.
 
SGTLee said:
NAS - thanks for the inquiry. This may sound a bit ambiguous but my DS continues to express a lack of interest in VMI. I've tried not to impose too much since it is his experience and am also loosely aware that when visiting one SMC he did hear some "less than positive" comments about VMI from current cadets. I've made it very clear to take these comments with a "pound" of salt and to consider the "messenger" vs the message.
Click to expand...

SGT Lee,

My DS (17 year old rising Senior) was at VMI for soccer camp for three days in June and then toured USNA, USMA, and the Citadel. (We could not afford the time or cost to visit any others)

VMI went from being the top SMC under consideration to nearly falling off of his radar. He too was rather vague about why he felt this way.

He gave me more of the feeling that he was far more excited about his experience visiting the Citadel then any negative experience at VMI. His goalkeeper coach for the soccer camp at VMI was a VMI alum, and he lived in the VMI dorms, so he had plenty of exposure to the environment.

Regarding the Citadel, he loved Charleston, and was super impressed with the recent graduate (Army officer bound), who conducted his tour of Citadel.

Right now he says his favorite was USNA, then Citadel, then USMA and last VMI.

Now I gotta raise the money to ship him back to Annapolis for CVW!
 
Interesting, but not surprising--VMI is definitely not for everyone! And it's tough to compete with the accomodations or locations of the other "military" colleges out there when you're shown such a spartan existence and given a cot to sleep on for 4 years! It's a bit of a strange place for some, but I suppose it's why guys like Chesty Puller end up there! Plus, it's hard to compete with a paid education from the service academies! Good luck raising the funds to visit the USNA--at least you won't be paying tuition!! ;)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top