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.." or "they really didn't want to accept women.." or references to strong hazing.
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.
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.." or "they really didn't want to accept women.." or references to strong hazing.
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.