VMI Acceptance

Me too , looking forward to meet you all from Raleigh, NC.
Just turned in my paperwork last week and waiting for in-state tuition approval :)

DS is from NC going to VMI. What do you mean that you are waiting for "in-state tuition approval?"
 
I was accepted back in December and am pretty much set on VMI. I am just in the process of getting all of my medical forms filled in so I can submit my deposit. This was the only military school I applied to because I am not so much interested in the military aspect (I don't plan on commissioning) but the values instilled during one's cadetship and the amazing uniqueness of VMI. I look forward to making the lifelong bonds with my BR's.
Does anyone have any suggestions for ways to prepare for Matriculation? I recently started doing Seal Team Training, a rigorous program at 5:45am each morning that was designed after the real Navy Seal BUD/S training. Besides that, I am looking for ways to get ready! Also does anyone have advice about what to pack when I leave for VMI in August? Thanks!

I would recommend going to the summer program if you can.
 
For the parents, If you do Facebook, there are several groups for VMI parents and friends with good information:

VMI Parents Council
VMI Family & Friends
VMI Parents

These are "closed groups" so you will have to send a request to join. Let them know you have an accepted future Rat with a reservation and they are very accommodating
 
turtlerunnernc, hillcher, et al -- You bet!

If you don't mind, let us know on this thread if you join those Facebook groups so we can look for you and reconnect there.

Really looking forward to meeting everyone on 22 Aug 2015.
 
For the parents, If you do Facebook, there are several groups for VMI parents and friends with good information:

VMI Parents Council
VMI Family & Friends
VMI Parents

These are "closed groups" so you will have to send a request to join. Let them know you have an accepted future Rat with a reservation and they are very accommodating

I sent a request to the family and friends. The parents ones listed were for specific classes 2017 & 2018 so I didn't request those. Maybe one will start for 2019.
 
For what it's worth, HIGHLY recommend the Summer training program--aka "pre-Strain Summer." Definitely goes a long way in preparation for the challenges of the ratline... and knocks out some credits before hand. Definitely worth the time and dough.
 
My DS is signed up for STP - please note it is very important to sign up as early as you can so your DS/DD can get first crack at the class he/she may want to attend. Some of the classes may have a wait list. My DS cannot wait!!
 
Oh FYI - parent's weekend and matriculation weekend - most Lexington hotels are already booked or closing fast. I strongly encourage VMI parents to go ahead and book these weekends or you'll be staying in Roanoke. STP weekends on the front and back end don't seem to be as much of a problem.
 
turtlerunnernc, hillcher, et al -- You bet!

If you don't mind, let us know on this thread if you join those Facebook groups so we can look for you and reconnect there.

Really looking forward to meeting everyone on 22 Aug 2015.


The VMI parents' site let me join but not the others. I think y'all can probably figure out who I am based on my name above.
 
Oh FYI - parent's weekend and matriculation weekend - most Lexington hotels are already booked or closing fast. I strongly encourage VMI parents to go ahead and book these weekends or you'll be staying in Roanoke. STP weekends on the front and back end don't seem to be as much of a problem.

Ugh. Was afraid of that. Will have hubby reserve today.

Still waiting on approval from parent page as well.

AROTC Scholarship acceptance mailed today. &$%@ just got real LOL!!

Almost started to cry on my run today, ugh. I'm going to be a blubbering mess :-/
 
Sorry - it's the VMI Parent's Council. Still waiting on the VMI parent site.

Yep -- found you -- looking forward to meeting in person

The other VMI FB sites will get back to you -- it just takes a little while sometimes.
 
Life at VMI...
As far as tips and preperation goes:
-Nobody is ever fully "prepared" because life at VMI and the Ratline is so shockingly different than the real world.
-PT.
-If you look at the website it will tell you all the stuff you need for matriculation. Get mother's shining stuff, lincoln wax shoe polish. Seriously.
-PT.
-Remember why you came to VMI and keep your dreams close because it's easy to lose sight of what you want during the grind.
-PT. The reason I put this three times is that everybody is going to get tired-that's a fact. But you want to be able to be as mentally tough as you can be coming in so you don't have ANOTHER thing to worry about or get singled out for. Remember that the lion eats the slowest buffalo in the pack. haha
-My Dad told me to take it one day at a time. And if necessary, just "make it to the next meal". They legally need to let you eat (I think) so I could always count on that brief but welcome break. Well, it was sort of a break. Not gonna ruin any surprises for you.
The catalog is going to use words like "spartan" and "character building" and I think that sums it up. It's pretty different from other SMC's and federal academies and even more different form civilian schools. You're going to have to wear your uniform, or some type of uniform, every day while at VMI. 24/7. You will have to go to formation a few times a day, which sounds cooler than it is. Basically you line up and people make sure you are there and in the right uniform (because they said so!). Rain or shine this will happen. I have literally formed up during a hurricane and a blizzard. Rah.
You are going to be geographically and technologically isolated during the Ratline. That's why you get so close to your brother rats. That among other things...
Honestly "Life at VMI" is something I could fill up a blog with. Go on an overnight, visit, or talk to cadets and alumni.
spar·tan
ˈspärtn/
adjective
  1. showing the indifference to comfort or luxury traditionally associated with ancient Sparta
My husbands ancestors were a VA First family all the way back to the Revolutionary War. My 1st grandson due next month is going to be named "Jackson". So we were very attracted to the tradition and history of VMI. I traveled with my son to visit and interview it is Very impressive, also very intimidating, Dorms look like a Cell block. His Comments after the tour "People pay for that kind of abuse?" He did receive a 4 year ROTC offer. ........... He took the easy way out and got an appointment at USNA? :)
(Note: All in good fun , it really is such a splendid tradition)
 
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