VMI chances

F

feounicorn

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
9
I applied to VMI a few days ago and I was wondering how I measured up to other people and what my chances of getting in are. In high school I completed 4 years worth of classes in 3 and graduated with a 3.69. I played soccer all 3 years, leadership team, student county council (school rep) and was award the Emily couric leadership award for my school. I did awful on the sat because I knew I was going to community college which didn't even need the sat. So those arnt up to par. I'm going on 31 credits at my community college. 3.0 gpa. Some honor classes. I have a LOR from a 3 star general so I'm hoping that could maybe over look my SAT? What do you guys think or suggest? I also have an interview Monday and wrote a personal statement.
 
We're gonna need to know your SAT score.... If it's really just TERRIBLE I don't think they would overlook it.
 
You could have retaken the SAT earlier this year (or I should say last year) to up your score. If your scores are really that bad it would make me question both your judgement and commitment to VMI. Your judgment because:

1. SATs always matter. They live with you for a long time, your story being a case in point. SO to me your rationale for the poor score wouldn't cut it or at least indicates poor judgement.

2. You didn't retake the SATs to up your score when you knew it would matter.

That's not to say you can't make it though, especially since you haven't revealed your actual scores.
 
When in doubt, ask the people that really count, the admission staff at VMI, explain your strengths and challenges to them.

Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen Average GPA 3.47
3.75 and Above 30%
3.50 - 3.74 24%
3.25 - 3.49 17%
3.00 - 3.24 18%
2.50 - 2.99 10%
2.00 - 2.49 1%
SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen SAT Math 530-620 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800 4%
Score of 600 - 700 34%
Score of 500 - 600 51%
Score of 400 - 500 11%
Score of 300 - 400 0%
Score of 200 - 300 0%
SAT Critical Reading 510-610 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800 4%
Score of 600 - 700 28%
Score of 500 – 600 50%
Score of 400 – 500 17%
Score of 300 - 400 1%
Score of 200 – 300 0%
SAT Writing 490-580 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800 2%
Score of 600 - 700 19%
Score of 500 - 600 50%
Score of 400 - 500 26%
Score of 300 - 400 3%
Score of 200 - 300 0%
ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen ACT Composite 22-27 range of middle 50%
Score of 30 – 36 6%
Score of 24 - 29 55%
Score of 18 - 23 36%
Score of 12 - 17 4%
Score of 6 - 11 0%
Score of 5 or Below 0%
https://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg02_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=1567
 
They look at your verbal and math and i believe verbal is your reading and not writing so I would be at 900 for my SAT when their average for the school is about 1050. I did not know they would need my SAT until it was too late to retake it other wise I would have.
 
+1 kinnem

I suspect you are interviewing with Major Jessica Hyde. Regardless, whomever you interview with will expect you to address this.

Therefore - make a plan to deal with this head on. Show the Admissions staff you screwed up, have a plan in place to rectify it and will not take this kind of issue lightly again.

You do have pluses to your record. But how you handle this glaring weakness and what you show them will likely make the difference.

The VERY first phrase you learn at VMI is "NO EXCUSE SIR!"

I suggest you adopt that motto asap and go in next Monday with a rectification plan like:

1) I screwed up, No excuse sir!

2) I own it.

3) Here is what I am doing to fix it:

- registered for Kaplan/Princeton review Course or similar (bring copy of receipt)

- allocated 'x' hours/week to study to improve (show schedule with hours blocked off)

- signed up to take SAT or ACT at next possible seating

4) tell them you understand if it disqualifies you initially but tell them your drive is so strong you'd happily 'sit on the bench' (waiting list) until you can show them a stronger score

If done so in an honest, direct fashion I suspect that would be appealing.

Final thought: for everyone person at VMI you know you are seeing pre-address thank you notes and stamp them so you can handwrite a few lines of personal gratitude. Drop them in the mailbox in Lexington on your way out. this will show you are serious and had forethought - unlike your initial foray on the SAT. Take extra note cards & stamps in case you meet others so you can do the same.
 
feounicorn said:
They look at your verbal and math and i believe verbal is your reading and not writing so I would be at 900 for my SAT when their average for the school is about 1050. I did not know they would need my SAT until it was too late to retake it other wise I would have.
Click to expand...

there is an ACT coming up on Feb 8th. The ACT is a more predictable test and thus can be more easily mastered. You may be too late to register BUT could always do a 'walk in' (standby) and see if there are any open seats.

ACT takes on avg 2 weeks to report scores.

Two best books for studying ACT are the red book by ACT itself and the Princeton Guide. If you went & bought each this weekend you could cram all next week and probably do a fair job on that ACT
 
feounicorn said:
They look at your verbal and math and i believe verbal is your reading and not writing so I would be at 900 for my SAT when their average for the school is about 1050. I did not know they would need my SAT until it was too late to retake it other wise I would have.
Click to expand...

OK. So I guess I have to rephrase my point number 2 to "you should have known it would matter".

Look. I don't know you. I'm sure you're a fine, upstanding, young adult. Your GPA and completion of high school in 3 years tells me you have some kind of work ethic and ability to apply yourself. However, I think you need to wake up and so apply yourself in all areas of your life. It can only be to your benefit. "I didn't see that coming" isn't an excuse in the adult business world or in the military world. Part of your job will be to foresee what's coming or might be coming, wherever you end up. I wish you nothing but the best of luck and hope all your dreams come true. :thumb:

EDIT: BTW, I've had similar discussions with my own son when something he should have known, but didn't, bit him on the butt. Up until now it was Mom and Dad's job to know and look out for you. Now it's your job to know and look out for yourself. Step up to the challenge. And once again, good luck!
 
Last edited:
DS is anxiously waiting to hear from VMI (applied RD about 10 days after ED cut-off)
Applied USNA....Accepted to Norwich and The Citadel, would do you think of chances for VMI:
3.3 UGPA (AP & Honors classes)
89/379 23% School Rank
ACT Math-26 Eng-22
JROTC 4 years; leaderhsip positions currently Vice Commander
3 Varsity years soccer and baseball
 
I'm meeting with an alum of VMI class of 1958 this coming week so hopefully an alumni interview helps me out too.
 
Good luck. If you don't get into VMI this time, try again next year.
If it looks like you won't get into VMI at all, then I'd say apply to the other SMCs. From what you say about your record, you'll definitely get into the citadel or norwich. Again, good luck!
 
NAS said:
Good luck. If you don't get into VMI this time, try again next year.
If it looks like you won't get into VMI at all, then I'd say apply to the other SMCs. From what you say about your record, you'll definitely get into the citadel or norwich. Again, good luck!
Click to expand...

Ouch! Here we go again!
 
I did interview with someone and was told at midterm (from current college) to send my grades and if they're all As I'll get a conditional appt which would mean if I finish the semester off with all As and pass all the medical stff I'm in.
 
feounicorn said:
I did interview with someone and was told at midterm (from current college) to send my grades and if they're all As I'll get a conditional appt which would mean if I finish the semester off with all As and pass all the medical stff I'm in.
Click to expand...

Good! Then it is entirely in your hands :)

You will find this embodied in the saying inside Jackson Arch as you enter Old Barracks

"You can be what you RESOLVE to be"
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

Good luck!
 
VMI82 said:
Good! Then it is entirely in your hands :)

You will find this embodied in the saying inside Jackson Arch as you enter Old Barracks

"You can be what you RESOLVE to be"
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

Good luck!
Click to expand...

:thumb: The emphasis on Jackson's quote over the arch is on the word RESOLVE. It's different than wanting - Resolve is driving thru your obstacles and doing everything in your power to achieve your goal. Good luck feounicorn- I hope you achieve your goal.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top