VMI's Institute Honors Program

[NewJersey2019]

Hi everyone,

I am curious about VMI's Institute Honors Program - what exactly is it, how difficult is it to be accepted into and to retain membership, what does it require beyond the average cadet's coursework, etc.? Does anybody have any information or experience to answer these questions about the Program?

Also, how difficult is to receive an academic scholarship to the Institute? Are those offered scholarships required to be members of the Institute Honors Program?

If I were to attend VMI, my top choice for a major would be International Studies.

Thanks!

 

[FLW]

My DS just received a full Institute Scholarship to VMI beginning this August. The process involves a separate application for the program, a couple of essays, and an on-post interview, usually conducted during an Open House overnight program. Recipients of these ARE required to join the Institute Honors Program, which involves maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and (in addition to the regular coursework):

- participating in honors electives each semester;
- two honors seminars during the four years; and
- an honors thesis in the final year.

He is planning to major in mechanical engineering, so he knows that he will get barely any sleep! As to how tough the scholarships are to get, I honestly can't say. But my DS had good (not super-stellar, but very solid) grades in high school (about a 3.7 overall GPA roughly), and a number of extracurriculars, including sports, student government, Civil Air Patrol, and community service trips both locally and internationally. So it's not just grades and academics, but a well-rounded profile that can help.

Please note that we're new at this; my DS will be a Rat this fall. And I obviously don't speak for VMI, only for our experience as a family. If you are a junior (or earlier) in high school this year, this would be a great thing to plan to apply for.

 

[NewJersey2019]

Thank you FLW, all my questions were answered. Good luck to your DS!

 

[dannyh1100a]

honors program

if you get into the honors program at vmi, do you also get a full scholarship? also, can you get into the honors program as a freshman? or do you have to wait until after the ratline?

 

[FLW]

The size of the scholarships can range pretty widely, I think from about $5000 per year up to a full ride. It's not need-based but merit-based (although VMI seems pretty good about making need-based offers as well). Also, you can indeed apply as a freshman applicant, although you should note that this is a separate application process in addition to the application for admission. My DS will be a Rat this fall and has already received a full Institute Scholarship. He has yet to enter the Rat Line ... He will see many of you on this board as a Brother Rat this fall (actually starting at STP).

VMI has information on their Admissions site, under "Costs and Aid", about the program. If you find that page, you can click on the tab that says "Institute Scholars" and take a closer look.