VMI and the Citadel

[ldybtlr]

First let me say that I am not looking to start a bashing session between two military colleges. What I am really want is some honest discussion on what the two colleges have to offer and why we should look at my son going to one over the other.

We have visited VMI and are scheduled to visit the Citadel in the beginning of December.

VMI does not have the major my son wanted but he is interested in the international studies or psychology as an option.

He is concerned about the fact that the Citadel is not a complete miltary college as it allows civilian students in ... and the concern is that this will dilute the cadet experience.

Any thoughts would be helpful as we work through this comparison and decision. I would especially like feedback from cadets and their family members.

[mom3boys]

If your son wants a "complete" military college, why doesn't he apply to one of the 5 service academies?

[nmlcfp]

Our son was accepted to The Citadel but chose to go to Kings Point instead. He really liked the school but his overnight visit was a bit boring so he decided to go to KP instead. I hear great things about Citadel (one of my colleagues at work went there) and I think it is a good choice. The only thing I didn't like about it was that more than half of the Cadets are from South Carolina. Other than that, I liked it.

[NROTC-Hopeful]

Basically let me sum it down for you,
because i've researched this a lot; 'Citadel vs VMI' and it's distinguishable differences.
And from what i can report, i can tell you, the only difference between these two respectable colleges, is location.

Lexington, Virginia - VMI - Rural, surrounded by the scenic Shenandoah

Charleston, South Carolina - The Citadel- Big city life, bordering beautiful beaches.

And try not to worry about the few hundred civilians that attend The Citadel, because i heard they hardly come in contact with the Corp, because they take classes in the evening, and they are usually soldiers earning themselves an education. Similar to Norwich.

Also, take into consideration tuition for both of these colleges for out-of-state.
$21,031 + $5,750 = Citadel
$ 35,730.00 = VMI

In the end, you will receive the same result. A young man/woman that is respectable; and ready for the 'real' world. (Not to mention; a close to a 100% job placement guarantee after graduation)

[prayl001]

I went to the Citadel my freshman year of college and did an overnight to VMI. Both produce the same "product." Don't worry about the civilian thing at The Citadel, it is rare a cadet comes in contact with them and I do mean rare. The biggest difference is how they are treated freshman year. At VMI you are rats and the rat experience does not last the entire year unlike knob year at The Citadel (yes you guessed, it lasts an entire year). The other biggest difference is the fact that at The Citadel, "knobs" have to brace when inside the barracks (even as they run from point A to B when inside the barracks). Bracing is fun, you get to bend back at the waist and pull your chin inside your chest! Oh and eyes are completely open, "dear in head lights" is best way to describe it. But honestly both will provide a first class education. But I loved Charleston; so much to do when there was slight "free" time. VMI is in the middle of nowhere. Both schools carry a great name and legacy and are golden tickets to any successful job. The only thing I hated was the tuition thus why I had to leave. But hey I joined the Marine Corps which (sorry) is better than VMI or The Citadel Hope this does some clarification. But honestly other than the few things I pointed out, either decision, he won't go wrong with! Semper Fi

[NROTC-Hopeful]

Originally Posted by prayl001

The other biggest difference is the fact that at The Citadel, "knobs" have to brace when inside the barracks (even as they run from point A to B when inside the barracks). Bracing is fun, you get to bend back at the waist and pull your chin inside your chest! Oh and eyes are completely open, "dear in head lights" is best way to describe it. But honestly both will provide a first class education. But I loved Charleston; so much to do when there was slight "free" time. VMI is in the middle of nowhere. Both schools carry a great name and legacy and are golden tickets to any successful job. The only thing I hated was the tuition thus why I had to leave. But hey I joined the Marine Corps which (sorry) is better than VMI or The Citadel Hope this does some clarification. But honestly other than the few things I pointed out, either decision, he won't go wrong with! Semper Fi

I hope you know rats have to 'brace' as well. It's called straining, :P

[bruno]

Originally Posted by NROTC-Hopeful

Also, take into consideration tuition for both of these colleges for out-of-state.
$21,031 + $5,750 = Citadel
$ 35,730.00 = VMI

This is not correct- the correct costs for new cadets are at the links below:
http://www.citadel.edu/admissions/cost.html

Cost Information
2009-2010 SC Residents $21, 729
Non-SC Residents- $35,539

http://www.vmi.edu/admissions.aspx?i...20_307_btnlink

Virginians Non-Virginians
$ 18,182.00 $ 35,730.00

[sprog]

^^^^ As a VMI alum, I am really pretty bummed that the costs have increased to this level. I graduated 10 years ago, and was an out-of-state cadet. I'm thinking this is at least $10K more per annum than what I paid, and maybe even closer to $15K. I guess this is happening everywhere in higher education (outside of tuition-free institutions, obviously). It really is a shame. If I were a college-age kid today, I highly doubt that my parents could have ponied up the necessary cash to afford VMI out-of-state. I mean, I guess this is going on most places but geez, it really seems like the costs of college are exceeding inflation/cost of living increases by at least 3-fold. I dare not even mention the impact of the recession. Hopefully, given VMI's endowment, there will be more money available to prospective cadets. Given that selectivity has increased, I would hope the school would find a way to make sure that bright kids can attend the school, without cost being a barrier. One of the things VMI used to always say when I was a cadet, is that it doesn't matter if you are rich, poor, or middle class...you all start on the same playing field. I can only hope that the opportunity for the poorer or middle class kids doesn't go away because of costs. At least Virginia kids can still attend at a more reasonable rate, and I guess that's important. Given the uniqueness of a place like VMI, it seems to me there should be some regional agreements with other states to offer a reduced fee (something like the maritime schools do). Wishful thinking, I guess.

[11BRAVO]

We have visited VMI and The Citadel several times. I had a CO that attended The Citadel. He was a good commander. I think your point about The Citadel having civilian students on site is a negative for someone looking to emerse themself into a military environment. VMI is a very spartan lifestyle and the men and women that attend there appreciate it. VMI is also undergoing major capital improvements. The post grad VMI network is one of the strongest anywhere. If you are a VMI grad you will get a job. There are plently of VMI alums all over the country that are looking out for their brothers. VMI is also steeped in history and tradition. Stonewall Jackson, Chesty Puller, George S. Patton...and the famed Battle of New Market where VMI cadets stormed the battlefield.
The Lexington, VA area is very quiet and a good place to attend school. I know each school would love to have your son.

[prayl001]

Citadel just started a Veteran's program as well. Right now they have an evening program, so unless you are on active duty or a cadet you will 99% not be in class with a civilian. Now they have a veterans program where if you served on active duty, got honorably discharged, etc, you can attend the Citadel as a daytime student. So now (starting in January), they will see civilians. The civilians are not part of the Corps of Cadets and do not have to take ROTC. There is a link on the citadel admissions page.
I guess I didn't know VMI "braced or "strained" because when I did my overnight I didn't see them doing it. But it sucks, trust me!