VMI Prospective Cadet

LophatYogurt

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2010
Messages
37
Hello Service Academy Forum,

Currently I am going to start my Senior year in high school and I REALLY want to get into VMI, but I do not know if I am able too, which we will get to later on. I plan on becoming a commissioned officer in the Air Force or Marine Corps, following my father's footsteps into a special operations pipeline...hopefully. Also, when applying, I do not know whether to do ED or just do regular decision. This is due to me taking my SAT again in October, and I do not know if I will have my scores back by then. If I request Collegeboard to send it in, will VMI get it in time for ED? I've been worrying about this, I recieved a letter to check out the citadel, but never have I once got one from VMI. After a year of requesting information, I finally received it a few days ago.

Details about me:

SAT Scores:
CR: 570
M: 550
W: 470

GPA: 3.2 on 4.0 scale (we will get to this after as well)
Class rank: 213 of 453

Extracurriculars:
I did not do any sports during High school, will this affect me? I worry that since I did not do any school sports, it will be a hindrance towards my acceptance. I plan on doing some this year, but I don't know if I can put it down on the application for ED.

Korean TaeKwonDo: 1 year (2 years after finishing high school and I WILL have black belt)
TKD Leadership class: 2 months currently, should I even put this down?
Red Cross Volunteer: One summer
Church Choir: 4 years (including senior year)
Strings: 5 years with school, 6 by myself
County Orchestra: 5 years
Church volunteer: 6 years (includes summer, and every sunday for helping teach kids)
I think thats it? Maybe there's more, but I can't think of any :shake:

Awards:
County Computer thing-2nd place
Violin award

Senior Schedule:
AP English Literature & Comp
AP Stats
AP Physics
AP Human Geo
Psychology
Sociology
Str & Body I and II

Rest of CGS Schedule:http://www.cgsva.net/cgs/public/program/schedule.aspx (More later on :rolleyes: )

Now my high school in general:
Basically, during 8th grade I applied for this program Commonwealth Governor's School to help challenge me during High school (more info: http://www.cgsva.net/cgs/public/program/index.aspx). Now, for those of you that took your time to read it. With CGS, High School has been very difficult for me. During Freshman, I was careless in school and didn't realize the importance of it and had Bs, Cs, Ds, and even failed a foreign language. Sophomore year, i picked it up, but only slightly and having a combined GPA of 3.0 (Not on a 4.0 scale). This year, I again picked it up, receiving As, Bs, and C+s with a GPA of 3.8 (Again not on a 4.0 scale). Totaling to a 3.41 for my GPA for these three years. During high school, I also took 3 AP Exams, receiving a 1 in European History, a 3 in U.S. Government, and a 2 in U.S. History. (5 being the highest) I plan on dropping the European history score and considering doing the same to my U.S. History. Senior year, I plan on working extremely hard to help bring it up for the Mid-Term grades to boost up my GPA and class rank.
_______
I know its progressively getting better, but I don't think I have the grades to make it in or the extracurricular activities. When first starting high school, I was planning on enlisting and trying to get into TACPs or PJs, but I decided to go ahead and get an education first at the last minute. My uncle, a VMI alumni, told me about the school. I plan on visiting the school, but I do not know if I should do the overnight or schedule a tour. I am also nervous on the interview because I'm afraid I will not know the right answers to their questions. I love how VMI has a Martial Arts Club and I would also like to join the Rifle team. If I forget anything, feel free to point me out and I will correct it. Any advice on the application process is welcomed as well.

Thank You for those that took your time to read this and trying to aid me with my "dilemma".

Sincerely,
Prospective Cadet

PS I would like to thank Citadave for his unknowing contribution for my outline of this thread.
 
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Others can answer better, but wanted to let you know that you should continue to improve, try for the school(s) you are MOST interested in. VMI lives by a strict honor CODE -
You should answer any and all questions HONESTLY, thoughtfully and maturely pointing out your lessons learned, challanges faced, etc - as you did above.
Your uncle as an alumi could write a letter of recommendation -
Contact the band personnal at VMI - if you are interested in continuing your musicial involvement.
I would imagine that VMI will LOOK closely at this year's test scores and grades.
If you want VMI the most, you should then apply for early decision - and TRY to visit - not only for yourself, but to have a prearranged chat with admissions or staff. I know that VMI offers an overnight visit - you should contact admissions and see what the dates are and try to come this fall.
You deserve to reach for what you want most - work hard, improve scores and grades as much as possible.good luck larrys mom
 
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Thank you for your quick responses,

I am taking the October SAT, but I fear the scores will not arrive in time for the Early decision and with the ones I currently have, I won't make it. In general I feel that I will not be able to make it into VMI cause of my performance and lack of high school sports. Is there a Physical Test I have to take before getting into VMI? Cause right now I am working on the requirements, but I also do not think I will be ready in time if it is a few months.
 
I see lots of views, but no more replies? Thanks for the help guys, but I need some answers :shake:
 
I'm not really sure what your question is and I'm not sure that anyone here can actually answer what I suspect you want to hear. Here's my best shot:
-Are you a lock to get in with the GPA; Class Rank and SAT scores that you have posted? No.
-Are you a competitive candidate? I would say yes- you have a pretty rigorous schedule in a very competitve High School- that will work in your favor I believe. If you want to improve your odds- do as you have planned and work to get your SATS up on the next round of SAT testing.
-Is the lack of a team sport a show stopper? No. Most of your peers will have that in their background but Tae Kwon Do is an individual sport which requires a great deal of personal commitment and training as does your music background and accomplishments. You won't have to take a PT test for VMI prior to matriculation so you have a lot of time to greatly improve your physical conditioning. In addition to your Tae Kwon Do- get out and run- it's free and you will make faster strides than you think possible. Here is a link to a fitness training plan that the VMI Athletic Dpt put together to help prospective Cadets train for the VMI Fitness Test:
http://www.vmi.edu/show.aspx?tid=37099&id=2414

My recommendation: go sign up for the next overnight open house visit and get a feel for yourself if this is the right place for you and a feel for what you need to do to get in- you will have a chance to schedule an interview with the admissions office at that time. The first one of the year is September 17/18. Schedule is below:
http://www.vmi.edu/Admissions.aspx?id=7189&rsm=4294968043

A few salient points below from the student profile of the class of 2013 (The new Rat mass profile isn't posted yet.) You can judge for yourself how you stand relative to the "norm" of those who got accepted. Keep in mind that this is a profile of those who got in and every case is individual- your record shows that you have strengths and weaknesses just like the rest of the applicant pool. You have one semester left in HS to continue to demonstrate that you are steadily strengthening the areas that you feel weak in.


Class Rank
Top quarter 132 (47%)
Second quarter 101 (36%)
[B]Mean SAT Verbal score[/B]: 565 Mean SAT Math score: 571
Mean SAT Composite score: 1136
Average High School GPA: 3.41
Extracurricular Activities
Officer, student body/class 56 (11%)
Team Captain 205 (42%)
Student government 59 (12%)
National Honor Society 137 (28%)
Athletic team (2 years) 416 (85%)
Boys' State/Girls’ State 55 (11%)
Eagle Scout/Gold Award 62 (13%)
Club Officer 138 (28%)
JROTC or CAP 94 (19%)
Band 83 (17%)
Chorus 32 (7%)

Good luck
 
Thank your Bruno for the fast reply and you did answer all my questions. It is appreciated. I am trying to get as prepped as I can for Early Decision so I want to get this all down and ready. I started the fitness program p90x recently, but I am considering tackling on the fitness regime that VMI posted as well. But I think I will stop the p90x when school starts in a few weeks cause I have weightlifting every day all year. I talked with my counselor yesterday and she said that I have a high chance that my SATs will make it to VMI before/during my early decision process so I shouldn't worry about that.

Thanks for clearing up the team sports thing, I was really worried about that one because like the stats you posted, 40% are Team captains and that got me going. TKD is very demanding, I go 4 times a week, and on Saturdays I do it for 3 hours year round. I love it :D

I plan on going to the overnighter, but what should I expect? My alumni cousin didn't go to one, but made a schedule for an interview. He got to talk to the Rifle Team Coash as well, but he said that you roughly get placed in the areas of your interest and live it out for a day.

Thank you again,
Prospective Cadet

EDIT: When filling out the application process, I plan on taking Winter Track and Tennis during my senior year. If I apply for ED, do I put those down or leave it blank?
 
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I'm guessing that you'll be admitted with those numbers/activities. Sounds like you're from Virginia, too, so even better.

Class of '99 here. Rah Va Mil.
 
I visited VMI, and they said that a letter of recommendation from a VMI alumnus goes a LONG way in the application process. they even recommended me to find a VMI grad and get to know him so he could write a letter for me.
 
So far I have three Alumni that can write Recommendations, but how do I submit these (cousin, assistant pastor, friend's father)? or is 3 pushing it? Do they go in with the high school transcripts, secondary school report or stuff?

Thanks guys for the input. I'm really motivated to get into VMI, I do not know what I would do if I didn't make it :eek:

I also looked up the itinerary for the overnighter and I probably plan on majoring in psychology or something.

Yes, I am currently living in VA, but was born in Offutt AFB, Nebraska :p
 
LPY:
If you have 3 good recommendations I'm sure that is fine. I had to call the VMI Admissions office to check on how you submit them- per Mrs Caldwell in the Admissions office there:
IF you are submitting a hard copy of the admissions application- have the individuals who are writing your recommendation place it in a sealed ; signed envelope and include it with your application.
IF you are doing an online application- have them send it directly to the VMI Admissions office , ensuring that they identify clearly who they are recommending (ie... Subject: Letter of Recommendation, Lo Phat Yogurt, Arlington VA; 123- 45-6789). The Admissions office will put it into the file that they start on every applicant. If the letter of Recommendation gets there before the application - not a problem- they will just keep on adding to the folder as items arrive.
You probably ought to think about having one of your letters be from a teacher - even if that means dropping one of your alumni. I often caution prospective applicants that it is really important to understand that you are GOING TO A Rigorous College. Over the years I've seen lots of kids that get so caught up in the military aspects of VMI that they forget that the military is a framework in which to pursue your degree. All of the spitshining; brasso and pushups in the world won't keep you from flunking out if you don't understand the priority of things. So one of the things VMI wants to know is not just that you can survive and thrive in the military side of things, but also that you are academically prepared to function in that environment. So a teacher's recommendation is a valuable piece of input for them.

VMI's applications will become available September 1st. LPY and the rest of you: good luck- this will be an exciting time for you.

So far I have three Alumni that can write Recommendations, but how do I submit these (cousin, assistant pastor, friend's father)? or is 3 pushing it? Do they go in with the high school transcripts, secondary school report or stuff?

Thanks guys for the input. I'm really motivated to get into VMI, I do not know what I would do if I didn't make it :eek:

I also looked up the itinerary for the overnighter and I probably plan on majoring in psychology or something.

Yes, I am currently living in VA, but was born in Offutt AFB, Nebraska :p
 
I say go ahead and apply ED, if you're absolutely certain that VMI is your #1 choice.

Worst case scenario, you get deferred. Being deferred from ED isn't all that bad. It simply means others who applied ED had stronger application packets, but if you don't have any red flags (sketchy legal history, medical issues that can't be waived, etc.), they'll still automatically consider you for RD.

If you're serious about this, make sure you're in regular contact with the folks in Admissions. They're extremely helpful and their job is to answer your questions. One of the primary criteria they're looking for is proven interest in VMI. If you're dedicated enough to overcome the general societal phobia of picking up the phone, they're more likely to remember your name when the packet comes across their desks. :smile: Also, if you send an email, consider it to be an opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills.

Definitely go to the Open House. If you can, go to the very first one. The rats will be excited to share Ratline stories with you. I went to an Open House in September of my senior year, and two of my hosts became two of my closest friends. They strained the crap out of me during the Ratline, but they also made sure I was taken care of. I was very involved in the Open House program in my four years there in various capacities. I can tell you that they do an excellent job.

Good luck,

Jackie M. Briski '09
First Class PVT (Ret.)
 
I signed up for the first open house and got a confirmation email stating that they will basically keep in touch.

By the way, I had to drop my sociology class because it didn't fit into my schedule and I picked up a community volunteer class, Learn and Serve. It was either that or Tech Drama, I do not know if I made the right choice though figuring I have 150+ hours of community service during high school.

I feel pretty sketchy on the interview though, will it be during the open house or will i have to schedule one?
 
You don't have to do an interview at all. But- you have questions- the very best time to get them answered is while you are there. You would need to request an interview with the Admissions office.
This is gonna be true for any interview at any school - a little preparation will go a long way to making you feel better and to getting something out of the interview and as RahVaMil says- it will improve their percveption of you. Make a list of questions about the things you are a little unsure of or can't find out easily on the web site yourself:
Subjects I would ask them include:
What is the timeline for admissions decisions? Tell me what happens if I apply for ED and don't get accepted- does my file get looked at again for regular admission?
Admissions essay- it's optional- if you write one is it considered in the decision process?
Financial Aid opportunities? How do you apply; when are the decisions made etc....
What % of kids who matriculate graduate in 4 years by major?
Are there opportunities for overseas study? How many kids get accepted?
Life style questions- what is the drop out rate from the Ratline?

Questions about the core curriculum and how it relates to the curriculum requirements by major? When do you have to declare a major? Is it possible to change majors?
Specific questions about a major.
How do I get credit for AP courses taken in HS?

Questions they may ask you:
Why do you want to go to VMI?
What is your best & worst subject and why?
What major are you interested in pursuing? Why?
Why aren't you playing any sports in HS?
Why are you involved in the extra curricular activities that you are doing?
Your GPA and class rank are below the avg for entering cadets. What caused that? What changed if you are showing steady improvement etc...
Do you want to be commissioned?
What other schools are you applying to?

An interview is a chance to let them see your face and to ask the questions that you really would like to get some answers for. It's not something to worry about. You'll do fine if you just think about it before hand- write down what you want to ask, be personable and talk to the person as opposed to their feet or the wall behind them- and don't get too wrapped around the axle with before hand!:wink:
 
Ok, I guess I have to schedule an interview sometime in October or something.

By the way, got accepted to the first open house sept 17th. Hopefully, see some of you guys there :p
 
Sounds like you've got a pretty good chance of acceptance but the answer is always NO until you submit the application. Send in everything you have and you can always send in additional information to be added to your file. My son is currently at VMI and they tend to look favorably on a "well rounded" person instead of one particular thing. As you have already heard, PT is a big thing and you need to do all the running, sit ups, and pull ups that you can, especially up and down hills since the only flat ground at VMI is the parade deck and the football field. As a Virginia resident you will qualify for in state tution and that is a really big help in itself. Schedule an overnight visit and see if it's really what you want. My son did overnights at the Citadel and VMI and it helped him make up his mind about VMI. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks a bunch, I started Cross country last week and it has been KILLING me, going from 15-20 miles a week to 40+ and I went in with no prep for long distance running. So far though the warm ups are a lot easier than last week and Im hoping to do a meet next week :p

My vmi overnighter is next week friday, but I don't know whether to wear dress shoes or these nice trainers I just got for free running. So far, just planning on wearing polo/khakis both days and it's suppose to be REALLY good weather.

I've already started getting recommendations, need to give my counselour my Secondary school report when she comes back the 23rd and I just need to send in my new OCT Sat scores!

Next step: decide which ROTC i want to do, debating marines or af

EDIT: Also, I'm almost finished writing my essay then send it to RahVaMil2009 for opinions :p
 
A few suggestions:

Attire: Unless you have an interview don't bother with wearing nice dress shoes. Bring a pair of comfortable clothes to change into after the days festivities are completed.

Selecting ROTC Programs: Unless you're seeking a commission or actively seeking a scholarship (i.e. commissioning); the NROTC (Marine Option included) and AFROTC will not accept you. It used to be anyone not commissioning would sign up for AFROTC, but they're all getting the boot now and everyone is getting sent to Army unfortunately. As a member of AROTC i find it frustrating and little ridiculous, but hey, what are you gonna do. So i'd make sure of your intentions before finalizing the paperwork.
 
Yeah, I plan on commissioning after College. And you are saying bring along jeans and stuff for after khakis and stuff? And I guess Ill bring some tennis shoes or something
 
Selecting ROTC Programs: Unless you're seeking a commission or actively seeking a scholarship (i.e. commissioning); the NROTC (Marine Option included) and AFROTC will not accept you. It used to be anyone not commissioning would sign up for AFROTC, but they're all getting the boot now and everyone is getting sent to Army unfortunately. As a member of AROTC i find it frustrating and little ridiculous, but hey, what are you gonna do. So i'd make sure of your intentions before finalizing the paperwork.

Wow. That's new. I graduated in '99, and we had spec. studs in all the branches, even USMC.
 
After discussing the matter with one of my BRs who participates in AFROTC; I found out that if a non-commissioning cadet wants to stay in his/her respective ROTC program they will be allowed to stay (I believe this is just AFROTC). As I understood him, they are only introducing this starting with 11+3. As far as upperclassmen, they should be good to go. I have noticed a lot of former USN and USMC ROTC cadets have recently switched to Army. So far their haven't been to many problems besides drawing gear... Any questions before, during, or after about any and all things VMI feel free to pm me. As i'm sure the rats do not know everything you will most likely ask them. If I do not know the answer I'm sure i'll be able to get you what you need. Good luck with your open house. Take it all in, make sure this is the place for you, and please ask every question you have. Don't look back on this experience and wish you would have asked about a certain aspect of the school that could have made or broken your decision to attend or not.
 
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