Senior military school vs regular university with AROTC

IronArk

5-Year Member
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Nov 18, 2012
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So I'm at a senior military school (TAMU) and to be honest I hate it. I've even had my military science instructor tell me that the cadet corps life here doesn't have any real bearing on my futur as an officer. So I'm wondering if transferring to a non senior military institution would be a viable option for someone in pursuit of a military career? Or is 4 years of unhappiness worth it?
 
Sounds like you answered your own question. If a SMC doesn't affect your future as an officer (other than guaranteed AD), and you're unhappy, then why stay?
 
So I'm at a senior military school (TAMU) and to be honest I hate it. I've even had my military science instructor tell me that the cadet corps life here doesn't have any real bearing on my futur as an officer. So I'm wondering if transferring to a non senior military institution would be a viable option for someone in pursuit of a military career? Or is 4 years of unhappiness worth it?

Just a couple questions.

What year are you at TAMU?

Are you on a ROTC Scholarship?

A student will usually do much better if they are at a school in which they feel comfortable and enjoy attending. If you have another school in mind that you would much rather attend, and you can transfer credits it may be in your best interest to make the switch. If you miserable now it may only get worse. Other then the guaranteed AD there would not be any effect on you as far as branching or receivig a commission. If you feel you would succeed better at a different school the swith could actually help you when it comes to requesting your branch. If your on a scholarship that will include some further issues you would need to research, if you are not on scholarship then the switch shouldn't be difficult.

Best of luck.
 
Just a couple questions.

What year are you at TAMU?

Are you on a ROTC Scholarship?

A student will usually do much better if they are at a school in which they feel comfortable and enjoy attending. If you have another school in mind that you would much rather attend, and you can transfer credits it may be in your best interest to make the switch. If you miserable now it may only get worse. Other then the guaranteed AD there would not be any effect on you as far as branching or receivig a commission. If you feel you would succeed better at a different school the swith could actually help you when it comes to requesting your branch. If your on a scholarship that will include some further issues you would need to research, if you are not on scholarship then the switch shouldn't be difficult.

Best of luck.

I fully endorse Jcleppe's comments. I would also add one question/comment. Make sure its not just the "nonsense" freshman typically go though at an SMC. eg. Ratline at VMI, etc. I don't know what the traditions are at TAMU. Might you be about to turn a corner?
 
Make sure its not just the "nonsense" freshman typically go though at an SMC. eg. Ratline at VMI, etc. I don't know what the traditions are at TAMU. Might you be about to turn a corner?

Really good point about freshman year. Do some thinking about it during winter break after exams. You would be able to think better without the stress of school. As Jcleppe said keep in mind ROTC scholarship may need some work to transfer. Any TAMU scholarships will not transfer. It may be hard to secure a non rotc scholarship as a transfer at a new school. Many things to think about.

If your still miserable though it may be better to switch.
 
Kinnem and NorwichDad,

Great point about the "First year" at a SMC, I had not thought about that since neither son attended a SMC. It's sometimes hard to look past the first year when your in the middle of everything. Having a chance to clear your head over the break may help a lot.
 
When our daughter started at TAMU I attended a parents lecture. Among those speaking was the then cadet commander and his parents. Both said the experience was a roller coaster. I found that be a pretty accurate description. As for the other comments - sounds like pretty good advice. Good idea to talk to some people whose opinions and guidance you trust. No one school or program is right for every single person. As the finals week approaches keep you eye on that ball and that prize, and then spend the upcoming Christmas break doing some soul search-bank account-options research. Best of luck, not just with the exams but also with life decisions which are in front of you.
 
Thank you all so much for your input and advice! I am a freshman, and I will definitely be using the break to decompress and think things over, as well as see how second semester goes. I am on scholarship, however it only covers about half of my expenses, and the school I'm looking at transferring to is close enough to home that I could commute (saving me room and board) so it would end up being a little cheaper than my current situation. Thanks again for all the input!
 
Thank you all so much for your input and advice! I am a freshman, and I will definitely be using the break to decompress and think things over, as well as see how second semester goes. I am on scholarship, however it only covers about half of my expenses, and the school I'm looking at transferring to is close enough to home that I could commute (saving me room and board) so it would end up being a little cheaper than my current situation. Thanks again for all the input!

If it's an AROTC scholarship, you would need permission from the brigade to transfer it. This is not automatic.

A possible downside of leaving TAMU is that you would forfeit the right to be outraged by Aggie jokes, assuming you can understand them.
 
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