VMI Acceptance

USNAco2019hopeful

5-Year Member
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Jan 15, 2014
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Today I received my acceptance to the Virginia Military Institute in the mail today (regular decision). Although as my name suggests USNA is my first choice, I am still quite happy to be accepted to this institution. I was also curious as to who else on this forum has been accepted thus far, and any recommendations current students have about life at VMI and possible tips for the Ratline.
 
Jarhead1775 and Strength and Honor are in their first year at VMI. I'm sure you could PM either of them if you have specific questions.
 
I received my acceptance letter last Tuesday earlier this week.
 
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Yeah, if y'all have any questions on what REAL Ratline life is like, PM me or Strength and Honor. We're actually pretty good friends so I'm sure he'd say the same things as me. Rah VA Mil.
 
Been out of town for the holidays. DS found BFE from VMI with offer of appointment today dated 19 Dec 2014 (rolling admissions). DS is very happy. Dad is very proud.
 
Congratulations Falcon! (And Dad should be very proud. :) )
 
DS has his conditional appointment and did an overnight visit this past weekend. VMI is his first choice school. Working on his packet now. Physical is next week, working on financial aid paperwork to see if we can afford it. Out of state tuition is steep!

We loved the school and were very impressed.
 
I was accepted back in December and am pretty much set on VMI. I am just in the process of getting all of my medical forms filled in so I can submit my deposit. This was the only military school I applied to because I am not so much interested in the military aspect (I don't plan on commissioning) but the values instilled during one's cadetship and the amazing uniqueness of VMI. I look forward to making the lifelong bonds with my BR's.
Does anyone have any suggestions for ways to prepare for Matriculation? I recently started doing Seal Team Training, a rigorous program at 5:45am each morning that was designed after the real Navy Seal BUD/S training. Besides that, I am looking for ways to get ready! Also does anyone have advice about what to pack when I leave for VMI in August? Thanks!
 
I was accepted back in December and am pretty much set on VMI. I am just in the process of getting all of my medical forms filled in so I can submit my deposit. This was the only military school I applied to because I am not so much interested in the military aspect (I don't plan on commissioning) but the values instilled during one's cadetship and the amazing uniqueness of VMI. I look forward to making the lifelong bonds with my BR's.
Does anyone have any suggestions for ways to prepare for Matriculation? I recently started doing Seal Team Training, a rigorous program at 5:45am each morning that was designed after the real Navy Seal BUD/S training. Besides that, I am looking for ways to get ready! Also does anyone have advice about what to pack when I leave for VMI in August? Thanks!

My son went to the overnight last weekend. He was advised to run a lot of hills, by many cadets. They said do lots of push ups, sit ups pull ups and run, run, run.

I believe the website has a list of what to bring. Something lime 18 pair plain white underwear, 18 pair long black socks, watch, alarm clock without radio. That is all I remember off the top of my head.
 
Life at VMI...
As far as tips and preperation goes:
-Nobody is ever fully "prepared" because life at VMI and the Ratline is so shockingly different than the real world.
-PT.
-If you look at the website it will tell you all the stuff you need for matriculation. Get mother's shining stuff, lincoln wax shoe polish. Seriously.
-PT.
-Remember why you came to VMI and keep your dreams close because it's easy to lose sight of what you want during the grind.
-PT. The reason I put this three times is that everybody is going to get tired-that's a fact. But you want to be able to be as mentally tough as you can be coming in so you don't have ANOTHER thing to worry about or get singled out for. Remember that the lion eats the slowest buffalo in the pack. haha
-My Dad told me to take it one day at a time. And if necessary, just "make it to the next meal". They legally need to let you eat (I think) so I could always count on that brief but welcome break. Well, it was sort of a break. Not gonna ruin any surprises for you.
The catalog is going to use words like "spartan" and "character building" and I think that sums it up. It's pretty different from other SMC's and federal academies and even more different form civilian schools. You're going to have to wear your uniform, or some type of uniform, every day while at VMI. 24/7. You will have to go to formation a few times a day, which sounds cooler than it is. Basically you line up and people make sure you are there and in the right uniform (because they said so!). Rain or shine this will happen. I have literally formed up during a hurricane and a blizzard. Rah.
You are going to be geographically and technologically isolated during the Ratline. That's why you get so close to your brother rats. That among other things...
Honestly "Life at VMI" is something I could fill up a blog with. Go on an overnight, visit, or talk to cadets and alumni.
spar·tan
ˈspärtn/
adjective
  1. showing the indifference to comfort or luxury traditionally associated with ancient Sparta
 
My son received his conditional appointment and all our paperwork and deposit is in!! We are so proud. We are a local family(next county over from VMI). We were wondering about Sunday's while the cadets are on the Ratline. Is it possible to be your own Rats "host family"(and other rats too)?
Thanks for all the info!
 
Still waiting impatiently on 3rd board AROTC. Unfortunately, being out of state it is not affordable for us without the scholarship. We have everything crossed as it is DS first choice.
 
Me too , looking forward to meet you all from Raleigh, NC.
Just turned in my paperwork last week and waiting for in-state tuition approval :)
 
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