RPI or Virginia Tech?

Angie9715

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2015
Messages
62
Well, with the arrival of the TWE and all, I have to send a deposit somewhere. Right now, it's between RPI and VT. I'm leaning toward RPI because they gave us the most affordable financial aid package out of all the places I was accepted. But I feel like the Naval Academy would rather see someone come from a school with a CoC (like Virginia Tech). I already started my co 2020 app.
What are your thoughts?

Also, does anyone have any recent experience with ROTC at RPI?

All input is appreciated. Thanks!
 
I think you are an amazing high school senior. If I were you, I'd pick RPI for the financial aid package offered. Trying to pick a college to second guess the admissions board at the USNA is a losing game. There have been kids accepted the second time around out of community colleges.

FYI, congratulations on being the first in your family to pursue a college education. DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!
 
Thank you. I have my fingers crossed for an appointment next year.

I promise, I won't give up "the ship". :)
 
Well, with the arrival of the TWE and all, I have to send a deposit somewhere. Right now, it's between RPI and VT. I'm leaning toward RPI because they gave us the most affordable financial aid package out of all the places I was accepted. But I feel like the Naval Academy would rather see someone come from a school with a CoC (like Virginia Tech). I already started my co 2020 app.
What are your thoughts?

Also, does anyone have any recent experience with ROTC at RPI?

All input is appreciated. Thanks!
My DS is an MSII in the Mohawk Battalion (although at Siena, not RPI). If you don't get a response from someone at RPI, feel free to message me and I can send you DS's contact info to answer any questions about the Battalion. Congratulations !!
 
Agree, kids get picked from all kinds of sources. The school you will do best at and position you for the best reapplication package is the right school. Where does your heart tell you to go? What happens if you don't get in or you decide you like it and want to stay? Pick that school. Also, money does come into play for that scenario, so its good to see what it would cost for 4 years. I know its hard to think about this scenario, but its reality and you can't plan with blinders on. Think of it as if you are a brand new officer... You don't just plan for the perfect scenario. You plan for the best scenario to accomplish the mission and prepare for all the crazy things that could happen along the way. Good luck on your new adventure. Hope to see you reapply and get that BFE.
 
Thank you all... I have decided that I will be submitting my deposit to RPI next week. They have a NucEng program, whereas VT does not. So I guess that is the best option for me.
 
Thank you all... I have decided that I will be submitting my deposit to RPI next week. They have a NucEng program, whereas VT does not. So I guess that is the best option for me.
Congratulations! As one with degrees from both RPI and VA Tech, I would assure you that both are well-regarded and both provide great opportunities for academic and professional development. If RPI offered you the lowest net cost of attendance, then so much the better.

Unfortunately, I can't help you from "recent" experience with ROTC at RPI.
 
Well, with the arrival of the TWE and all, I have to send a deposit somewhere. Right now, it's between RPI and VT. I'm leaning toward RPI because they gave us the most affordable financial aid package out of all the places I was accepted. But I feel like the Naval Academy would rather see someone come from a school with a CoC (like Virginia Tech). I already started my co 2020 app.
What are your thoughts?

Also, does anyone have any recent experience with ROTC at RPI?

All input is appreciated. Thanks!
Sorry man, I got a TWE this year too. I'm going to Villanova hopefully with an NROTC scholarship. I don't think it matters what school you go to as long as you do ROTC and study something relating to STEM
 
I feel weird about this... I already feel like I'll be unhappy at RPI. Ever since I thought about applying to college, I envisioned myself at USNA. That is the place where I felt I would fit in best. I'm finding it hard to get excited about attending RPI. It's not that I don't want to get excited about it, or have a good time, but it's that I feel like it's not going to "fit". I'm also secretly scared that I'll like it too much and not want to reapply to the Naval Academy... And I don't just feel that way about RPI, I would feel that way about any other college that I would've gone to except for the Naval Academy. Is anyone else having this problem?
 
Lots of people are feeling this and a million other things! totally natural. Go in with an open mind and give it a chance. If you like it too much, nothing is wrong with that! If you hate it, there is your motivation to apply again. Even kids standing in line in I day will have crazy thoughts, doubts, excitement, etc. You are off to college to learn about others, study, make new friends, expand your horizons, challenge yourself not only academically but in every possible. It's also your chance to make decisions for yourself as an adult. With those decisions come consequences. You are going to have tons of emotions over the next few months, roll with them and enjoy your last few months of high school and college!
 
Thanks for the advice, NavyHoops. And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one...

But, are Navy/Marine Officers from USNA generally regarded as "better" Officers than those from civilian colleges' NROTC programs?
 
Good officers come from all commissioning sources. Your sailors or marines could care less where you went to school, what you majored in, what your GPA was. All they want is a good leader who learns/knows their job, will support them and takes care of them. Everything is about taking advantage of the opportunities you are presented with.
 
I would add to NavyHoops last comments, that is all your superiors care about too. They could give a hoot about where you went to school. All they are interested in is performance and results. The same is true in the private sector.
 
NavyHoops and kinnem, thank you. That is quite reassuring. I got that feeling, but I really needed to actually hear it (or, in our case, see it) from someone with more experience than myself.
I'm going to try my absolute best and work my butt off to be the best officer I can be.
 
Back
Top