I'm Currently Waitlisted from VMI and I Haven't Heard Back

I applied to VMI for regular admission as a transfer applicant and I received a letter back in April and they waitlisted. During that time, I spoke to one of the admissions counsulers and they said that they will notify me by mid June whether I'm accepted or denied. Unfortunately, I've never heard back from them since April and it's already close to August (a month before matriculation day). Also, some guy who attended VMI said that it's possible for the admissions counsulers to respond back at the very last minute righth before matriculation day. Is this true?

Am I the only applicants who's experiencing this or is there someone who's going through the same boat as I'm?

I'm really frustrated because fall semester is approaching closely and i will at least a month to prepare to move to the barracks if they offer me an acceptance letter. I'm also transferring from a community college and if I don't hear back from them by 2 second week of August, I'm assuming they aren't considering Waitlisted applicants anymore and I'll be staying at my community college for another 2 full semesters.

Have you called? This late in the game I would absolutely call and get an answer.

NavyHoops said:

Have you called? This late in the game I would absolutely call and get an answer.

Click to expand...

Good advice.

I did call them today and I'm not sure why but they gave me a cheesy response. They said that I'll have to wait until mid August. Kind of ridiculous. How could they do such things to their applicants? What would they make them think it's okay for them to send me a response at the very last moment when upcoming first year cadets are supposed to be prepared to move in and go through the harsh week boot camp exercise during matriculation week? It would make more sense if this school is an regular 4 year university, but not so much with a military school.

Were they able to tell you where you are on the waiting list? Did you speak with your assigned admissions representative (not sure if they do that there, I know my 4 kids at other schools had an assigned one), or just a general person in Admissions? Perhaps they have to wait for the date tuition is due to see who actually enrolls to determine how many spots are available. Frustrating. I would suggest being ready to go - perhaps purchase what may be on their packing list (but not any school-specific things, just things you can use anyhow, but perhaps in the colors they require).

Wow, that is unfortunate. Were you able to ask some follow up detailed questions. Some that come to my mind... What date will I hear by? If I don't hear by xx date, should I call? How many are on the wait list? What percentage are traditionally accepted off the wait list? I agree, this sucks, but from a school perspective they are probably thinking if they want this bad enough, then they will wait. Looking at the VMI website it says 22 Aug is Matriculation date. I am not sure on your specifics, and to be honest they are none of my business, but I think you need to sit down with Mom and Dad or whomever is your life, and have a critical conversation.

- Not sure if you are in state, but VMI is pricey, are you guys prepared to come up with the funds for a 22 Aug Matriculation at the last minute?
- What is your drop dead date to know? Money, prep, etc are all key factors in this.
- If this is what you want, the exercise part is the part that costs the least to prepare for. Running, push ups, sit ups, core exercises can all be done around the house with no cost. If you don't go, all you are is in better shape. If you want this then the workout part should be automatic by you.
- What about purchasing the things you would need, keeping the receipts and return if not accepted.
- I would suspect this late in the game there will be some kids who turn down the wait list. The bottom line is how bad do you want this and how long are you willing to wait?

Good luck. I hope you hear soon.

John -- as always, good advice above from NavyHoops.

From a recent briefing, competition for entering VMI class of 2016+3 is very tight again this year. Over 1900 applications were submitted. They are expecting between 490-500 to enter. The academic stats for this entering class show an average SAT score (CR + Math) near 1200 and an average GPA of 3.6. Included in the 500 are 56 ladies and 80 recruited athletes.

I've seen on-line here and other places that VMI is an easy school to get into since its acceptance rate is around 40-50%. First off, 40-50% isn't all that "easy." It means 60-50% that apply don't get in. This perception of an "easy" 50% acceptance rate comes from the historical stats that shows VMI gets 1900-2000 applications each year and then makes ~900-1000 appointment offers to fill their 500 slots. This statistic hides the real difficulty of entry. First, there are only 500 slots for entry each year, so while VMI may make 1000 offers -- they can only fill 500 slots. They have to make the appointment offers in a "rolling admissions" fashion so they don't bust their 500 cap. They start by making offers to the folks with the best all-around records. Many of those folks are also competitive applicants to the Service Academies. So they will accept the VMI appointment, and then cancel late in the process (June) when and if a Service Academy appointment comes through. What's my point -- if your record is "competitive" for gaining a Service Academy appointment, or a national ROTC scholarship, your chances for getting into VMI are very good. If your record is "average" or less, getting one of the 500 slots is going to be difficult.

The Service Academies have now all begun their Basic Cadet Training programs, thus no more kids with VMI appointments are going to be getting last minute phone calls offering them a Service Academy appointment that would free up a slot on the VMI roster. The VMI Summer Transition Program (STP) ends this coming Friday. About half the entering class (~250) attended STP. My guess is that a very small number may decide now after STP that VMI isn't for them and will withdraw--again I expect the number will be very small. It's going to come down to where you rank on the waitlist and how many of the currently filled slots open up before 22 August. You might ask VMI admissions, if you call again, where you are on the waitlist (near the top -- in the middle -- or lower down) to give you an indicator.

Sincerely -- best of luck to you.

Tuition is due August 1st. Perhaps they must wait to see if anyone already appointed drops off at that point.

I understand your frustration. VMI list of what to bring is very specific, so if you are purchasing items make sure you are using the official list. Save any receipts in case you need to return it. I would be ready to matriculate on Aug 22nd and ready to report to plan b as well.

Best wishes.