People have posted good advice like looking at class size, school size etc. Even most VMI Cadets will admit that although VMI has a sizable list of cool opportunities and stuff. VTs list will be longer, it’s a larger school. However, I think the biggest deciding factor for me when I made the same decision came down to really thinking about exactly why I was interested in SMCs at all. For me, it wasn’t just about being more ready for a career as an an officer, or leadership/discipline training. Those are good reasons for an SMC, and if that’s why you want them, go to VT. If you have decided to look at SMCs because you want a rigorous and even harsh training experience not because that’s the single key to being a leader (it’s not), but because you don’t to look back and wish you went the harder path, go to VMI. The VTCC is great from people I’ve talked to, and it will set you up very well for any career, but it’s truly not as rigorous of an environment. There’s privileges VT Cadets get while they’re Rats that I won’t have until graduation. So I’d let your motives guide the decision.
Thank you so much for your advice!
As a cadet, do you enjoy VMI so far? And are you planning on commissioning?
No problem. Do I enjoy it: mostly no, this is true for anyone. It’s just not a fun place to be. I knew that going in. Am I glad I chose VMI: absolutely. The relationships with my Brother Rats are priceless and I wouldn’t trade those for any comfort or quality of life improvement. There are some fun/funny times here and there, especially as you get up in class. But there aren’t nearly enough of those on their own to make it worth it, and that’s okay.
Sorry if I am asking a lot of questions. But did you adjust to the new lifestyle quickly? Or did it take you some time to get used to it?
Hmmm. This question is interesting. A few different interpretations. On its face, the transition is quick. Hell week demands a quick transition. You’re plunged in the deep end and you don’t have time to think about the concept of transitioning. Then after hell week, there is a noticeable transition. You’ll realize you’ve been sorta brainwashed into not doing anything without your cadre yelling at you to do it. Within the next week or two you get used to being on your own. Of course there’s another transition after breakout and another when you return as a third and there are Rats that aren’t you.
Now really how long does it take to get used to not being a civilian anymore? I don’t know. You won’t really think about it all that much. Every once in a while I’ll look over to the rifles in our room and our uniforms and realize how weird it all is that this is “normal” now. Doesn’t bother me, actually makes me proud, I didn’t want a normal college. Or when we’re discussing what permits we need to utilize if we want to try to leave post and the finer points of making sure we’re following all stipulations so we don’t have to turn ourselves in for breach of permit. This is just normal now. Now being home around guys from high school is weird. You’ll very quickly realize when you head home for
Your first furlough that you’re life is so drastically different from all your friends and they really won’t understand that stuff you’re used to talking about with your BRs. Anyway...long winded, but hopefully insightful.
Thank you so much for your response and taking your time for responding with your busy schedule. This was something I wanted to hear from a Cadet. I really appreciate it. I have decided to attend VMI next fall!
+1 AF6872 run.
Run hills. VMI is very hilly. You cannot run too much. Be sure to build up slowly so you don't get an injury like a stress fracture, planter fasciitis, tendinitis. You don't want to start out on GIM! Add 10% per week to your total mileage. Try to work up to doing a few 2-3 mile runs a week and a one longer 4-5 miler.
Push ups, sit ups. You will be doing lots of these too. Pull ups for VFT.
+1 AF6872 run.
Run hills. VMI is very hilly. You cannot run too much. Be sure to build up slowly so you don't get an injury like a stress fracture, planter fasciitis, tendinitis. You don't want to start out on GIM! Add 10% per week to your total mileage. Try to work up to doing a few 2-3 mile runs a week and a one longer 4-5 miler.
Push ups, sit ups. You will be doing lots of these too. Pull ups for VFT.
Yes I will! I have been training for 3 weeks now. Thank you for the advice!
Thank you so much! I’m very excited to attend VMI!
Congratulations! Make sure you are running hills, doing pull ups, etc...The Rat Line is no joke and several Rats, my Son being one of them said although he had worked out incredibly hard for two years and thought he was mentally ready....he said he was not...nothing can prepare you for the first 6 months of Rat Line. So remember work hard, it is a mental game, and you can sleep when you are dead. Good luck! My Cadet is loving life now!