VMI- STP rough schedule

Hello,

I am asking if anyone knows what a rough schedule looks like at a typical day of the Summer Transition Program? Also, what are some key take aways from the program and what are some tips/things we should pack/what to expect? Thank you!

My DS did STP in summer 2015 . . . here is his remembrance and advice:

Typical day . . . wake up early (~0600) . . . do organized group PT (0630) . . . breakfast (0730) . . . then class (0800) until lunch (1200) . . . then more class after lunch until 1500 . . . then intramural sport activity after class . . . then dinner (1830) . . . evening for doing homework and making friends.

Take aways: Get to know your future BRs, Learn where things are on Post, Realize upperclassmen will be observing you, You are not yet in the "Rat Line" but be respectful to upperclassmen there for summer term

Things to pack: Polo shirts, shorts, couple of pair of athletic clothes to tide you over until they issue "gym dyke", socks, running shoes . . . they will issue combat boots and low quarters (black dress uniform shoes -- don't pre-shine the shoes -- you will be taught how to shine your shoes during Hell Week -- if you already have shined shoes during Hell Week, then you will get to do extra PT while others are learning to shine their shoes. )

How to have fun: Enjoy 4th of July festivities, Walk around and get to know Lexington (it is a neat small town), Do the VMI offered activities and field trips, Tube in the Maury River . . .

Here is the link for the VMI STP site and the "appearance" requirements:

http://www.vmi.edu/academics/summer-programs/summer-transition/details/

"Throughout the Summer Transition Program a neat personal appearance and adherence to the other VMI Summer Session rules and regulations are required. Appropriate dress in the dining hall and in classes is as follows: for men, shoes, jeans or slacks, dress shorts, and shirts with sleeves designed for outer garment wear are required; for women, shoes, jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses, dress shorts, and blouses with sleeves designed for outer garment wear are required.

Both men and women are expected to wear either shoes or sandals with straps. Flip flop or shower shoes are not authorized. With the exception of females, who are authorized to wear earrings, students are not allowed to wear body-piercing adornments while on Post.

All students should also bring running shoes and clothing for physical training."

Falcon A said:

Take aways: Get to know your future BRs, Learn where things are on Post, Realize upperclassmen will be observing you, You are not yet in the "Rat Line" but be respectful to upperclassmen there for summer term

Click to expand...

Great advice and information from Falcon A (as usual). STP is a good opportunity to knock out some credits, get used to the layout and get to know some future BR's. Just remember you are not in the Rat Line yet and life during STP is nothing like life as a Rat. Not trying to scare you, just enjoy your time at STP but realize things will be very different as a Rat.

Dadof2 and Falcon A described it perfectly- this is a really worthwhile adjustment to VMI and college in general. Choose wisely and take the course that is most likely to require the most effort - because you will have all kinds of time and attention at STP to get that A. The guys my son hung out with in STP became his room mates 3d,2d and 1st class year and are his best buddies still today. It is a valuable experience, the only downside is that it is a pretty expensive 3 or 4 credits if you happen to be a non-Virginian. As Dad of2 cautions- it isn't the Ratline either. That warm cuddly feeling when you climb into your rack with your comforter during STP will disappear when you matriculate!

One more comment about STP: Do it if you can, but don't stress about it if you are not able to attend. It is worthwhile and has the benefits stated in previous posts, but it is OK if you can't afford it or can't fit it in your schedule. It's a "nice to have" not a "must have".