VMI Open House

gd305

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Feb 17, 2018
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Hi, my son just registered for the Open House in October. Does anyone knows if the parents has a session as well and if there is, where can I get like a sample schedule. Thanks
 
Thank you but I believe this schedule is for future cadets only.

^^^No . . . Bruno gave you the right agenda/schedule that is posted on the VMI website for an "open house"

In the past, the parent(s) and the prospective cadet attend the briefs on Friday AM. If my memory is correct, the prospective cadet then goes off for their own briefs and spends the night in barracks with his Rat (freshman) host. The parent(s) then receive separate briefs from VMI in the afternoon. You then meet back up with your prospective cadet after breakfast (mid-morning) and the sessions conclude around noon Saturday.
 
You are picking the perfect time to go to the open house as the Rat Line will be in full effect and your Son can receive honest opinions from current Rats. Last year we went at the end of October and my Son learned a lot and chose to go early decision to VMI. He is currently a Rat and all seems to be going well; though lines of communication are minimal. I would be happy to help answer any questions you may have from a parents perspective. I couldn't be prouder of my Son. Amazes me how quickly the time has gone by since last year when we were in your same position. Enjoy this journey!

ADDITIONALLY....Falcon A, Bruno and Turtlerunner; I am extremely grateful for all the information you have posted in the past in regards to all things VMI. At times, it seemed all I was doing was reading all your posts on this site. Thank You! The information you supplied this past year has helped us in so many different ways. You guys are the best! We are going step by step, hour by hour, day by day; each moment closer to breakout. It is a long way off but small steps each and everyday!
 
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Thank you!!! We are very excited, specially my son. Please share anything regarding VMI, we all love the idea of our son going to VMI but as parents, sometimes we are hesitant. At the same time we respect our son's decision and he will have our support 100%, all we do is pray and hope for the best. I trust this way of communication, these posts are the only ones we follow but sometimes I wish I could read more with current info, please share anything. Thanks again.
 
but as parents, sometimes we are hesitant.
sometimes I wish I could read more with current info, please share anything.

Sounds like you may have some questions/concerns about VMI. If you could be more specific about those concerns or the type of current information you are seeking, I'm sure you'd get some good responses here. My DS is a 2nd, so if you have a specific question you'd rather not put on a public forum feel free to PM me and I'll answer honestly. You can also email or call the VMI parent council and they can put you in touch with a council member who you can call and ask questions. Council members are parents of current 1st, 2nd and 3rd cadets in good standing.

VMI is tough, no doubt about it. A visit, especially before breakout, should be very helpful. Your DS should go with eyes open and really think about what it will be like to live that life. As @Falcon A said, VMI seems to speak to people - one way or the other.
 
Thank you!!! We are very excited, specially my son. Please share anything regarding VMI, we all love the idea of our son going to VMI but as parents, sometimes we are hesitant. At the same time we respect our son's decision and he will have our support 100%, all we do is pray and hope for the best. I trust this way of communication, these posts are the only ones we follow but sometimes I wish I could read more with current info, please share anything. Thanks again.

My son is a 1st Classman. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.
 
Hi, my son just registered for the Open House in October. Does anyone knows if the parents has a session as well and if there is, where can I get like a sample schedule. Thanks[/QUOT
Hi, my son just registered for the Open House in October. Does anyone knows if the parents has a session as well and if there is, where can I get like a sample schedule. Thanks

If I remember correctly, sons/daughters split away from the parents after lunch at Crozet. They then have their own briefs they attend and eventually paired up to stay with a Rat that evening in one of the barracks on fourth stoop. You link back up with son/daughter the following morning after BRC.

Various members from the Parents Council offer a question-answer session during one of the parent briefs held in Gillis Theatre at Marshall Hall during the first day. A few parents with current rats and other upperclass cadets will be on hand and provide info on their experiences. A handful of cadets will also be in attendance for the question-answer session as well. They try to provide a mixture from different degree paths, commissioning vs. non-commissioning and student athletes. A smaller separate session with female cadets was available for those parents with daughters, later friday evening.

They will provide alot of handouts with info. A recommendation while in Gillis Theatre, disable the camera flash on your cell phone and take pictures of the slides that provide detailed info on admissions, student loans process, commissioning paths and an example calendar year schedule of what a typical rat year looks like. This allowed me to go back for reference. Not all the info on the slide displays will be available in the handouts. Please just remember to take your flash off. Gillis Theatre was packed with parents during our trip last year.

Catch the parade on Friday afternoon if they do one for your visit.

Enjoy the beautiful Valley with the leaves changing. Good Luck to you and your DS!
 
Let us know how the visit goes. VMI tends to speak to people . . . To some it feels very right . . . To others, not so much . . . Very few seem to be middle of the road
It felt right to me. My son was a recruited athlete. It was "not so much" to him. He said he didn't want "all the military stuff." He didn't matriculate to VMI but is now a company commander in the 1st Marine Division.

Kids, geez.
 
It felt right to me. My son was a recruited athlete. It was "not so much" to him. He said he didn't want "all the military stuff." He didn't matriculate to VMI but is now a company commander in the 1st Marine Division. Kids, geez.
What a great quote! The "military stuff" at VMI is certainly 'front and center' and can be daunting! I've never seen a more 'military' environment at any college (SMCs and SAs). After all, "Military" is VMI's middle name!!!
 
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