VMI Class of '99 here. I'm sure you've gathered all the advice you need, and I doubt there is much that anyone on an internet forum can say which is so profound as to make a marked difference in how your Ratline experience will be. That said, I'll give you something that my dad told me before I matriculated in August '95. It came from his days in the US Army during the Vietnam War, and although it isn't exactly applicable to a military college, it certainly will help through the first few days (possibly even weeks) of the Ratline. Simply, he said "Don't be first, don't be last, and don't volunteer for anything." It probably sounds counter-intuitive, as most young guys think they are on top of the world and want to stand out. You have four years there to stand out, and the LAST thing you want to do, is stand out in the wrong way.
I was a distinguished graduate of VMI, was a ranker sophomore to senior year, and got a commission in the USAF upon graduation. The advice was priceless-really, the less upperclassmen who know your name rat year, the better.
So here is my .02 worth of advice. My grades were crappiest during Rat Year, and luckily, they were awesome during my last three years. My biggest regret is not studying enough during the first year, as the classes are the easiest you will ever have. Utilize the teachers when you don't understand, and if you have to choose between memorizing something out of the Rat Bible for an irate cadre corporal/RDC member or studying for a Spanish test-SPANISH TEST WINS!!! The Spanish grade will follow you, getting your rear-end chewed off at an RDC meeting will not (it will, however, make for a good story at the reunion...so win/win
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Best of luck-take nothing personally; decide before you go that, not only are you going to survive the Ratline, but, that you are going to walk the stage in 4 years with that giant ring on your finger. Rah VA Mil!!!