Recent content by OptimisticPessimist

  1. O

    Issue with changing major

    There's nothing bad that can come out of being proactive about something like thsi so, if you're around for STP, drop by the department head's office or, if you're not, shoot him an email to let him know you're intersted. Since IS is such a popular major, chances are good that several IS rats...
  2. O

    VMI laptop recommendations?

    For at least Rat-4/C year, any relatively recent, decently working laptop should be fine - if you can run a C/C++ editor and MATLAB on your laptop, you'll most likely be fine. None of the ECE or CIS guys I've known have run super advanced rigs for anything other than gaming/hobby purposes. If...
  3. O

    Contact Lenses at VMI during Ratline?

    Quite honestly, they really don't care. I made it through with just one pair, and I don't wear contacts. Just make sure they fit right on your face, it can be a pain to have them flopping around when you can't touch them to adjust them.
  4. O

    Contact Lenses at VMI during Ratline?

    Roommate made it through the entire ratline with contacts, even perfected putting them in in about 10 seconds during hell week. You should be fine, but I would advise bringing glasses for hell week.
  5. O

    Commissioning numbers for 2016

    As to why commissioning rates are usually around 50-55%, there are a variety of reasons. A big reason that is rarely talked about is that a sizable amount of people (I'd put it around 15%, but it's just a guess) are medically disqualified from service. You don't have to pass a DODMERB to get...
  6. O

    Subject: SMC - Officer Branches: SENJames

    Being an SMC grad, by itself, won't have too much to do with what branch you get, but how you place on the national ROTC order of merit list (the thing that determines if you get your first choice of officer branch in the army) will, so technically you would have a chance at what you want if you...
  7. O

    VMI Essay

    I think mine was about a page, and I emailed it to them. Like I said, shoot them an email and see what they want. They're very helpful.
  8. O

    VMI Essay

    When I applied, I contacted the admissions office and asked if I could just submit it as a Word document, which they agreed to. I would email/call them and ask the same thing.
  9. O

    You Have Got To Be KIDDING ME !

    My initial disagreement with the article is that honor codes, specifically bans on certain types of collaboration in the context of academic projects, stifles the collaboration needed in the workforce today. The problem with her example is that is an introductory computing course, not even a...
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    Institute Scholar VMI

    When I wrote Col. Foster a few days ago, he told me that the board was a bit behind schedule and that notifications should be out next week. Best of luck to you and your son.
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