VMI or VTCC?

VMI2017+3 said:
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.
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Clvmi said:
Thank you so much for your advice!
As a cadet, do you enjoy VMI so far? And are you planning on commissioning?
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VMI2017+3 said:
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.
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Clvmi said:
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?
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VMI2017+3 said:
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.
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This is a great exchange . . . almost should be made a "sticky" for the forum IMHO to give insight to those considering attending a SA or SMC . . . I'm not a VMI grad, but I am a proud member of USAFA Class of '83. When I went through it, our attrition rate was about 37% over 4 years. VMI's attrition rate today runs perhaps closer to 30% for recent classes. Current attrition rates for the SAs is around 20% last time I checked -- lower than previous years but still "high" when compared to many other institutes of higher learning. The words imparted in this exchange would apply to any SA and perhaps to any SMC. The "SA-like" environment at VMI isn't meant to be "fun" . . . it is meant to test the grit and character of the cadet, teach individual responsibility as well as teamwork, and to prepare one for leading in life . . . getting into VMI isn't the hardest part . . . it is the "staying" that is difficult . . . well done, and best wishes to both of you.
 
Clvmi said:
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!
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Congratulations and welcome to the VMI Family. Have your parents join the Rat Mass 2019+3 parent page of Facebook, lots of great info and support. They will need to watch their messenger for a message from an admin to verify they are the parent of an incoming Rat.

VMI will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Start running!
 
Run, Run, Run and some more for all Academies and military schools. DD said that was the hardest thing every day at USNA and DS said it was tough at Maritime. Run, Run. Run.
 
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+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.
 
turtlerunnernc said:
+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.
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Yes I will! I have been training for 3 weeks now. Thank you for the advice!
 
Clvmi said:
turtlerunnernc said:
+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.
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Yes I will! I have been training for 3 weeks now. Thank you for the advice!
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Did you receive the workout routine from VMI? It's a four-week program, and it's VERY EFFECTIVE. I've attached the workout routine.IMG_9306.JPG IMG_9305.JPG
 
Would also like to say that you will not be running at your pace. You are running as fast as the slowest person in the platoon. Run hills for a set time (20-30 minutes). I did not know this and it definitely hurt me.
 
Just be "swimming " or running faster than the person behind you. The shark is closing.
 
Clvmi said:
Thank you so much! I’m very excited to attend VMI!
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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!
 
VMI.MOM said:
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!
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Thank you for you response!
Also, what is your son majoring in?
 
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