Challenges of evaluating from the west coast

When we visited Norwich, we made appointments in several departments so that DS could talk one-on-one about the programs and degrees and what they had to offer. I never expected to be in on these meetings, but not only was I welcomed in, DS2 (7th grade) was welcomed in too. It was probably the single most important thing for DS2's educational future because they were SO NICE to him (and DS1, too, but that would be expected).

In addition, DS1 was able to arrange to spend some one-on-one time with an upperclass cadet (not a freshman, which is usually who you get paired with on those overnights) -- they went to lunch and walked around campus a while talking about the cadet experience and getting a college degree. Believe me, you can get a completely different picture of a Corps when you talk to a junior or senior vs talking to a freshman.

A year and a half later, the two boys still talk about how great it was to visit Norwich -- but not because of the standard admissions routine. The individual attention from the professors, deans and an upperclass cadet was key.

Incidentally, we were able to make these sorts of special appointments at UNG too, but two other SMCs literally laughed in our faces at the prospect of taking additional time to help set these meetings up. And one of them suggested we "dare not" bring the idea up again for fear that if DS1 ended up at that school surely he'd be singled out for "special attention." (And I put that in quotes because those are the exact words used by the admissions counselor.)

By the way, we stayed in that Comfort Inn and Suites in Montpelier and I agree -- it was an excellent hotel with really great customer service. They will help you figure out what to do while you're there!
 
Bruno, LOL, Bruno...LOL, we're scheduled to visit at the end of March so it'll be chilly but not "heine" freezing temps. Appreciate all the info on Norwich and lodging. Bruno, still trying to nail down a visit opp for The Citadel and want to make it the most meaningful since we're coming from the west coast. Looking for more than a day visit and might have to wait until the fall (I'd prefer this spring or summer) if there are no overnight opportunities. Thank you!
 
bruno said:
If you are going to visit Norwich now- plan on freezing your heinie off:eek: ! It is -10 f and the high for the day will be 3!!
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"Cold Weather" Gear day! Good day for 15 mile ruck march through those Vermont Mountains!
 
ROTC Scholarships

Again, very much appreciate all the feedback to date. Question - can someone point me to an existing thread (so I do not ask the same questions that are answered in abundance) that addresses the following:

1 - ROTC Scholarships - Would selecting a Norwich, VMI, Citadel be less advantageous as an OOS?
2 - Is it wise to include a state university in your list of "5" and if so, does it matter if it's ranked 1,2, 3 or?

Thanks everyone!

SGT Lee
 
SGTLee said:
1 - ROTC Scholarships - Would selecting a Norwich, VMI, Citadel be less advantageous as an OOS?
2 - Is it wise to include a state university in your list of "5" and if so, does it matter if it's ranked 1,2, 3 or?
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Just my DS's experience for AROTC -- listed 6 schools, #1-4 OOS public, #5 OOS private, #6 IS. VMI and VT were listed #1 & #2. He was awarded scholarships to #1, #2 & #3 on the 2nd of 3 boards. Not sure if it depends on the strength of your overall application/score on the OML, or the school itself and how many scholarships they have to offer. I thought it might be a long shot listing an OOS SMC, but it worked in his favor.

I know for NROTC-MO you are required to list an IS school in the top 3. I can't remember if that was required or not for AROTC.

As said before, if you can't afford the tuition without the scholarship, you should think hard about the schools listed. Also, remember applying and getting accepted to the schools listed is entirely independent of getting a scholarship award to said school. Some posters on here have received scholarships to a school(s) that they weren't accepted to and had to scramble in May to transfer (or try to transfer) the scholarship.
 
Thanks CA2Midwest...That is helpful. I also understand my son my in range for some level of merit (from the school directly) but wouldn't send him somewhere without having the ability to either pay a moderate amount of the full sticker. Yes, I am aware now that school admission and scholarship award are separate. Your feedback is encouraging!
 
SGTLee said:
Thanks CA2Midwest...That is helpful. I also understand my son my in range for some level of merit (from the school directly) but wouldn't send him somewhere without having the ability to either pay a moderate amount of the full sticker. Yes, I am aware now that school admission and scholarship award are separate. Your feedback is encouraging!
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Can I just say, SGTLee, thank you for being so grateful and cordial in all of your posts. You have raised my view of decency and civility on the interwebs today.
 
Why thank you Payitforward. From my perspective, the folks on here are so very giving of their information and insight that I can not help but be appreciative. Many if not all will never meet me or my son, but as strangers they are so forthcoming with valuable knowledge far beyond what our high school counselors seem to know/provide. It is also very refreshing that parents (as well as cadets/candidates) that have responded or PM'd me, all exhibit this sense of honor and brotherhood. It is so very lacking in the world today and I am glad to have found you all. Makes me excited for my son who may someday have the fortune to serve with you and your family members. Thank Payitforward!
 
I should also mention that it is suggested that you interview at your #1 school. Having said that, my DS did not. He actually interviewed at his #6 IS public school. (And I think the PMS knew it was a long-shot for DS to go there, but his interview went well nevertheless. School is not that competitive to be admitted to, and it's the largest in the state.) We live in KS. His #1 & #2 listed schools are in VA. Having already laid out $$$ for USNA CVW and USMA SLE trips, plus ACT tests/scores and transcripts, plus upcoming AP tests, it just wasn't in my budget for a trip East unless DS was accepted and received a scholarship. Then I wanted him to make an informed decision based on first-hand views of both SMCs and to weigh their differences (from what I understand they're very different -- size, locale, CoC, overall experience, etc). And these were his Plan B schools should he not get an appointment. I was starting to plan a trip to VA over spring break, when DS received an appointment to USMA. So now my $$$ will be redirected to USMA or USNA if he receives an appointment there.

Guess what I'm trying to say is everyone on this forum seems to have a slightly different experience with the ROTC and SA application processes. Do what you can financially, make sure your DS does what's in his control (good grades, athletics, apply early/on time, etc) and sit back and watch the pieces fall into place, whether it's Plan A, B, C or D. Good thing is if you're starting early and getting as much info as you can, you're already ahead of the pack. :biggrin:
 
SGTLee said:
Why thank you Payitforward. From my perspective, the folks on here are so very giving of their information and insight that I can not help but be appreciative. Many if not all will never meet me or my son, but as strangers they are so forthcoming with valuable knowledge far beyond what our high school counselors seem to know/provide. It is also very refreshing that parents (as well as cadets/candidates) that have responded or PM'd me, all exhibit this sense of honor and brotherhood. It is so very lacking in the world today and I am glad to have found you all. Makes me excited for my son who may someday have the fortune to serve with you and your family members. Thank Payitforward!
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:thumb:
Good luck to your DS in all of this! One day you'll be the one giving out good experience-based advice on this forum.
 
SGTLee said:
Again, very much appreciate all the feedback to date. Question - can someone point me to an existing thread (so I do not ask the same questions that are answered in abundance) that addresses the following:

1 - ROTC Scholarships - Would selecting a Norwich, VMI, Citadel be less advantageous as an OOS?
2 - Is it wise to include a state university in your list of "5" and if so, does it matter if it's ranked 1,2, 3 or?

Thanks everyone!

SGT Lee
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No choosing a SMC is no less advantageous at all if that is what DS desires. He should include a state university and rank it according to his choice. So if Norwich, VMI, Citadel, UNG are his first 4 choices, list it that way. And place the state U. last. Basically he should list his choices from his most favorable to least.
 
Nice call from the Citadel

Just an update, we have a visit scheduled at Norwich (NLC weekend 3/28-30), and in April my DS is going to UNG and the Citadel for scheduled tours. On that note, my DS reported receiving a call from the Citadel placed by a cadet who seemed to be working with admissions. He engaged my DS with some good questions and answered his completely. Really nice to have that call come in and he's very excited about the opportunities. Also looking to TAMU for a visit in the Fall most likely. This board and it's contributors have been awesome and thank you!!
 
Update from West Coast

So my DS attended the most recent Norwich NLC weekend and had a very positive experience. It was 30 degrees, snow, but he enjoyed the environment and program very much. Seems like a contender but our official visit to the Citadel is next (April 15). We have a series of appointments there including the PNS, coaches, etc. and looking forward to the experience as well. My DS seems very excited about the Citadel too. We'll also be hitting UNG and TAMU in the fall (JCAP Weekend at TAMU). Want to make sure he has all the info he needs to lean towards the best option (for him). So far only VMI is off his list and since he has to "live it" for 4 years, it has to appeal to him.
 
SGTLee said:
So far only VMI is off his list and since he has to "live it" for 4 years, it has to appeal to him.
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Off his list of choices, or places to visit? If he's not applying, do you mind sharing why? I understand this is all subjective. Just interested in another perspective.
 
Interested in his perspective as well. I've always known VMI is vastly different from TAMU, VT, norwich, citadel, etc., so the thought that VMI would be off someone's list is not surprising... Frankly, living that kind of spartan life and in the VMI environment is not for everyone--kinda like going back in time!!
Just would like to hear his perspective.
 
NAS said:
Interested in his perspective as well. I've always known VMI is vastly different from TAMU, VT, norwich, citadel, etc., so the thought that VMI would be off someone's list is not surprising... Frankly, living that kind of spartan life and in the VMI environment is not for everyone--kinda like going back in time!!
Just would like to hear his perspective.
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Vastly different from The Citadel how?
 
Student body size and composition, acceptance rates, % of military cadets, civilian and on-line degree programs offered, endowment size, etc.
Shoot me a PM if you want more info...
 
NAS said:
Student body size and composition, acceptance rates, % of military cadets, civilian and on-line degree programs offered, endowment size, etc.
Shoot me a PM if you want more info...
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Clearly, they both inspire great alumni loyalty, so that's one thing they have in common. :)
 
Citadel visit complete

Update from California - DS just completed his visit to the Citadel (I accompanied him). We were both very impressed with the admissions staff, the cadet providing the tour, and the information that was provided. Facilities, grounds, and location are outstanding. We were fortunate to have our cadet/guide spend extra time with us after the tour and explain daily life, his path academically, how out-of-state cadets typically bond with those from the area and are welcome at their homes during off-time. Even when we strolled the grounds on our own, a professor engaged us and really did a deeper-dive into the academic support (he took us to the support center) and reality of completing your degree in 4 years. This may be consistent with other SMC's and my wfie/DS visit to Norwich was also very positive. I will say though, it's pretty hard to resist a college that has a street named after our last name! The experts on this board have been very helpful and really appreciate all the guidance. Next on the radar is UNG and my DS is going to their FSLA program in July (learning Russian). Our goal is to hit TAMU for a JCAP weekend in the fall and that should round-up our whirlwind tour with applications to follow. Going to hammer the ROTC scholarship app's as well.
 
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