Chances of getting into VMI?

C

Clarkson

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Dec 20, 2023
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My son, a sophomore in Northern Virginia, is obsessed with getting into VMI. He loves the military, we've had soldiers in every generation in our family, and I frankly believe he would flourish there...if he can get in.

I'm looking for gritty, frank advice on what his chances might be before I let him get his heart set on it (though it may be too late).

1. I suspect he will graduate with a 3.5-3.6 GPA. Strong in humanities; weak in science/math. He'll probably take one AP course (history) by his junior year.
2. I suspect his SAT will be around 1050. Might get him to 1100, but he is a horrible test taker so I wouldn't count on that.
3. His sport is martial arts (Muay Thai) -- VMI admissions says this is acceptable (as opposed to an official school sport)
4. He plays four instruments, but not in school.
5. He can literally tell you (or a VMI interviewer) about any war in western history.
6. White male.

The main challenge is that he is bright but scattered. He can go infinitely deep on some stuff (military history) but not in others (chemistry). I think VMI's structure and alignment with his passion would give him an awesome opportunity to grow as a man.

What do we think...I'm guessing a 30-40% chance? Any ideas on how to strengthen his chances?

Thank you for any advice.
 
I'm no predictor, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. However, what I can tell you is that if he doesn't apply, he has zero chance of getting in. So, let's start there. You gotta apply.

Next, he's only a sophomore, so he has the whole second semester of 10th grade and all of 11th grade to up his game! IF your son is truly obsessed with attending VMI, it's time for him (at the tender age of 15) to take more ownership of the dream and put in the work required to make it a reality.

It sounds as though your son is a bright, but sometimes unmotivated, kid. That probably described about 99 percent of teenagers! Given that, is there really any reason he CAN'T improve his grades? Or take harder classes next year? Or join one of his school's organized sports, even if he's a bench warmer? Or run for class office or volunteer for a committee or club?

At the end of the day, he won't be defined by his SAT/ACT score. However, his three-year academic record will speak volumes, as will his ATHLETE and LEADERSHIP resume. You/he have time. Make the most of it. Good luck!
 
Clarkson said:
My son, a sophomore in Northern Virginia, is obsessed with getting into VMI. He loves the military, we've had soldiers in every generation in our family, and I frankly believe he would flourish there...if he can get in.

I'm looking for gritty, frank advice on what his chances might be before I let him get his heart set on it (though it may be too late).

1. I suspect he will graduate with a 3.5-3.6 GPA. Strong in humanities; weak in science/math. He'll probably take one AP course (history) by his junior year.
2. I suspect his SAT will be around 1050. Might get him to 1100, but he is a horrible test taker so I wouldn't count on that.
3. His sport is martial arts (Muay Thai) -- VMI admissions says this is acceptable (as opposed to an official school sport)
4. He plays four instruments, but not in school.
5. He can literally tell you (or a VMI interviewer) about any war in western history.
6. White male.

The main challenge is that he is bright but scattered. He can go infinitely deep on some stuff (military history) but not in others (chemistry). I think VMI's structure and alignment with his passion would give him an awesome opportunity to grow as a man.

What do we think...I'm guessing a 30-40% chance? Any ideas on how to strengthen his chances?

Thank you for any advice.
Click to expand...
Completely agree with pa-outdoorsman here!
Your son needs to take ownership and continue to learn as much as possible about VMI. It is a very unique place. But he should also be learning about other schools as well. I would encourage him to keep an open mind and remain focused on his goals after college, should that be his plan.
When it gets closer, I definitely recommend a sit down with VMI admissions and having an interview. He sounds well rounded and I would encourage him to continue to develop his physical fitness if VMI is where he really wants to go. For anyone who enters VMI, it is a far better experience if you are physically fit and mentally prepared before you show up!
Good luck!
 
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Clarkson said:
My son, a sophomore in Northern Virginia, is obsessed with getting into VMI. He loves the military, we've had soldiers in every generation in our family, and I frankly believe he would flourish there...if he can get in.

I'm looking for gritty, frank advice on what his chances might be before I let him get his heart set on it (though it may be too late).

1. I suspect he will graduate with a 3.5-3.6 GPA. Strong in humanities; weak in science/math. He'll probably take one AP course (history) by his junior year.
2. I suspect his SAT will be around 1050. Might get him to 1100, but he is a horrible test taker so I wouldn't count on that.
3. His sport is martial arts (Muay Thai) -- VMI admissions says this is acceptable (as opposed to an official school sport)
4. He plays four instruments, but not in school.
5. He can literally tell you (or a VMI interviewer) about any war in western history.
6. White male.

The main challenge is that he is bright but scattered. He can go infinitely deep on some stuff (military history) but not in others (chemistry). I think VMI's structure and alignment with his passion would give him an awesome opportunity to grow as a man.

What do we think...I'm guessing a 30-40% chance? Any ideas on how to strengthen his chances?

Thank you for any advice.
Click to expand...
One of my son's friend on his swim team just got accepted to VMI, will very similar stats. Keep in mind that VMI's current acceptance rate is somewhere in the neighborhood of 80%. Don't see him not getting in with those superlatives.
 
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As others have said, zero chance if he doesn't apply. He should learn as much as he can about life at VMI. It's the type of place you can get a lot out of if you want to be there but be completely miserable if you don't want to be there. He should take the lead doing the research and preparation and if he gets in show up in shape and ready for a challenge.

Best of luck and please let us know how it goes.
 
VMI has a selective 64% acceptance rate and the admissions staff are diligent in identifying the right mix of well-rounded students they believe can thrive in the Spartan VMI environment.
It’s not just about academics and SAT scores. VMI is looking for a wide variety of life experiences and the right fit for a very unique school. Keep working hard in school, stay engaged with other activities such as athletics, etc., and definitely learn as much as you can about VMI before you step foot on post.
Good luck!
 
Clarkson said:
My son, a sophomore in Northern Virginia, is obsessed with getting into VMI. He loves the military, we've had soldiers in every generation in our family, and I frankly believe he would flourish there...if he can get in.

I'm looking for gritty, frank advice on what his chances might be before I let him get his heart set on it (though it may be too late).

1. I suspect he will graduate with a 3.5-3.6 GPA. Strong in humanities; weak in science/math. He'll probably take one AP course (history) by his junior year.
2. I suspect his SAT will be around 1050. Might get him to 1100, but he is a horrible test taker so I wouldn't count on that.
3. His sport is martial arts (Muay Thai) -- VMI admissions says this is acceptable (as opposed to an official school sport)
4. He plays four instruments, but not in school.
5. He can literally tell you (or a VMI interviewer) about any war in western history.
6. White male.

The main challenge is that he is bright but scattered. He can go infinitely deep on some stuff (military history) but not in others (chemistry). I think VMI's structure and alignment with his passion would give him an awesome opportunity to grow as a man.

What do we think...I'm guessing a 30-40% chance? Any ideas on how to strengthen his chances?

Thank you for any advice.
Click to expand...
Hello, I applied with a 29 ACT and 3.4 UW GPA.
I already did the physical exam before (very similiar to other schools), and turned the application fairly quick.

I failed APUSH and Honors American Literature which took a huge toll on my GPA.
Performed fairly well on stem courses B’s and A’s.

Try to obtain a ROTC scholarship as tuition is $$$ for those without it.

Accepted for CO 27.
 
Academyprep100 said:
Hello, I applied with a 29 ACT and 3.4 UW GPA.
I already did the physical exam before (very similiar to other schools), and turned the application fairly quick.

I failed APUSH and Honors American Literature which took a huge toll on my GPA.
Performed fairly well on stem courses B’s and A’s.

Try to obtain a ROTC scholarship as tuition is $$$ for those without it.

Accepted for CO 27.
Click to expand...
If you have a 29 on your ACT you shouldn't fail any high school courses. What happened?
 
@Clarkson Hello sir, are you still here? Lots of good advice has been offered since you were last seen. My son was recruited for football by USNA, and all other SAs except USMA, and VMI among others. He attended none of them but did go to the VMI football camp and was given tickets to home football games. We went down there unbeknownst to us on family day. The place was packed with parents, siblings, and recruits. I was eating it up. Loved the atmosphere, the statues, the barracks, the history, and the mess hall food was good. Even ran into a family we knew at Camp Lejeune. His son was a rat. We soaked it all in, ate chow, and attended the game. The Keydets got curb stomped by Coastal Carolina.

Anyway, the reality of VMI was revealed at that visit. The football camp and leisurely walking around post didn't paint the same picture as seeing the rats, their dykes, and the bare rooms. I knew before I asked but did anyway. Heading north on I-81 his answer was, "I don't want all that military stuff." We were still holding onto hope that he would land at the Naval Academy. He had attended two football camps there, I got a chance to schmooze with Coach Paul Johnson at the camp and on the field during pre-game warmups (we had 50 yard line tickets to all home games), and my son saw it as a good fit. Plus, we were strolling the yard one day after camp and saw some Plebe Summer activities. Based on that small sampling of plebe vs. rat life, he figured he could survive his first year at USNA. That didn't matter however. USNA abruptly dropped him. He didn't make the slate.

I'm off work, my cat is sleeping, and my wife is doing her morning stuff so I rambled on a little but I highly recommend you and your son drive on down to Lexington and visit VMI. It's only about a three or so hour drive from your place and it would give him a better idea of what he wants in a college experience.
 
Sargon said:
If you have a 29 on your ACT you shouldn't fail any high school courses. What happened?
Click to expand...
Slacked off and did not prioritize time into that course. never did the readings and essays. Luckily, after taking a prep year… I have matured as a student and actually obtained a 4.0 GPA my first semester in college!
 
Academyprep100 said:
Slacked off and did not prioritize time into that course. never did the readings and essays. Luckily, after taking a prep year… I have matured as a student and actually obtained a 4.0 GPA my first semester in college!
Click to expand...
You're clearly a smart young man. Good luck as you continue on your journey.
 
I remember sophomore year was just the beginning of building my resume. Your son still has about 2 years to make his story, and it seems he's at a great starting point. From now till the end of his sophomore year, he should be trying out any clubs and extracurriculars that interest him, and maybe some that don't at first. Top priority now is grades and finding an organization to build himself up in to gain some leadership & teamwork experience.
 
Devil Doc said:
@Clarkson Hello sir, are you still here? Lots of good advice has been offered since you were last seen. My son was recruited for football by USNA, and all other SAs except USMA, and VMI among others. He attended none of them but did go to the VMI football camp and was given tickets to home football games. We went down there unbeknownst to us on family day. The place was packed with parents, siblings, and recruits. I was eating it up. Loved the atmosphere, the statues, the barracks, the history, and the mess hall food was good. Even ran into a family we knew at Camp Lejeune. His son was a rat. We soaked it all in, ate chow, and attended the game. The Keydets got curb stomped by Coastal Carolina.

Anyway, the reality of VMI was revealed at that visit. The football camp and leisurely walking around post didn't paint the same picture as seeing the rats, their dykes, and the bare rooms. I knew before I asked but did anyway. Heading north on I-81 his answer was, "I don't want all that military stuff." We were still holding onto hope that he would land at the Naval Academy. He had attended two football camps there, I got a chance to schmooze with Coach Paul Johnson at the camp and on the field during pre-game warmups (we had 50 yard line tickets to all home games), and my son saw it as a good fit. Plus, we were strolling the yard one day after camp and saw some Plebe Summer activities. Based on that small sampling of plebe vs. rat life, he figured he could survive his first year at USNA. That didn't matter however. USNA abruptly dropped him. He didn't make the slate.

I'm off work, my cat is sleeping, and my wife is doing her morning stuff so I rambled on a little but I highly recommend you and your son drive on down to Lexington and visit VMI. It's only about a three or so hour drive from your place and it would give him a better idea of what he wants in a college experience.
Click to expand...
Sorry for disappearing -- got buried in work at the end of the year. This is all very good advice, thank you. He is going to go down next fall for the overnight and from there we'll know for sure whether he wants to apply. I could be wrong but I am 98% sure he is going to love it. He may second guess himself if he gets in and has to endure the reality of rat life, but he really wants to join the military and go to a military school if possible. The videos he's watched on rat life have energized him. I just worry that he'll be a borderline applicant given his academics and not get in.
 
Academyprep100 said:
Hello, I applied with a 29 ACT and 3.4 UW GPA.
I already did the physical exam before (very similiar to other schools), and turned the application fairly quick.

I failed APUSH and Honors American Literature which took a huge toll on my GPA.
Performed fairly well on stem courses B’s and A’s.

Try to obtain a ROTC scholarship as tuition is $$$ for those without it.

Accepted for CO 27.
Click to expand...
Congratulations! that's super exciting. 29 is a very high ACT score...my bet is that he graduates with a 3.5 but a 1050 on the SAT (about 21 or 22 ACT equivalent).
 
BubbaCool12 said:
I remember sophomore year was just the beginning of building my resume. Your son still has about 2 years to make his story, and it seems he's at a great starting point. From now till the end of his sophomore year, he should be trying out any clubs and extracurriculars that interest him, and maybe some that don't at first. Top priority now is grades and finding an organization to build himself up in to gain some leadership & teamwork experience.
Click to expand...
This is very good advice. Thank you.
 
Dadof2 said:
As others have said, zero chance if he doesn't apply. He should learn as much as he can about life at VMI. It's the type of place you can get a lot out of if you want to be there but be completely miserable if you don't want to be there. He should take the lead doing the research and preparation and if he gets in show up in shape and ready for a challenge.

Best of luck and please let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Thank you -- very good advice. I could be wrong but passion won't be his problem. He is a very bright scatterbrain who is terrible at test-taking. I'm mostly worried about his grades bombing one semester, or his SAT not going over 1050, and what that does to his chances.
 
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