Heading down to VT for Cadet Overnight

AlwaysAProudParent said:
Considering we looked at Norwich first VT was massive we are not strangers to big schools as we live in walking distance to Rutgers Univ 40,000 . The C of C at VT and Nor about the same size (1,100 )but the % compared to the overall population is huge 3000 vs 30,000. Surrounding town good like any other college town lots of places to eat. Norwich not much until you go to Montpelier

Cadet hall and cadet dorms very new, Cafeterias very good but not cheap, Good National guard option for instate tuition rate for out of students if needed Norwich beats them from a commissioned % standpoint for Army only second to USMA. Cadet tour was limited to walking part of campus, and eating but they are all the same i guess Class, Library, Cafeteria, School history

if you need to fly into Roanoke about 45 minutes away and there is a bus for 4$ to campus. He was set up with Army cadets which was good. My son said it was let strict that Norwich but that could have been the time. At Norwich they group he was with were freshman not recognized as cadets yes. Happened a week later so still strict. At VT they were past that phase so relaxed like Civ clothes after class allowed, TV, etc. In the end it comes down to what student body size I think they want. Dev 1 vs Div 3 Football etc if that's your thing. Cant go wrong in my opinion with VT. Mine is headed to Norwich or at least he said that today All in all it was a very good experience there for my DS
Click to expand...

Great observations! VTCC parent here - just a clarification on the civilian clothes and TV - freshmen do not have this privilege. At the end of each phase, Red, White and Blue (of course!) they may earn new privileges - this might include being able to wear civilian PT clothes to workout somewhere on campus (not during morning PT) or in your room during specified hours. There obviously may be some upperclassmen around that do have this privilege and would be visible on the same halls. My freshmen is still "dragging" the hallways, they get inspected every day, uniforms 24/7 except for PT exception, and still must sound off to all upperclassmen by name and rank whenever she sees them. At the end of (I believe it is white phase) they are no longer addressed as "New Cadet ____" and earn the right be addressed as "Cadet." VT first years are the last of the SMC cadets to "turn" (meaning officially move up to upperclass status). They will do that after the second 13 mile hike called "Caldwell II" coming up in April. Major General Fullhart, our Commandant, just gave stats for commissioning - 79% of senior class commissions -- however I confess I don't know about individual branches. My DD is NROTC. She absolutely loves VT and the College of Engineering is great. Like TAMU, the only other SMC that developed a full research university around it, VT is definitely larger but amazingly, the general population of students are still very respectful of its origins as an SMC. My DD likes that she interacts with civilians in class as well as her corps and feels like she is getting a realistic feel for real life in the military (with some confirmations from her active duty mentors). The civilians in turn ask ask her about the Corps and are generally very interested (they stand out because they are in uniform). And yes, the University's commitment several years ago to replace the old barracks and build new housing for the Corps was an incredible show of support. My DD definitely lives in the nicest dorms on campus! Sorry for my rambly random factoids.

Each SMC has their own traditions and markers for how they live, teach and learn to lead. I always have complete respect for all of the the amazing young men and women who choose to attend one. I hope your future cadet finds his/her home - they are all *great* choices - each with their own uniqueness but each also with a shared commitment to serve - they really do have an esprit d' corps among all SMC cadets no matter where they attend. Good luck to you all and if you have any VT questions, give me a private message shout and I'll try to see if I know the answer :eek:)

And the Hokie stone is beautiful! GO HOKIES!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top