Reapplying from Senior Military College

[AbsoluteBearing]

Anyone experienced with reapplying to USNA (et al) from Texas A&M, The Citadel, etc? My DD is in the Corps at Texas A&M and is working on reapplying, but there are factors that are giving her pause....her unit buddies that she is bonding with (of course) and the starting over from fish (or Knob or Rat or Rook, etc) to Plebe. I know the simple answer should be well, how bad does she want to go to USNA? But I'm mainly interested in hearing from former students or parents who DID make that move/transition....how was the change? Was it harder than TAMU, Citadel, etc.? How was starting over as a Plebe after having earned Corps Brass, Recognition, Acceptance, etc? Did you feel like you abandoned your unit/company buddies? Etc. Etc. Hope that all makes sense! Thanks!

 

[jaglvr]

my DS is a Galveston fish and reapplying to USMMA. he too has really bonded and loves it whole heartedly. however he is shining jn his license option courses and know Kings Point would far outshine TAMU if he got in
(plus it is 20 hours closer to home)
bottom line, it would be awesome to have the choice next fall

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Those coming from SMC are similar to those coming through NAPS or even the fleet , they have done the military indoctrination so Plebe Summer is not as much as a shock. I wouldn't call it easy - upperclass have higher expectations and are able to push the pressure lever a little to make sure everyone has a pleasant experience. Less experienced classmates will look to them for guidance.

Will leave commenting on what it feels like to go through Plebe Year twice, or leaving your classmates to those who have done it. VMI and Citadel were my backups (long ago). I went thru NAPS, but never even thought about whether I would have reapplied after "plebe" year at VMI or Citadel. Would be a tough call.

 

[VMI2017+3]

I reapplied back when I was a Rat to USNA/USCGA. For me, the only reason I wanted to reapply is because I wasn’t contracted yet and wanted to maximize commissioning opportunities. I ended up picking up a 3 year scholarship and am very glad I wasn’t picked up off the waitlist for the Academies. At least at VMI, I don’t know of anyone who reapplies to the Academies when they already have 4yr scholarship. People don’t want to leave their BRs and are generally very proud to be VMI Cadets. I do agree that you won’t be alone as a plebe if you transfer, in that there will be prior service guys and generally a larger number of older folks. I know a few guys who have transferred, but I don’t know how their transition differed from Texas A&M.

 

[Nemo567]

I know someone that went to VMI who transferred to the academy even though he has a 4 year scholarship.

The academies are much better schools and have tons of opportunities that schools like VMI and the Citadel just don't offer

 

[NavyHoops]

I had a companymate who went through his Rat year at VMI and came to USNA. He adapted well, struggled some academically but did fine in the end. He wanted to USNA because of costs and opportunities. Believe he commanded a ship. A close friend of mine went through Rat year then transferred to Texas A&M. He was on a NROTC MO 4 year scholarship. VMI wasn’t a good fit for him. He did not enjoy it. He did thrive at A&M and really enjoyed it there.

It’s all about personal choice. What her end goals are. What she likes and dislikes. What she is seeking in training, academics and career paths.