The Citadel or Norwich

usarmystrong97

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So I am interested in what some graduates of both colleges think about their time there. I plan on majoring in mechanical engineering and was wondering which program would be better. I am from Vermont, so I am really close to Norwich and family. But when I visited the citadel the urban location and weather impressed me. So I am just wondering about people's time there and experiences. Thanks!

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What time of year did you visit? If its Mid-July you might not being saying that about the weather in Charleston!
 
In my opinion, the SMCs have so much in common that you honestly have to go off your gut and where you feel at home at. If money is an issue, which is cheaper? Which has the bigger (or smaller) ROTC unit for your branch? Where did you feel like you would succeed the most?
 
I agree with S&H. For my DS, weather was a huge factor. He x'd Norwich off the list simply because he's not a huge fan of snow and cold. For someone else, though, snow and cold would be awesome. Likewise, the heat and humidity of Charleston might be a no-go for some, but for others, the beautiful Southern charm of the city is just what they've been looking for. For an SMC in a beautiful location with a great engineering school, you really can't beat The Citadel. It's not like you'll be spending tons of time there in July. (That said, August, September and October echo July. You'll get used to it.)
 
there is absolutely no comparison so far as setting and social life. If you like the peace and quiet of a small town atmosphere Norwich is great just not a lot to do there. I'm a warm weather and sunshine guy so Charleston was the place for me; the other issue is do you want a hybrid school where you are going to class with civilians or an all military school. The School of Engineering at The Citadel is much more highly rated and there are also more commissioning opportunities since Norwich only has Army ROTC.
 
and there are also more commissioning opportunities since Norwich only has Army ROTC.

No that is not true. Norwich has Navy/ Marine, Air Force and Army ROTC detachments. http://natservices.norwich.edu/ In 2012 they commissioned 125 Officers in the Army, AF, Navy & Marine Corps. They also have the USCG Military College direct Commission program open to them though I don't know if they commissioned anyone thru that program in 2012. You won't have any less opportunity to commission if you go to Norwich than if you go to the Citadel. You may have less of a chance to see the sun though.
 
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Bah, this is simple! Slogging through snow builds character. Hence, those graduating from Norwich have more character than those from other SMCs. :wink:
 
You have to ask yourself two questions: How are you funding your education, and where do you want to be in five years?

IF you can answer those two questions it should be a piece of cake in making a decision (IF you are going military than the second question doesnt really apply) Both institutions have a storied history of producing fine and capable officers.


in my opinion I believe that If you go to an SMC you shouldn't really be concerened about location- b/c its gonna suck either way as you will be staring at a 4x4 room for most of your freshman year. Also you won't have the luxury of going out whenerever you want.

The school of engineering at The Citadel is well regarded for undergraduate enginnering institutions that offer up to a masters degree. It has a fairly new mechanical enginnering program, but the math department is not much to be desired.
 
I stand corrected on the ROTC programs, it was North Georgia that only has Army ROTC; Norwich does commission significantly fewer than The Citadel (174 vs 123 in FY '12, per DOD). If you like snow and cold weather, more power to ya.
 
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Bah, this is simple! Slogging through snow builds character. Hence, those graduating from Norwich have more character than those from other SMCs. :wink:

As a Texan, I like to think sweating your eyeballs out has some character-building attributes as well.

ETA: Son is only excluding Citadel for now because he wants a swim team. Unless you're a skier, a mountaineer, or a varsity swimmer, I doubt you could do better than The Citadel.
 
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oh come on, he can swim at The Citadels beach house on the Isle of Palms or join the rowing or sailing team, try doing that at Norwich.
 
oh come on, he can swim at The Citadels beach house on the Isle of Palms or join the rowing or sailing team, try doing that at Norwich.

I have to say SC has some of the most beautiful coasts I have ever seen. And it's no doubt a lot easier to scuba dive in SC than in VT, too. In the end, no matter where he gets admitted I suspect the decision for him will probably come down to the 3 Fs -- finances, fit, and females.
 
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These schools seem to be like siblings: they both have civilian students and they both have a separate corps of cadets. They also both have a very strong regional alumni network and they also both offer on-line degrees. Bottom line: it comes down to location…
 
These schools seem to be like siblings: they both have civilian students and they both have a separate corps of cadets. They also both have a very strong regional alumni network and they also both offer on-line degrees. Bottom line: it comes down to location…

Nobody who has visited The Citadel and Norwich would say this. These are truly different places. Number one- you don't see Civilian students at the Citadel though there are a few at the night school while Norwich is a 50/50 proposition. Two- The Citadel offers graduate courses on line which would affect the people on this forum - not a whit. Three- Norwich is an outdoorsman's paradise-Northfield barely qualifies as a town in the middle of the Green Mountains of Vermont. If you like hiking/ skiing and winter -- it is a great place. The Citadel is a much more urban environment in a really nice southern city.
These are completely different schools - both of which have a lot of history behind them and both of which have their very different personalities with their own unique strengths.Go check them out.
 
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Actually, I have been to both college campuses... One as recently as last month. I disagree and believe they are far more similar than other SMCs--just like I would say that VT and A&M are very similar. It's ok to have a different opinion right?…:thumb:
I further disagree with the assertion that the on-line graduate degrees matter "nil." When two schools offer similar on-line programs it… um… makes them somewhat similar in one aspect...
Saying they are similar is not a dig at these two fine schools. Again, it comes down to location.
 
Bruno is right. Comparing The Citadel and Norwich is like comparing apples and frisbees.
 
Disagree, citadel and norwich are far more similar than comparing to other SMCs.
 
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