Life at VMI...
As far as tips and preperation goes:
-Nobody is ever fully "prepared" because life at VMI and the Ratline is so shockingly different than the real world.
-PT.
-If you look at the website it will tell you all the stuff you need for matriculation. Get mother's shining stuff, lincoln wax shoe polish. Seriously.
-PT.
-Remember why you came to VMI and keep your dreams close because it's easy to lose sight of what you want during the grind.
-PT. The reason I put this three times is that everybody is going to get tired-that's a fact. But you want to be able to be as mentally tough as you can be coming in so you don't have ANOTHER thing to worry about or get singled out for. Remember that the lion eats the slowest buffalo in the pack. haha
-My Dad told me to take it one day at a time. And if necessary, just "make it to the next meal". They legally need to let you eat (I think) so I could always count on that brief but welcome break. Well, it was sort of a break. Not gonna ruin any surprises for you.
The catalog is going to use words like "spartan" and "character building" and I think that sums it up. It's pretty different from other SMC's and federal academies and even more different form civilian schools. You're going to have to wear your uniform, or some type of uniform, every day while at VMI. 24/7. You will have to go to formation a few times a day, which sounds cooler than it is. Basically you line up and people make sure you are there and in the right uniform (because they said so!). Rain or shine this will happen. I have literally formed up during a hurricane and a blizzard. Rah.
You are going to be geographically and technologically isolated during the Ratline. That's why you get so close to your brother rats. That among other things...
Honestly "Life at VMI" is something I could fill up a blog with. Go on an overnight, visit, or talk to cadets and alumni.
spar·tan
ˈspärtn/
adjective
- showing the indifference to comfort or luxury traditionally associated with ancient Sparta