Thank you -- we may have more questions after an in-person visit. I want him to get a "feel" for VMI before committing to anything.
Plan A is USMA or USNA. (waiting to hear)
Plan B is the 4 yr AROTC scholarship to one of 6 schools listed, VMI and VT as 1 & 2. We are in the center of the country, already paid to go to USNA CVW in April and USMA SLE in June, and finances are very tight, so we've been waiting to hear from AROTC and/or VMI/VT before scheduling a visit.
DS is very interested in the SMCs, but as a parent, I want him to see them first hand and weigh the options of each school he listed -- size, degree programs, atmosphere of CoC, cost, etc. We will probably make a trip to VA over spring break, unless he does not receive the scholarship. Since VMI & VT are both SMCs but seem to be different experiences (based on what I've read on this forum), I'm not sure which one would be better for him.
He listed a STEM major (chemistry) for the scholarship; 35 ACT; 13/501 class rank; 7 APs + 2 dual credit courses; varsity swimmer 4 yrs/captain 1 yr; boy scout, boy's state, lifeguard, volunteer hours, etc .... if he doesn't get a scholarship I will be surprised, but he will move on to Plan C, which is schools #3 & 6 on the list -- neighboring OOS/IS public universities where he's already been accepted, been given merit scholarships, admitted to the honors college, and will definitely qualify for more financial aid.
