VMI Offer

GoArmy2022

USMA 2022
Joined
Oct 29, 2017
Messages
445
Hey! So I got my VMI offer in the mail today. I am waiting for West Point to see if I should accept or decline the offer. I have an LOA from West Point and an unfinished AROTC scholarship profile. I am extremely busy however I have time to finish my AROTC scholarship application over the next few weeks but will need a waiver from AROTC for something that West Point already cleared for me. I understand that completing my AROTC application earlier will give them more room to grant me a waiver, but my USMA app is completely finished and my LOA states that when I am qualified, continue an excellent academic performance, and obtain a nomination (all of which I have done) I will be appointed to the class of 2022. Should I continue my AROTC application? I'd like some thoughts on this one.

Also, any information about being a VMI Rat would be greatly appreciated.
 
I would continue it. No one knows the future, and while I hope you are hale and hearty, injuries do happen prior to I-Day, such as a broken bone, which might disqualify you from USMA but not AROTC. Having that safety net is invaluable if only for your peace of mind. Pass basic training and you can then decline the AROTC scholarship should you have it.
 
Yes you should continue. Here's the bad scenario where it makes sense. Let's say you are injured and and are therefore turned back from the academy at admittance. Having an AROTC scholarship in hand, with additional time to recover before start of classes could be a lifesaver.
 
It all depends what your Plan B is. If VMI is on that list, then yes. As mentioned strange things happen every year where an appointee has to wait a year (generally a late injury). Also, completing your ROTC scholarship could help if you end up at somewhere other then USMA.
 
Thanks, guys! I appreciate the help and I will make sure I complete everything.
 
Hey! So I got my VMI offer in the mail today. I am waiting for West Point to see if I should accept or decline the offer. I have an LOA from West Point and an unfinished AROTC scholarship profile. I am extremely busy however I have time to finish my AROTC scholarship application over the next few weeks but will need a waiver from AROTC for something that West Point already cleared for me. I understand that completing my AROTC application earlier will give them more room to grant me a waiver, but my USMA app is completely finished and my LOA states that when I am qualified, continue an excellent academic performance, and obtain a nomination (all of which I have done) I will be appointed to the class of 2022. Should I continue my AROTC application? I'd like some thoughts on this one.

Also, any information about being a VMI Rat would be greatly appreciated.
Did you also get an email, or just notification in the mail? My DS can barely contain himself waiting to hear if he gets accepted to VMI.
 
Hey! So I got my VMI offer in the mail today. I am waiting for West Point to see if I should accept or decline the offer. I have an LOA from West Point and an unfinished AROTC scholarship profile. I am extremely busy however I have time to finish my AROTC scholarship application over the next few weeks but will need a waiver from AROTC for something that West Point already cleared for me. I understand that completing my AROTC application earlier will give them more room to grant me a waiver, but my USMA app is completely finished and my LOA states that when I am qualified, continue an excellent academic performance, and obtain a nomination (all of which I have done) I will be appointed to the class of 2022. Should I continue my AROTC application? I'd like some thoughts on this one.

Also, any information about being a VMI Rat would be greatly appreciated.
Did you also get an email, or just notification in the mail? My DS can barely contain himself waiting to hear if he gets accepted to VMI.

My offer was dated November 17 but it came in the mail yesterday. I got no emails and it has not yet shown up on my portal for some reason.
 
Absolutely complete the AROTC application. My son was late completing his but did make the 3rd board. Especially if VMI is plan B and you are out of state because $$$$$$$$

Also want to say that VMI is not a step down, it is very rigorous, physically, mentally and academically. The Brother Rat bond is amazing and for a lifetime.
 
GoArmy2022 ... Just so you know ... going to West Point for free is definitely a great deal ... a "lotto ticket" in many respects. Great federal funding with many opportunities at an SA. I was a lucky recipient of an appointment to the USAF Academy many years ago. What I have learned as my DS went through the SA and the ROTC national scholarship process is that the Geographic Diversity Factor is key for the SA appointment ... The "geographic diversity" factor for all SAs that use a Congressional nomination process can cause a great candidate from a very competitive area (i.e. Northern Virginia) that ends up ranked #6-#10 (or perhaps even #2-#10) by his or her Congressional Representative, to not get an appointment to an SA, even though their record may be better than the #1 -#5 ranked candidate from a less competitive Congressional district (i.e. Idaho).

HOWEVER ... ROTC scholarships tend to be more "merit based" and geographic diversity is not a criteria. This is why each year candidates receive an SA appointment, but don't qualify for a national ROTC scholarship ... and why those that do receive a 4-yr national ROTC scholarship don't receive a SA appointment ... different processes cause different results ...

I agree with the advice above ... complete your ROTC application ...

... but as far as going to VMI ... it is a very different place ... are you committed to make it through VMI? ... VMI still has "straining/bracing" for Rats (Freshmen) the first semester into the second semester ... the Freshmen still have to "Walk the Rat line" until "Breakout" ... they still have to "push on the stoop" (push-ups if confronted by an upperclassman on each floor or "stoop" of barracks, as they make their way from the ground floor to the fourth or fifth floor of the the barracks to get to their room) ... they still have to be in an authorized uniform all hours each an every day ... it is a privilege to get to have a bathrobe (as opposed to having to get dressed in a uniform) to go to the communal bathroom ... they all (upperclassmen included) still sleep on wooden "racks" (AKA: cots) with a "hay" as a mattress ... all the "racks" have to be stood vertical in the corner of the room each morning, and the "hays" have to be rolled up and secured in a specific way in a different corner each morning ... every morning but Sunday (yes, Saturday too), the Corps forms up to salute the raising of the Flag ... VMI still has a traditional 40% attrition rate. SAs are down to around a 20% or less attrition last time I checked the stats (SAs used to be 40% attrition like VMI when I went through) ... at VMI only 500 enter each Freshmen year ... and ~300 graduate each year ... just sayin' ... ;-)

Best wishes ... and thank you for your willingness to serve...
 
I've been told VMI can be more difficult than West Point in some aspects. I feel West Point has more opportunities for me but I embrace both challenges and am confident I'd thrive at both schools.

I have done my research and will be completing my ROTC application.

Thanks, all, for your input!
 
I've been told VMI can be more difficult than West Point in some aspects. I feel West Point has more opportunities for me but I embrace both challenges and am confident I'd thrive at both schools.

I have done my research and will be completing my ROTC application.

Thanks, all, for your input!

Best of luck to you!
 
I've been told VMI can be more difficult than West Point in some aspects. I feel West Point has more opportunities for me but I embrace both challenges and am confident I'd thrive at both schools.

I have done my research and will be completing my ROTC application.

Thanks, all, for your input!

Best of luck to you!

Thank you! I will certainly find a need for luck among other things.
 
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