<p>I've been looking at the service academies and such, but I still want a "college experience."</p>
<p>One thing that jumped out to me about A&M is that I can do the Corps but also still attend a state university and gain at least somewhat of a "regular" college experience. </p>
<p>But does anybody know if the Cadets get to have a more "normal" life with a "little" military added in, or a ton of military with a little "regularness," or anywhere inbetween?</p>
<p>Thanks for the help guys, A&M looks like an awesome university (going to major in Political Science).</p>
<p>I went to an information session last month about the Corps. There appear to be some who go in committed to a military career from the start and some who have no intention of joining the military. Seems to be a bit of a hierarchy there. The members we spoke to seemed like they were enjoying the full college experience.</p>
<p>FYI, the man who addressed our group said about 25% of Corps drop out their freshmen year and another 25% drop out along the way.</p>
<p>I left with a favorable impression of the Corps, though ds has decided he wouldn’t want to join. There are multiple opportunities to learn more about the Corps and the campus. I’d encourage you to visit.</p>
<p>While you are not as restricted as the academies, life in the Corps is still much more regimented than the civilian population of the school. You live in dorms on the “Quad” which is the special area of campus reserved for members of the Corps of Cadets (in very sparse rooms). You wear uniforms to all classes, formations, and special events. Your day is regimented heavily from Sunday night through Friday with physical training, formations, outfit events, etc. You are especially heavily regimented and “put upon” by the upperclassmen your freshman year (read yelling, endless push-ups, and lack of rest). It is very much a full-time endeavor.</p>
<p>However, you have more free time on average weekends to go out in civilian clothing than the academies. As you become more senior in class, you have more leeway to go out on weekdays. It is far more time in the military mode than if you go to another college with regular ROTC programs where you truly are part-time wearing your uniform to class just one day a week and doing most of your extracurricular training on weekends.</p>
<p>It’s a lot of hard work and commitment and is definitely not for everyone. But, if you can make it through that freshman year, it is a very rewarding experience where you make lifetime friends and memories.</p>