I need some help as to whether I should have ROTC at a normal school or go to a senior military college as my backup for West Point, USNA, and USAFA. The military academies are my top 3 schools, but if I don’t make it into one of those, I am not sure where to go. I want top tier academics (cons for military schools such as Citadel and VMI I have heard), but also a military lifestyle. I want to meet lots of people and have a nice life in college but with a disciplined lifestyle. I would love to be part of a Corps of Cadets, but there are only two of those in the country as far as I know (Virginia Tech and Texas A&M). I live in SC and out of state tuition would be extremely tough for me at either one of those. Any help?
If you already live in SC, why don’t you go to the Citadel? You get in-state tuition for all that’s worth. I graduated from there. I know the Electrical Engineering professors are always willing to help their students in one-on-one appointments. I even had a professor still around at 10pm one night who helped me through a hump in a project. I had the same experience with my other professors (I was also in the Honors program, but I’m not sure that made a difference), not so with a late night project, but the willingness to help.
I don’t know about the academies but I know at my sibling’s state college, the professor was not as invested in his students when I went to visit. There were just too many students. He could only give them 15 minute appointments instead of teaching until you fully grasped a concept.
I have heard that some people reapply for one of the academies after their first year at The Citadel. It shows they’re committed to the military lifestyle and helps them. I wouldn’t recommend the school for its lifestyle, only academics, but you seem determined to be military so it should be a solid fit. Who knows, you might end up being an alumnus. I’m sure you’ll be happily miserable for the four years like the rest of us we’re. Good luck!
You don’t just “have ROTC”. It’s nearly as competitive to get a ROTC scholarship as it is to get into an academy. Apply and see how you do.
I don’t know if I’ll get an ROTC scholarship. @Erin’s Dad