<p>Your daughter may fit right in at VMI. My comment is based on the many cadets I have met from there. From my point of view, they are still very old school and not accepting of women - they are there, but their traditional culture is still not willing and, as a state school, they do not have the federal oversight USNA has pushing them into the 21st century. As she is likely to be at Annapolis next summer, this may be moot; but if not, she needs to have a serious "working" visit at VMI.</p>
<p>thank you weski..
It is so much easier when you have a choice like the oldest DD has picked a school, applied and is going. period.
Of course if the USNA come through it's #1, then VMI came #2.
When we visit in March (since the word is we may not find out till april on the USNA) we will keep our eyes open and look for signs from the females at open house.</p>
<p>I don't think an Open House is enough - ask for an overnight, eat meals and visit classes.</p>
<p>it's more than open house it's overnight.
Pt and everything.
Her father and I will be booth hopping more than she.</p>
<p>I think she(and you) should be allowed to decide for yourselves if VMI is right for her. The people who knock the school don't really know it that well and it's unfair of them to attempt to disabuse her of the thought of going there. It's quite an honor for her to get a NROTC scholarship so congratulations and good luck!
I hearken back to the girls who broke the gender barrier at the Citadel a few years ago. It was courageous of them to do this and pave the way for the women who are there now.</p>
<p>I can only add this about VMI...I was with my son when he was visiting Washington and Lee University (they are joined at the hip right next door to each other) and we went for a afternoon run. Just about 100% of the Cadets greeted us with a "Good Afternoon" around the entire campus. They looked sharp in their uniforms (I think they were getting ready for a parade) and certainly didn't have to greet two joggers in T-shirts and shorts running through their campus but they did. That's a snapshot but it was more impressive that UVA's lawn that was beat up and kids with tatoos and earings playing frisbee looking at you like you don't belong (and I didn't...sound too old don't I). Anyway, the place looks similar to West Point on a smaller scale without Michie Stadium and the Hudson River below the bluffs. Lexington is a small town but definitely looked liveable. The area is great if you like outdoor recreation. Not sure on the academics or sports at VMI. Best of luck.</p>
<p>I'm currently at Washington and Lee University and I partake in Army ROTC at VMI. I can say that VMI defiantely has some great staff and some amazing resources that most likely can't be matched at a state school ROTC program. However, my opportunities to have a good amount of leadership experience in a military athmosphere is looking like nil for the next three years. As for attending VMI, I guess if the desire is there, go for it. It's just, I wanted to go to one of the academies last year, and I didn't get in because of medical issues, and I reapplied this year and it's looking like I'll get in at Army and possibly Navy as well (no word on Air Force yet). If the #1 choice is Navy, don't settle. Being a big fish in a small pond is nice and all, but don't ever settle. If Navy doesn't work out this year, reapply. Every mile will be worth your while.</p>
<p>Now for the issue of girls at VMI, I can't say it's not hard. From what I experience, girls are treated just fine by the guys, but there's a lot asked of all cadets, and I can imagine it is more grinding on the girls.</p>
<p>Lexington is a great little town with nothing to do besides frat parties put on by W&L guys, and it has caused a bit of a problem with cadets. One girl actually described VMI as "a drinking college with a military problem" I don't know how accurate that is, and I don't have any statistics. I just know it's true that it's unfortunate that VMI doesn't have federal oversight. The staff at VMI is highly capable and some of the most impressive officers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, but they can only do so much.</p>
<p>If anyone has any questions, my SN on AIM is skirbyy. Or you can PM me. Or you can just reply.</p>
<p>How do you like Washington and Lee? W & L is on my son't list of schools. He is considering W & L along with Navy, UVA and some Georgia schools. Thanks.</p>
<p>
[quote]
She knows that the wild child will come out in a reg. civilian school.
[/quote]
That seems like a poor reason ROTC at VMI rather than civilian school. What makes her think the "wild child" won't come out while on active duty?</p>
<p>Let's review the bidding,
ROTC at "normal" school
VMI - a state military school
Academy - federal military service program
If you want to serve as an officer, all will get you there, but with different experiences. None are easy.
The cultures are very different and the academic experiences are different. VMI has an amazing military tradition (as does Citadel & Norwich). Many cadets go there because
a. they couldn't get into a service academy (many reasons - grades, medical, appointments);
b. they wanted a smaller school or different graduation options;
c. financial or geographic reasons.
Because of the historical traditions, it is important to visit and spend time on campus with the cadets - just as with the "regular" service academies - because it is WAY different from State U. in many positive and in some negative ways. Go in with your eyes wide open and as prepared as possible. It is awful when kids drop out after a short time anywhere when they realize what it will be like, be it USNA or VMI, are about.
And Lexington, VA is a lovely, charming town, as is Charleston, SC and Burlington, VT.</p>
<p>I dont think you understand.
She told me that her "Lazy" side as well as her "other" sides may well come out all at once. (We've seen signs of severe senioritis as well).
She knows that at VMI she will be out from under her parents but will still be under some restrain.
Believe me her life for the last four years will make most plebes heads spin.
(We can't wait for her foreign exchange friend to visit-she'll be begging to be sent back to France-she has to live a week in DD's shoes)
By the way..she is a candidate for the academy..I really don't think if you're here and waiting for that letter at this point that you are NOT good enough .
She only applied to one academy-Navy..she isn't in it for the free education, she wants to be a Naval officer.
She has spent four years with the U.S. Navy-training and being treated just like BC.(that's boot camp for you kids who REALLY don't know what you are getting into)..she knows what she is doing.
My thread was not about her but about the school and how the Naval Officers turn out from there (VMI) as well as how did does the school treat women.</p>
<p>Just checked again with my sources with VMI connections. Sharp girls do just fine because many of the boys are not as good students. Any girl who wants to go there is more likely to have brains plus the nerve to get through. The culture is still tough for females, but it has improved. It may not be quite like Annapolis for women, but better than it used to be even 4 years ago. The NROTC is good (didn't get details).
Do let us know after your visit as well as ultimate decision. I suspect WIN84 that your DD will do extremely well wherever she goes later this year!</p>
<p>I know that alot of people favor the academy..but you have to have a 2nd choice.
It has been a rough time chosing between one school or another.
She is one of those kids...who could squeek into an academy or get accepted to 5 other schools (which she did). it doesn't hurt HINT to predeclare your major.
I swear you say engineering and you are a female..the schools are all over you!
She wants to go into physics or Aeronautical.
Thanks for your help.</p>