I’ve known a lot of great guys who went to VMI. They had some issues back when they went coed, but they seem to have worked through that now.
Good Luck.
wait 4 yrs
VMI is an outstanding institution, but make sure that you get a solid degree in a field that you will enjoy 30 years from now. As hard as it seems at 17, 27, or even 37, a military career doesn’t last long enough.
Congratulations on your scholarship.
What was my post on March 14th, 2003?
Stay away from Vermont and you’ll make a fine patriot. Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Military.
Take whichever school offers the full ride scholarship. The free ride allows you to make money as a butter bar rather than spend years paying off student loans.
Your officer commission will be the same regardless of which school you go to, and the training doesn’t really start until you go to the Officer Basic Course anyway.
Both are fine schools. VMI just has a larger publicity machine than Norwich.
IMO, graduating from a military institution will provide you with more leadership opportunities. However, you only go through undergrad once, and a more casual program (ROTC) might make for a more enjoyable four years. Good officers come from all kinds of school. Good and bad from “Podunk U” and the same for service academies. If you are interested in a math/hard science degree, I’d go for ROTC at a larger research institution. Whatever path you choose, dont’ rack up debt!
Think ahead. The military can be a fine career, but unless you make General, you'll be out on the street just about the time your kids are entering college. You will need a degree in something that has earning potential.
My father was a VMI grad, as was his brother. They both spoke very highly of it. Neither of them made the military their career though. My brother went to Norwich and just retired after 30 years in the Army as a full bird.
If the courses you want at each school are similar, FWIW, if you like winter sports and mountains, you may like Norwich. Being closer to home has it drawbacks and advantages. Good luck!
Congratulations. 4 yr ROTC scholarships are not handed out to just everyone. Much is expected of you. Give more.
Wow. It sounds like your doing so well so far (at your age I was still a liberal and had no GPA like that... /whistles) Although I don’t know of the school I do of military schools and the type of people who go/get scholarships. I would give this advice: don’t miss out on college just doing schoolwork and all the other things necessary at a military college. I will admit I learned more (life) from the other stuff that I’ve done in the classroom, but the lessons that will really follow you through life you might find at the Dining Hall than in a Classroom.
Plus a whole lot of fun :D. (I actually spent the last three hours after a class talking about dystopian future with internet leading off a discussion we had in a class; I know some well, some not at all and we have the beginings of a book we would like to do. )
Congrats, youv’e done great so far. Focus on the education part of it and ask G_d to help you choose the right one. Life is wisdom but also spirit. G_d gave you a mind so use it to make a advantages/disadvantages chart to help you decide. Pray and ask G_d to give you a sign. Maybe it could be a sign that you specifically ask for, such as please enable me to meet someone that has been to institution A. I wish for you a better CIC soon.
There are lots of good choices here offered by Freepers.
Another consideration is Texas A&M, College Station.
Corps of Cadets 2000+ members.
Right wing, Pro-military campus.
ROTC commissions offered in Army/Navy/AF/Marine Corps.
One of only a few triple grant colleges in the US.
Best of luck!
One more thought and it is an important one. With the Army ROTC you are locked into the Army. Does Norwich or VMI give you more of a choice in branch of service? Norwich might? After 4 years at one of the academies, you might be better able to make a branch of service decision than you are now. Tough decision to make right out of high school. If you are not sold on Army and would prefer another branch, I think maybe you should go to Norwich.
Here’s the deal: I’m a 17 year old
_____________________________
Good for you. I had no idea what I wanted to do during school or after graduation. I’m now retired and still don’t know what I would have liked to do during my working life. It’s important to be happy and be able to grow in whatever you choose. Chances are that you’ll be putting up with your choice for the rest of your working life unless you’re extremely adaptable with a great resume. I just wish I had fallen into a career path that didn’t seem like work and more like fun and games everyday.
First of all, Congrats!!!!
VMI is for infantry (leg) and snake-eaters and Norwich is for armor. So if you want close combat and to jump out of perfectly good airplanes go VMI. If you want to live with four other guys for a week at a crack in a moving foxhole go to Norwich. But one last thing, how is your vision? A-10’s are pretty sexy right now. Lastly, good luck and pay attention to detail where ever you go.
Corpsman up!
VMI is your best bet.. Just do me a favor OK?
pick a field or MOS (JOB) that will relate to the civillian world when you get out. If you do infantry or an MP you might be a cop. If you do jag..you become a lawyer. What one makes the most money in the civillian world? (Lawyer) This is how you approach this.
Best of luck!!
Best of luck whatever you choose. (My wonderful DH enlisted when he was 17, by the way ... he’s still in ... 26 years later!)