I write this with humility, even though my time at the Institute has long passed, the heartbreak I have for not finishing, still lingers.

I was apart of the class of 2008 (I know, I know) and I made it through the fall semester of my second class year. I struggled with academics since the beginning and found myself on academic probation numerous times. (undiagnosed adhd decimated my ability to do well academically my whole life until very recently). As an attempt to help me, my parents decided it was in my best interest to not let me continue at VMI and told me this information when I came home for the Christmas furlough (they feared I would never improve my grades and it was a matter of time before I was suspended due to poor academic performance).

I will spare you the sob story of how many years it has taken me to understand their decision and come to terms with my inadequacy I felt for so long having been through such a large part of the brotherhood.

I have successfully completed my bachelor’s degree elsewhere (20 years later: older, wiser, highly medicated) but I have never once worn my class ring or gone back to visit. It is still a huge part of me that I wish I could fix but I know how impossible that is.

I wish there was a way I could somehow go back as an “alternative” student to complete the 1.5 years I had left… I’m not sure what it is would gain from that, though. I’m too old and physically disabled to stand in formation anymore (disabled veteran).

I guess I just wanted to get this off my chest. I miss letting myself reminisce about my time there. It was too painful for so long, I would not let myself think or talk to anyone about it.

But I just found my Bullet and read it for the first time since I left, and the memories are all flooding back.

Rah Virginia Mil, forever and always.

I’m looking at applying to VMI right now and I’m going to one of the open houses soon. A ton of the clubs look cool so I was just wondering.

Given VMI is still a state school like any other college technically it has to take in people and not discriminate. So with that what is the oldest cadet you have heard of there being? I see Army ROTC requires people to be 31 years old by the time they commision. Have you ever seen a 28 year old student starting? What if they do not comission, could in theory you could get 40 year old students? Given more than half of VMI cadets do not join the military?

When do we purchase books for our classes(first year)

Hi, I am a new incoming Cadet and I’ve sort of being confused with regards to the luggage allowed. I keep reading things about a trunk being recommended but also different measure between suitcases and trunks. So in short, am I choosing between a crate/trunk or a suitcase? And if so which one is more convenient?

Does anyone have any 1st or 2nd hand knowledge/experience about VMI readmission? I graduated high school thinking i had things on lock and went to VMI 2 weeks after i turned 17. I got smacked hard with academics and OPd after the fall semester. It is now August 1st 2 months after the deadline for re admission and im still going to try anyways. I loved the Institute and had the honor of being in IRONCLAD INDIA. I really need a second shot to finish what i started. I miss my BRs and they are rooting for me. Please tell me anything you know.

I’m looking to apply to VMI this year. i kinda just want to fire away with a random question. I was wondering what are the rules after taps can cadets keep studying and also are u allowed to leave ur room during taps to use the bathroom. I tend to use the bathroom more frequent at night so I’m not tryna get a whole infection holding in a piss or let alone a dump, this is definitely random and maybe even a stupid question but yea.

Edit: thank you for the answers Lmaoo looks like sink will do.

is the VFT consisted of pull ups or push-ups next year on the link it says push-ups but on the home physical preparation it says pull ups.

I'm from Texas and currently entering junior year of high school. Last school year, I had 3 B's and 4 A's. I did all honors and an AP class. I'm doing band (I was a section leader and made All-Region 3 times in a row) and JROTC (I lead the marksmanship team). My physical fitness is decent, but I've been improving and plan to continue doing so.

I'm hoping to make good connections with alumni here in Texas. I'm also hoping to get a letter of recommendation from my principal, who I've made a good connection with through school volunteering.

I’m a rising 4/C trying to start an incoming rat groupchat. DM me or comment on this and I will start a messages groupchat (or snap) and we will be able to find a dyke for some who do not have one already and be able to meet on another prior to matriculation. DM me!

I have been accepted into VMI and I have been doing some inside research on what to and not to bring to VMI. My question is, is I like to take supplements (B-12, Fish Oil pills, and Black Seed Oil), will I be able to bring these without them being confiscated? And is “breakthrough” the 8 day training process?

A family member is graduating high school soon, and will be heading to VMI later this year. I'd like to get him a graduation gift that he can use at school, but I'm not sure what he's be able to use. I suspect there are restrictions on what a freshman is even allowed to bring and have with them in the dorms, but I don't know the rules. What would you suggest? For people that have gone to VMI, what would you have liked to have as a freshman? What should I avoid? Thanks!

I’m been accepted into VMI and I am committed and interested in STP but I’ve been told that summer classes suck (not by anyone at VMI) I know I would be taking only one but I’ve also been told that it would be very fast paced due to it being a 3 week long program. Just how much did it help you and how fast paced was it?

Hey guys a potential VMI rat was wondering if I can participate in the ranger or recon freshman year.

I'm a conditionally appointed student who very badly wants to go to the institute. I visited an open house on post last weekend and to be honest I'm pretty well hooked. I recently applied for the National 4 year NROTC Marine Option scholarship, but haven't heard anything and have pretty well moved on and given up on that option for now. While at the open house I heard about MCROTC sideload scholarships after your first year, the reason for this post is to reach out and see how others paid for that first year in order to make it through to that second chance. I have 1/4 of my dad's post 9/11 gi bill which should help a lot for that first year, but besides that how have others managed to pay for this rather expensive school? I'm out of state and academics are pretty good as well as test scores and pt.

I’m looking online to see what the average GPA is for the VMI freshman class. I’ve heard it’s below 2.0 and I saw an article from 2007 than says it was 2.2, but I can’t find anything recent and concrete, any help would be appreciated as I’m trying to make a decision on whether or not to attend VMI through Navy ROTC

Have done 2 Norwegians in Virginia one at eustis and another at belvoir. Heard from a LT that VMI has one every year around March or April? If true can I have the POC for this years ruck.

I’m an 18 year old black male receiving interest from VMI for basketball. Seriously considering and I was just wondering if anyone could share their experience and things they went through.

G'day Keydets and all others I hope everyone doing well,

First of all, as an aussie I find it real cool that you guys get a kind of independent military academy. Over here all we have are the Defence Force Academy (the three services train together + 3 year bachelors degree) and the service officer schools where all you get is your commission (RMC-D for the army, HMAS Creswell for the navy and OTS for the air force).

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Now, my main question is what allowances for off campus time and activities for cadets at VMI? For instance, during stand-down hours (i.e. between dinner and lights out) and on weekends would a cadet be allowed to leave the post to undertake recreational activities?

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Also, is there any distinction between cadets who wish to commission in navy vs those who want to commission into the USMC (I know, based on my own research, that marines are rolled into Navy ROTC but do they get any unique distinguishing items as part of their uniforms?)

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Thanks in advance for any help :)

How much would and Alumni recommendation boost my chances of being accepted?

I am not deaf, but know people who are. Do you think anyone who can hear clearly with Cochlear I Implants could get accepted??? (By the way I know they can't commission.)

I graduated in 18, just curious what everyone thinks of the new commandant compared to wild bill

A couple of Lexington locals