Virginia Military Institute

You can get a good education here, engineering especially, and the alumni network is very tight, at least in Virginia, to help you get a job later, or if you choose a military career. The hazing is bad, like other military schools, and the administration hasn't chosen to challenge it. It's tradition. Very SMALL town, but since the "rats" can't go anywhere off-campus, it won't matter much. Quality of students academically is sometimes poor, and there is some grade inflation, as professors get criticized if they flunk too many students. Some think inclusion of women has raised standards, but a woman who wants to come here and put up with the hazing is crazy.

VMI although it may appear to be a tough school at first, offers it's grads with a world of oppurtunities. It provides job markets, post graduate degrees, and a great alumni organization. This school is awesome in making sure anyone coming out of it will be o.k. Military life here is to train and teach discipline, and if a kid can't handle someone in there face then they shouldn't have come here. I've commited to play baseball at the Post and I am in love with the mindset and oppurtunities VMI will give me.

It is a school not for everyone. As a recent engineering graduate and an officer in the Air Force, it is now that I truely value my education and experience.

Great rep. Political correct crowd doesn't like it.

When I think of our cadet's experience -- nightmare might be the more appropriate word -- I think, of that old saying, Looks can be deceiving. It truly applies here. We found ourselves angered on various levels -- as parents, as taxpayers, as consumers, etc. I would have to encourage anyone, before you take your child to VMI, educate yourself on what the various definitions of hazing are. Start with Stophazing.org. Visit your Public Library. Then ask yourself: Is this really where I want my son or daughter educated?

For a college that preaches honor, and discipline, it's amazing how much they lack! If you want a military career, find a good ROTC program elsewhere. You will probably have better role models, and leadership, and you can still have a commission.