How are military colleges in Virginia?

Got my eyes on Virginia for college, particularly because of their military colleges. Anyone out here went to any of these colleges? What was your experience like?

Virginia is home to several exceptional military colleges, including Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets (VTCC). Here's a bit about both.

VMI, located in Lexington, is one of the top military colleges in the country and it's known for its rigorous academic curriculum and demanding physical challenges. Cadets live in barracks, wear uniforms, and pursue strict schedules. They offer Bachelor's degrees in 14 fields, with a heavy emphasis on engineering and the sciences. Many cadets go on to serve in the military, but that's not a requirement. Students speak highly of the character building and leadership skills they acquire here, along with the strong bonds formed amongst the cadets.

Meanwhile, VTCC, located in Blacksburg, is part of Virginia Tech, and participating students live a military lifestyle alongside their academic duties. They must take ROTC classes and participate in regular drills. Leadership development is a key focus at VTCC, and the camaraderie between cadets is frequently spoken about positively by students. As part of Virginia Tech, cadets can choose from a wide variety of majors and aren't required to join the military after graduation. This gives you the opportunity to balance a military-focused lifestyle with a comprehensive academic experience.

Overall, graduates from these colleges talk about the long-lasting friendships, discipline, leadership skills, and the holistic transformation they experience. If you're open to a structured, disciplined lifestyle along with your academics, then these colleges could be a great fit. Make sure you fully research both the military and academic aspects of each institute to ensure it aligns with your individual goals and preferences.