Congratulations on Your Appointment to VMI
Your hard work and commitment to excellence have earned you a place in the Corps. As you prepare to join us in August, you’ll complete a few important steps to secure your spot, finalize your requirements, and get ready for your first year as a cadet.
Use this page as your roadmap from now until Matriculation Day.
Your Next Steps to Joining the Corps of Cadets
1. Reserve Your Place at VMI
Once you receive your conditional appointment, you will get instructions for setting up your Post View account — VMI’s internal portal used to complete all final admissions steps.
Complete Your Reservation Checklist
Inside Post View, be sure to complete:
- Statement of Decision
- $300 Deposit (via Post View, check, or phone)
- Preferences Form
Submit Required Medical Forms
In addition to Post View, you will set up your Medicat Portal account — the secure system used by the VMI Infirmary for all medical forms and records throughout your cadetship.
All appointed students must complete the required medical documentation for medical review and approval to fully complete their reservation. Follow instructions for completing medical requirements.
VMI Infirmary staff will touch base directly with the appointed student if additional information is needed. Any questions about the Medicat Portal, the medical forms, or the medical review process should be directed to the VMI Infirmary by emailing infirmaryadmin@vmi.edu or calling 540-462-6373.
Deadlines to have all required medical documentations to Medicat for VMI Infirmary review:
- STP participants: June 1
- Non-STP appointed students: July 15
Important: Students who do not submit all medical documents by July 15 will be medically disqualified, and their appointment will be withdrawn.
2. Use Your Barracks Bound Site
Your personalized Barracks Bound site is your online one-stop resource guide for staying on top of action items and important information between appointment and matriculation.
The site includes:
- Course schedules
- Required next steps
- Key deadlines
- Resources for both appointed students and parents
Think of it as your online guide from high school to the Corps of Cadets.
3. Set Up Your VMI Email
Your VMI email will be your official communication channel throughout your cadetship.
When You Will Receive It
VMI email accounts are typically created after March 1 for appointed students who have paid the deposit or completed the Reservation to VMI.
You will receive a message from the Director of Admissions with:
- Your username
- Temporary password
- Security setup instructions
Complete this process promptly — critical updates on testing, medical requirements, deadlines, and more will be sent only to your VMI email.
4. Complete Required Placement Tests
All new cadets must take placement tests before arriving on post.
Who Tests and When
- Mathematics: Required for all incoming cadets
- Foreign Language: Required for students who completed 2+ years of a language in grades 9–12
When you access your VMI Email Account, you will have access to CANVAS and can begin these tests.
5. Focus on Fitness
Arriving as mentally and physically prepared as possible will set the tone for your success as a new cadet.
VMI Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
Before August, the Commandant requests that all appointed students complete the VMI PFA. This helps the Commandant and Regimental staff assess your current fitness level and plan early training.
10-Week Training Program
VMI offers an optional training plan to help you build strength and endurance before you arrive.
What to Bring
The New Cadet Handbook (2025–2026) outlines everything you need to know — from clothing and equipment to visitation and furlough policies.
Because August is hot and physically demanding, plan to bring clothing that allows for multiple changes each day.
6. Attend the Summer Transition Program (STP)
The Summer Transition Program (STP) is an optional opportunity to get an early start on the VMI experience.
STP participants:
- Take a college course
- Live in barracks
- Eat in the mess hall
- Participate in physical training
- Get a head start on adjusting to cadet life
Inquire
Tell us a little about yourself so we can send you the most relevant admissions updates.
Inquire
Tell us a little about yourself so we can send you the most relevant admissions updates.
Connect
Talk one-on-one with the admissions counselor for your region—get guidance on academics, ROTC, and the application process.
Connect
Talk one-on-one with the admissions counselor for your region—get guidance on academics, ROTC, and the application process.
Visit
See life on Post for yourself. Join an Open House or schedule a personalized visit.
Visit
See life on Post for yourself. Join an Open House or schedule a personalized visit.
Financial Aid
Review scholarships, grants, and service-based opportunities that help make a VMI education possible.
Financial Aid
Review scholarships, grants, and service-based opportunities that help make a VMI education possible.
Apply
Start your application for August entry and take the first step toward an extraordinary education.
Apply
Start your application for August entry and take the first step toward an extraordinary education.
“A lot of other schools don’t have programs where you can be successful in academics, military and athletics. All in the same day, same week, same hour.”
—Sadie Smith ’26
Additional Information
Advanced Standing Credit
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Information Technology
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Academic Support
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Cadet Life Services
VMI cadets have access to a multitude of resources to support their daily lives on post. Dedicated staff at Auxiliary Services provide high quality services and supplies to meet the expanded needs of cadets at No Ordinary College. The PX and bookstore are also open to the wider VMI community and visitors for food and fan gear as they come to Lexington throughout the year.
Ensuring the overall wellness of cadets is a key facet of life at the Institute. The infirmary, Chaplain’s office, cadet counseling, the IG and Title IX office, and VMI police are all available to provide guidance and support, as well as interventions if needed in special situations and circumstances. These departments exist to ensure cadets can focus on their academic, military, and athletic goals in a safe and healthy environment.
Disability Services
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Information for Parents
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International Student Requirements for ROTC Participation
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We’re Here To Help
If you have questions about your appointment, next steps, or preparing for life at VMI, our Admissions and Support teams are ready to assist.
