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. Complete Your Reservation
Once you receive your conditional appointment, you’ll receive instructions for creating your Post View account, VMI’s secure portal for completing your reservation and final enrollment requirements.
Reservation Checklist
Inside Post View, be sure to complete:
- Submit your Statement of Decision
- Pay your $300 Deposit
- Complete your Preferences Form
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.
Deadlines:
JUNE 1 – Medical forms due for appointed students attending the Summer Transition Program (STP).
JULY 15 – Medical forms due for appointed students NOT attending the Summer Transition Program (STP).
Important: Failure to submit all required medical documentation by July 15 will result in the forfeiture of your appointment to VMI.
2. Enroll in Barracks Bound
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. Prepare for the Rat Line
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. Submit Existing Credits
Managed by the Registrar, VMI accepts credits for qualified applicants related to Advanced Placement (AP) tests, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and dual-enrollment. Transfer credits are also evaluated for inclusion in VMI transcripts.
7. 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
Complete Your Reservation
Secure your place at VMI by paying a deposit and completing forms.
Complete Your Reservation
Secure your place at VMI by paying a deposit and completing forms.
Enroll in Barracks Bound
Join the appointed students hub to keep track of requirements and deadlines.
Enroll in Barracks Bound
Join the appointed students hub to keep track of requirements and deadlines.
VMI Email Setup
Create your account to receive important information.
VMI Email Setup
Create your account to receive important information.
Complete Placement Tests
Be sure to check deadlines and follow all instructions.
Complete Placement Tests
Be sure to check deadlines and follow all instructions.
Prepare for the Rat Line
Focus on your fitness and gather required items.
Prepare for the Rat Line
Focus on your fitness and gather required items.
Submit Existing Credits
Provide VMI with information related to AP, IB, and dual-enrollment courses.
Submit Existing Credits
Provide VMI with information related to AP, IB, and dual-enrollment courses.
Attend STP
Get a head start on one academic class and life on post in this optional summer program held in July.
Attend STP
Get a head start on one academic class and life on post in this optional summer program held in July.
“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
Advanced Standing Credit allows eligible incoming cadets to receive academic credit or course placement based on qualifying coursework and examinations, including AP, IB, Cambridge International, dual enrollment, transfer credit, and VMI placement exams. Visit the Registrar’s Office for eligibility requirements, credit policies, course equivalencies, and placement information.
Information Technology
VMI’s Department of Information Technology provides support to cadets via the Barracks Help Desk, manages network access and security, and provides information on cadet computing requirements.
Academic Support
VMI offers proactive and innovative programs of academic support for cadets at all levels. From writing and math tutoring, to study skills and job fairs, VMI is committed to cadet success during and after their time in Lexington.
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
Disabilities Services at the Miller Academic Center supports the academic success, personal growth and development of life and leadership skills for cadets in a manner that promotes self-awareness, self-determination, and self-advocacy.
International Student Requirements for ROTC Participation
All VMI cadets are required by Virginia law to participate in an Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps ROTC program throughout their enrollment. Federal ROTC regulations require participants to have an eligible U.S. immigration status.
During the admissions process, applicants must provide documentation verifying their U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, or documentation related to their student visa eligibility or application, as applicable. Applicants who are unable to meet federal ROTC eligibility requirements are not eligible to enroll at VMI.
Legal References: Virginia Code § 23.1-2500(C); Army Regulation 145-1; AFROTCI 36-2001, Vol. 3; NSTC M-1533.2F.
We’re Here To Help
Whether you have questions about your appointment, completing your next steps, or preparing for life at VMI, our Admissions and Support teams are ready to assist you every step of the way.
