I am going into grade 12 this year and have been looking at going to RMC as a part of the ROTP program, I'm thinking of applying for pilot and studying Math, Chemistry, or maybe Physics.
- Is it typically easy to fit in at RMC? Is there a stereotype I need to fit into?
Yes. Everyone shares in the suck and creates very strong bonds. Eventually you start to form closer relationships with those who more neatly fit with your individual personalities and hobbies, but I never found that there were any loners or ostracized groups.
- Obviously it's a military school, but are there any similarities to a "normal" university life (parties, dorm life, etc)?
While nowhere near like civiU, you still manage to have a good time. You can go into town and party as much as you want (somewhat limited in first year). While officially no drinking is allowed in the dorms, it happens all the time. Heck, in my third year, we had a Christmas party and an off-campus house. We didn't finish the Keg we ordered, so me and some friends snuck in into my room and covered it with a blanket and acted like it was an end-table. We drank beer from a keg in my room for 3 days until it was empty, than snuck it out. #TDV-DGC
- Were most RMC students in cadets? Is it harder to get in if you weren't in cadets?
Lots were, but definitely not the majority. Anything that demonstrates that you are hard working, smart, disciplined, etc. helps with your application. Being in cadets is
just one thing that speaks to those qualities. I would say that the reason there were a lot of cadets at RMC is not
because it helps you get into RMC, but rather its just that those who are in cadets had a proclivity toward applying to RMC.
- A kind of related question - How many RMC students come from military families? Is there a disadvantage to not being in one but still studying at RMC?
LOTS. And No. No one gives a f*** and usually the base brats hide that fact until someone asks "where you from?" and they answer "from all over".
- Is it easy to access mental health support?
Can't answer this one.
- If I go to RMC then leave after my 5 years of service, is it easy to find a job after? I am interested in doing a master's and a PhD in the very far future, how do civilian universities view RMC?
This is really a non-issue. If you do your 5 years, you will either like being in the military, and stay in, or you won't like it, and will start looking for a new job. You will stay in
until you find a new job, and then get out. (usually it works this way... also, this isn't quite the same if you go pilot, as others have explained).
If I'm being honest it sounds too good to be true - free tuition plus a guaranteed job after. What's the caveat?
You have to join an organization that likes to espouse being about its people, but in reality doesn't give a shit about you. You will give it your all, with passion, and the organization will demand more and more of you without ever really saying thank you or demonstrating that they value your sacrifice, and then will completely forget about you 2 seconds after you walk out the door (or even before).
