<p>Does anyone have feedback on reasons knobs drop out of the Citadel? I’m assuming that’s when most of the kids leave. I’ve been looking at the numbers of kids enrolled vs. the number who actually graduate, and it seems like a significant number.</p>
<p>I would guess that the lion’s share leave during the first two weeks. It’s a tough regimen, and it’s not for everyone – and unfortunately not enough people realize that. And to be honest, it’s probably not the physical regimen that does them in, but the mental regimen and overwhelmingly disciplined environment.</p>
<p>Read “My Losing Season” by Pat Conroy (or…even better…listen to it as an audio book.) </p>
<p>A lot of the book was about his experience at The Citadel. I’ve heard it’s changed since he was a student there…but…still very tough.</p>
<p>The most recent first-year attrition rate I’ve seen is 22%. The first year there is essentially a non-stop regimen of authorized peer hazing, with upperclassmen harassing and intimidating the first-years as well as assigning them dirty jobs and depriving them of food and sleep. After 78% make it to the second year, another 16% are lost to attrition before graduation.</p>