All three are known for their rigorous academic and military standards, emphasizing discipline, order, and tradition. However, the specific emphasis and application of those standards vary. The "strictness" could be measured by aspects like:
* Cadre system: The extent to which upperclassmen are involved in enforcing discipline. All three utilize this, but the specifics differ.
* Rules and regulations: The number and severity of regulations enforced.
* Punishment system: The types and severity of penalties for infractions.
* Overall atmosphere: The perceived level of pressure and formality.
Anecdotal evidence and alumni accounts suggest different perspectives on which is "strictest." Some might perceive The Citadel's strong emphasis on tradition and a potentially more forceful cadre system as stricter, while others might find VMI's historical emphasis on a demanding academic workload coupled with military training to be more rigorous. West Point, while demanding, often places a greater emphasis on leadership development in a more nationally focused context.
Ultimately, the perception of "strictness" is subjective and depends on individual experiences and interpretations. There's no objective metric to definitively rank them.