SLS Acceptance Letter

[laxfan]

SLS acceptance letter came in the mail today.:shake: However, it does not mention if i have recieved my workshop preference or not.

[tallbutshort]

Congrats! Did they ask you what session?

[laxfan]

yes. Included in the packet was: a medical questionaire(which requires a phsicians signature), a Privacy Statement Act, and some other forms(one of which needs to be notarized).

[sterlingmom]

SLS acceptance letter came in the mail today.:shake: However, it does not mention if i have recieved my workshop preference or not.

You don't receive your schedule until you actually get to SLS

[2012Cadet]

You don't receive your schedule until you actually get to SLS

of course...:rolleyes:

[thefish3]

Got my acceptance letter today in the mail also. Can't wait! What a christmas present!

[Stormtrooper30]

MALO just emailed me to say that I got accepted to SLS. Sweet Christmas present. I guess all the holiday mail has delayed the actual letter.

[MorganC]

MALO just emailed me to say that I got accepted to SLS. Sweet Christmas present. I guess all the holiday mail has delayed the actual letter.

Who is MALO?

[marciemi]

Military Academy Liaison Officer - similar to the ALO (AF) or BGO (Navy). Usually the first person (local) you work with when you start your application. I know for Navy and AF you had an interview with them, but our area didn't have a close enough MALO for my son to work with so he never had one.

[MorganC]

Military Academy Liaison Officer - similar to the ALO (AF) or BGO (Navy). Usually the first person (local) you work with when you start your application. I know for Navy and AF you had an interview with them, but our area didn't have a close enough MALO for my son to work with so he never had one.

Thanks :smile:

[jake s]

I recieved a call from my MALO on Wednesday congratulating me on acceptance to SLS... my letter hasnt arrived just like Stormtrooper30. I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the Postal Service and the copious amounts of holiday mail slowing down my acceptance letter. It'll get here eventually though:rolleyes:

Maybe we should start a new thread confirming all those who have acceptance to SLS? just spitballing here, so we will know some other candidates once we get there

[MorganC]

Congrats to everyone who has been accepted so far. So, what role does the MALO play during the admissions process? Should I send mine an email to introduce myself?

[jake s]

absolutely. i can only speak on waht i have been told by cadets who have been through the admissions process but in my area the malo is a make or break guy. he likes you, youre in if youre competitive. if he doesnt like you, then your app has to be outstanding or youre out. also, introducing yourself to your malo shows initiative and a drive that proves this is waht you really want

[marciemi]

My husband and I are grads and are going through the MALO training right now. Our son just went through the process and was frustrated since there aren't any MALO's in our area. From my understanding, there are far fewer than there are BGO/ALO's for the other branches, and especially if you go to SLS, most likely your interview with your SL there will count as your MALO interview. My son went to SLS, interviewed there, but then never completed his WP application (he has appointments for Navy and AF). We're hoping to keep this from happening with other candidates since he was never able to find a MALO in our area at all.

From what I've heard though on these boards and from others, MALO isn't really make or break. Maybe just break! :wink: If the MALO likes you and lists you as number one on his interviews, etc., that may help you slightly, but certainly won't get you in, no matter how much they want you to be. If they strongly DON'T like you though, yes, it could probably keep you from getting in. And of course I don't mean just personality - if for whatever reason they don't believe you'll be a good fit (doing it for someone else, poor academics, arrogant attitude), then yes, a negative ranking could hurt you. I think in general most liaison officers for all services are there to HELP you as the candidate. They're your information source, your cheerleader, your helper. So unless you really give them a reason to NOT support you, they will. And the academies expect that. So your MALO saying you're the best thing since sliced bread - well, they expect that. But your MALO saying they CAN'T endorse you - well, there'd have to be a strong reason and it WOULD be noticed.

Going back to the introduction question - yes, I'd definitely email and introduce yourself. However, keep in mind that all liaison's are primarily concerned with 2014 right now. Getting in the last interviews, answering questions, helping candidates with nom interviews, etc. So they'll probably be glad to answer some questions or emails, but not to have a long detailed meeting with you right now! Come April or so, when 2014 is settled, you'll start to come up on the radar. WP's application window didn't open last year until in August (for anything other than SLS). My son had his entire Navy and AF applications complete (and an LOA from Navy already) before he even had a chance to apply for WP. But keep in mind that people DO get LOA's based off their summer seminar info. Keep it as complete as possible and do well while there. And don't waste the summer - before school gets out, get letters of recommendation from anyone who you'll want them from. Get phone numbers and emails from teachers who will have to fill out your teacher recommendations (Math/LA/Science) so you don't have to wait until school is back in. Start Dodmerb as soon as you're contacted. Get your MALO interview (if applicable) as soon as you can.

Good luck!

[navymidshipman2015]

Military Academy Liaison Officer - similar to the ALO (AF) or BGO (Navy). Usually the first person (local) you work with when you start your application. I know for Navy and AF you had an interview with them, but our area didn't have a close enough MALO for my son to work with so he never had one.

How do you find out if you have a MALO? I was told I'd be getting a letter about my SLS status by an admissions rep, but not what that status was...
Happy Holidays everyone!

[armybratkl]

navymidshipman2015 -

On the candidate portal (https://candidate.usma.edu), after you log in there is a link on the top that says Liaisons. Here, you can find a State Coordinator and a Congressional District Coordinator. I do not seem to have a state coordinator.

I am fairly certain I had access to this after filling out my SLS application, but it might not be open until later in the winter or spring, I can't say for sure.

[tallbutshort]

I just got my acceptance letter today :smile: It was dated the 15th so I'm a little surprised it took so long to get here. Actually I'm not, it is the U.S. postal service after all.

[navymidshipman2015]

I just got my acceptance letter! I'm so excited!
I agree, we should make this the acceptance thread.

[laxfan]

Im really excited too! I put 3 engineering workshops as my top 3 preferences because I thought that we would only be selected for one. However, I have come to find out that we actually get to do 3 workshops, and now I might be stuck doing 3 engineering workshops throughout the week. If I would have known that we were going to do 3, I would have picked some other things.
oh well...it will still be great.:thumb:

[Stormtrooper30]

We get to do 3 workshops this year? I thought it was only two.


Got my acceptence letter in the mail yesterday. It's gonna take awhile to fill out because we have to get doctor's signature and everything.

[laxfan]

mabey it is only 2? Im not sure.

The packet is pretty involved; now I need to make a doctors apointment, and we have to get a paper notarized.

[tallbutshort]

I don't know about this year but last year it was 3. The link has last year's schedule.

http://admissions.usma.edu/moreinfo/SLS_Instructions_2009.pdf

[MorganC]

Im really excited too! I put 3 engineering workshops as my top 3 preferences because I thought that we would only be selected for one. However, I have come to find out that we actually get to do 3 workshops, and now I might be stuck doing 3 engineering workshops throughout the week. If I would have known that we were going to do 3, I would have picked some other things.
oh well...it will still be great.

You can call admissions and update your workshop preferences.

[marciemi]

Couple questions/bits of info on this topic. As far as the workshops - my son did 3 summer seminars last year, and although it seems like they try to give you at least some of your choices, you definitely don't get all of them in many cases. So if you chose 3 engineering topics, most likely you won't get all 3. I know my son ended up in a Literature class, which would have been about LAST in his choices! :rolleyes: I think your math/engineering courses fill the fastest, so some people have to get put somewhere else for some of the other selections. Also, I know he emailed to change his selection last year (like they told him he could) and did NOT get the class he moved to like number 2 when he got there. So...like you'll find the rest of your lives if you go to WP...it's the "needs of the Army" that come first! :wink: Expect that you'll enjoy any of the classes and just go with the flow!

My next question though is for anyone who has gotten an acceptance packet this year. My next son is a junior and just got his ACT scores today so is hoping to apply. However, his first choice for a SS (and he can't fit in more than one) would be NASS, and their window doesn't open until Feb. I know last year when my son got his WP acceptance in Dec., he had until the end of Feb to accept or he'd lose the option. Is that still the case? Son #2 is considering holding off longer on the SLS application (say until mid/late January) in order to hopefully have his NASS application results before the cutoff to return the SLS one if by chance he gets accepted to both! I'd appreciate it if you could let me know your cutoff date! Thanks!

[laxfan]

True! I bet all of the workshops will be interesting.

Regarding the forms: "Please fill out the enclosed registration forms/ checklist and return them to us by March first, 2010 to confirm your acceptance"

[marciemi]

Thanks laxfan - that's what I was afraid of. Maybe we'll wait a month on that one then since SLS would be his third choice. He can apply for AF's now since it seems like you were simply accepted for that and once you are, you can watch and see as the sessions fill. If he finds out he doesn't get that, he can quickly apply to WP's; otherwise, I think he'll wait until closer to the NASS registration time (in a month or so) to apply.

If you don't mind me asking, what were your ACT/SAT's? He just got his today and got a 31 ACT on the first attempt and is hoping that will be good enough (especially with a 36 on the math). Signed up to retest in Feb, but think it'll be too late for summer seminars for those scores. Thanks again!

[laxfan]

Well I hope you guys can figure it out. I will apply to NASS as well but SLS at West Point is by far my first priority.

I havent taken SAT or ACT yet, but my PSAT scores came out to about a 190 combined. This was definetly the weak point in my application.

[tallbutshort]

I don't know if you were wondering about laxfan's scores or everyone's, but I got a 71 math, 70 writing, and 67 critical reading on the PSATs.

[marciemi]

Thanks - was looking for anyone who got accepted (or who didn't - guess those scores would help too!). My son's PSAT were 73 math, 56 verbal, 57 writing, so I think the 31 ACT (36 Math, 30 Science, 30 Reading, 28 English) looks a lot better - at least it was a lot higher percentile on the charts! :thumb:

[Stormtrooper30]

Marciemi, my SLS letter says that the money and session preference is due on March 1st.

My PSAT score was 210 and ACT was 33 and I got accepted. Hope this helps.

[perryguy23]

You don't receive your schedule until you actually get to SLS


This is true. I went last year and we got name tags that had our schedules right on them. SLS is a good time, and the Under Armor stuff they gave us was REALLY nice.

[laxfan]

What did you guys get to keep?

[perryguy23]

We got two black under armor golf shirts (black with gold), a gray under armor hoody, an under armor backpack (a cheap one, the strings that you pull to close the top are also the straps), and three under armor loose gear shirts for PT, in black, white, gray, dark green, or black depending on your platoon. The year before us got camelback backpacks, but we weren't that lucky. O, and a nalgene type water bottle.

I'd suggest taking like 2 pairs of athletic shorts, 2-3 khaki shorts, a pair of khaki pants (they're required if you take the chemistry class), tons of socks/underwear/compression shorts, and jeans and a long sleeve shirt. and maybe 2 pairs of good running shoes. Also, undershirts are good for the golf shirts, which u wear to class and briefings (you go to like 2 days of briefings AKA info sessions), so that those shirts don't stink after a week.

Also, i think someone else was wondering about classes? We went to three total.

[BeatNavy]

Remember to bring a belt.

[marciemi]

As far as the PT shirts, they're the nice underarmour wicking type. My son got black, which was listed, but a friend's platoon got gold so they each traded one afterwards (so they had two different colors instead of two of the same). The hoody was really nice. He also got some various stuff from some of the workshops he did - the things he made in the chem workshop, pencils and another water bottle from the math department (just cool because they have the academy stuff on them).

I agree on bringing t-shirts because it is 6 days and you only get 2 PT and 2 polo shirts and there's no laundry. I don't remember him mentioning a belt, but he probably would have worn one with khakis the first day. Also, I don't remember which SS it was for (he went to 3), but I know at one they didn't have khaki pants on the list and the kids needed to have them (at least one pair) and anyone who didn't was kind of singled out the whole time. So if it's not on your list, have at least one pair! I know at Navy and AF's they were issued shorts, but not at WP's. Word of warning - do NOT bring your shorts from Navy to wear at WP! :wink:

[laxfan]

Thanks for the info guys. Sounds like alot of stuff for 350! Not to mention the cost of meals and rooms, ect.

Anyways, I have compleated all required forms, and the packet goes in the mail tomorrow. I'm siginging up for session 1.

anyyone else send in their packets yet?

[navymidshipman2015]

I'll be sending mine in soon as well. Does anyone know if we get to do any military/tactical activities? I know there was a Warfighting Simulations workshop last year, but it wasn't listed on this year's list, so I was just wondering...

[tallbutshort]

Does anyone know if the other academies require physicals as well? I want to turn in my paperwork soon, but I don't want to go to the doctor twice if avoidable.

[marciemi]

Last year AF and Navy didn't at all. IIRC WP didn't as well, just a doctor signature saying you could attend. So if you'd already had a sports physical, your doctor might just sign it for you.

I think the plan at SLS is to spend a day at Buckner firing weapons, land nav, and things like that. Sounds like last year session one had fun doing all of this but my son was in session two and they got weathered out of everyhing and just spent the day in the barracks and gym and ate MREs. Not very exciting!

[laxfan]

I'll be sending mine in soon as well. Does anyone know if we get to do any military/tactical activities? I know there was a Warfighting Simulations workshop last year, but it wasn't listed on this year's list, so I was just wondering...

The warfighter sim is part of the scheduled activities no matter what workshops you pick. Its on "military training day."

At least thats how it was last year

[armybratkl]

I think the plan at SLS is to spend a day at Buckner firing weapons, land nav, and things like that.

Ohhh no, we didn't fire any weapons; probably too much liability. The only firing we did at all at SLS last year was in a simulated shooting range with M4's (which was not on military training day, but one evening during squad leader time, and was available to squads on a rotating basis). We did, however, spend a day at Buckner (I was in week one). While there, we learned how to bayonet, we went through obstacle courses (both with and without our "gun"), ate MREs, saw and sat in a HUMV, saw and had a presentation on a helicopter (can't remember exactly what model it was), and had a presentation given by combat engineers.


As for the shirts: the nicest thing about them is that you can wash them in the shower with your body soap, wring them out and hang them to dry, and wear them the next day. I didn't end up using any of the shirts I had brought, other than on the first day.

[2011's Mom]

Ohhh no, we didn't fire any weapons; probably too much liability.....

My D went to SLS at WP 3 years ago (now a 2° at USAFA so if I did my math right, it's been 3 years) and she did fire something (don't know what but whatever it was, it was big! She or my hubby would know what it was but neither of them are here right now to tell me). She tells the story still ... it was a highlight, I think.

[BeatNavy]

(both with and without our "gun").

A gun is an artillery piece
I think you mean a rifle. :thumb:

Those of us in session two last year got shafted by the rain. It wasn't actively raining but they didn't want us on buckner obstacle course if it was still wet. I heard in past years they let kids fire blanks, but that didn't seem to have happened this year. On military day we had a briefing on different weapons. We field stripped the M240, got briefed on correct form for shooting the M9, practiced clearing a room with a fireteam and rifles, got a briefing from a specialist on communications, and got a briefing from engineers who had a couple large pieces of equipment (bulldozers, etc) And we got to eat an MRE (with the heating element taken away). Chili with beans was actually PDG even when cold :smile:

[marciemi]

Interesting that you didn't actually fire weapons. He'd watched the youtube videos from previous years and I guess that's why he was so sure that the other week had done it.

BeatNavy - sounds like you at least did more than my son did that day. According to him they spend the day just running around with no one knowing what was going on. First they got dressed to go to Buckner and all stood around and waited, then were told they were not going and changed into gym clothes and came down and waited, then told to change again for Buckner, then finally back to gym clothes again and then told to just hang out in their rooms. Sounds like that's what they did for the rest of the day, although I think they had the option to go to the gym and play dodgeball (which my son decided against). I think the SL's made a big difference in what you did and his just opted to "get rid of" them whenever they had the choice.

Although I also guess they missed the memo on not giving them the heating element because one of the main skills he learned was using your heating element inside a sealed bag to create an explosion! :wink: I picked up a MRE at a garage sale (for $2!) while he was at SS just coincidentally and when we went camping over the 4th of July he enjoyed showing us his new skill! :rolleyes:

[BeatNavy]

one of the main skills he learned was using your heating element inside a sealed bag to create an explosion! :wink: I picked up a MRE at a garage sale (for $2!) while he was at SS just coincidentally and when we went camping over the 4th of July he enjoyed showing us his new skill! :rolleyes:
This led to search on youtube :shake:

[marciemi]

Now you'll have something to show your new classmates during Beast! :wink:

[wang93]

I just received my acceptance letter in the mail:) What a great late Christmas present!!!

[Stormtrooper30]

How early should we send in our letter back to USMA? I'd to do it as soon as possible because I have a tight schedule this summer, but it's going to take a while to raise funds and get my doctor's signature. Should I be in a hurry?

[wang93]

session one or two? opinions please

[marciemi]

Well, last year session 2 got weathered out of nearly all the fun stuff. Just saying! :wink: Probably whichever works better with your school/job/life schedule if you're just doing this one seminar!

[grappler145]

I called the admissions lady and she said I would be receiving a letter of offer within the next two days. Is this the same as an acceptance letter? Thanks.

[America's Finest]

I called the admissions lady and she said I would be receiving a letter of offer within the next two days. Is this the same as an acceptance letter? Thanks.

Yes, the term is "offer of admission" which is an acceptance letter.

[grappler145]

Thank you. So I will probably be going then. I applied Dec 17 if anyone was wondering. My ACT was as following: Math and Writing: 26 English 32 Science 30 and writing a 7 out of 12. Composite was 29. Top 5% of class, varsity wrestling and church youth group officer/leader, NHS club.

[wang93]

does anyone know of any scholarship opportunities for the summer seminar?