Summer Programs

2012Cadet

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I am thinking about applying to and am considering many programs to attend this summer. Now as all of you know, and my parents so thoroughly reminded me, money indeed does not grow on trees, so I can't attend all of the ones I want to. Here are some of the ones I have applied to or will apply to. Now depending on whether I am accepted to each being a major factor, I was wondering if I could get peoples input on which, if I could only attend 3-4 of the below programs, I should prioritize to go to? (Am already going to USMA SLS by the way, so that takes up one of my slots.)

- GA Boys State
- NGA Summer Strategic Foreign Language Academy
- Emory University Economics for Leaders Program
- AFA SS or USNA SS

Input from past attendees of any of these programs is greatly appreciated, but I am looking for anyones opinion, based on what you think would be the most interesting and would benefit me most to put on my application to the academies. Also, if anyone knows any good summer programs I have not listed above of interest, feel free to post them as I'm still on the look out and could change my mind.

Thanks in advance for replies,
2012 Cadet
 
The only one I can speak to is Boys' State. However, at my sons' school, you had to be selected by a committee of teachers and there were only one or two slots. There was no cost for Boys' State because the local American Legion unit covered the cost.

Both of my sons attended Boys' State and found it to be an awesome week. They learned so much about state government and met some really neat guys from other parts of the state. My cadet's MALO told him West Point values Boys' State as much as an Eagle badge in scouting.

My cadet didn't do SLS, didn't even apply, but he is so glad he did not miss the opportunity to do Boys' State. He spent other summers on mission trips; West Point also likes to see that side of you too.
 
The only one I can speak to is Boys' State. However, at my sons' school, you had to be selected by a committee of teachers and there were only one or two slots. There was no cost for Boys' State because the local American Legion unit covered the cost.

Both of my sons attended Boys' State and found it to be an awesome week. They learned so much about state government and met some really neat guys from other parts of the state. My cadet's MALO told him West Point values Boys' State as much as an Eagle badge in scouting.

My cadet didn't do SLS, didn't even apply, but he is so glad he did not miss the opportunity to do Boys' State. He spent other summers on mission trips; West Point also likes to see that side of you too.

Thanks for the input Dixieland and yeah that's what I thought I'm definitely going to Boy's State if I can make it now. As for the mission trip idea, I am also looking into various mission trips through my church is hosting some over the summer and will see what happens thanks for the idea.
 
- GA Boys State
- NGA Summer Strategic Foreign Language Academy
- Emory University Economics for Leaders Program
- AFA SS or USNA SS

What IS NGA Summer Strategic Foreign Language Academy?
 
If you are stongly considering USAFA and USNA, I highly recommend them. The culture at each school is a bit different, so you would be well served to get an idea before committing.
 
Yea I ended up going to USMA SLS and USAFA's SS. One of the things that helped me out a lot was seeing the a bit of the culture of the cadets at each to help decide between the two.
 
Thanks for the input guys I have decided on a pecking order now of what I want to attend:

1. USMA SLS (Accepted)
2A. Boy's State (Applying)
2B. AFASS (App Under Consideration)
2C. NASS (Will Apply)
3. Emory U Economics for Leaders (Will Apply)
4. Short Term Mission Trip (Will Apply)
5. NGA Summer Strategic Foreign Language Academy (App Under Consideration)

Can't wait! :biggrin:
 
Thanks, 2012 cadet

That's actually really helpful...

Here's hoping you get in everywhere you apply and have a great experience(s)!
 
My son was accepted to Boy State. It was a conflict with two of the Summer Seminar dates, one for AF, the other for Navy. I called the Admissions counselor at both. AF said Boys State was more important to them than Summer Seminar, and Navy said Summer Seminar was more important than Boys State. We ended up working it out. He is glad he went. He met a lot of people at both and some of them are his classmates at USAFA now.
 
My son was accepted to Boy State. It was a conflict with two of the Summer Seminar dates, one for AF, the other for Navy. I called the Admissions counselor at both. AF said Boys State was more important to them than Summer Seminar, and Navy said Summer Seminar was more important than Boys State. We ended up working it out. He is glad he went. He met a lot of people at both and some of them are his classmates at USAFA now.

Yeah my dates are very conflicting as well. For now it all depends on what I get accepted to but I'm hoping I will be able to work out whatever's best as well.:thumb:
 
Just a little update for those interested I just got accepted to attend my state's Boys State and can't wait. However, this brings up another question I was wondering about admissions...I had previously applied to attend USAFA SS but now will not be able to attend any sessions due to date conflicts with USMA SLS and Boys State. However, say if I was accepted but declined to attend, would putting that I was accepted but could not attend when I apply to USAFA still help to put on my app?

Thanks in advance for reply..
 
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