If at all possible have him go to SLS. Once R day starts it won't matter much but if he goes to SLS then he will have an advantage over applicants who did not. The reason is simple: one, he can take his CFA at SLS, and two, he will get an initial interview out of the way. By preparing and doing well on his CFA AT SLS he will be able to open his candidate kit earlier than his peers. This is true because my DD did well on her CFA at SLS and her portal opened before many of her other applicant candidates. This allowed her to move forward to the next several steps allowing her to complete her file quickly and before others. The advantages of early application completion CAN be extensive. Also, in Jan when he opens his file, apply at midnight of that first day and by 7:30 the next morning the SLS application will open and he should complete that one ASAP! Being first or close to first is a very good thing. After the SLS application is opened, once every 2 weeks or so have him contact admissions and ask how he looks. Hopefully he will get in and start himself on a journey that will have many ups and downs like the craziest roller coaster he has ever been on! As far as Boys State my DD stayed in constant contact with the guidance councilor and those involved in the selection process. He will achieve many things just by asking the right people. My DD was always wanting more and more leadership and was always up the administrations butts asking for it. Play sports and run for every club office he is a member of. All of this will not be of any value if his ACT/SAT scores are not well above average. Class rank is next important and GPA is next. Remember this and never waver: 60% academics, 40% leadership, and 10% athletics. Nothing gets in the way of academics, after that, athletics stays out of the way of leadership! If he does this his chances will be better than most. However, West Point can only accept around 1200 cadets, so they MUST turn down many qualified applicants. That being said, he should also apply to ALL the other academies and see what happens. My DD has dreamed of WP all her life and applied to the USMA and USNA and so far has been given an LOA to USNA. She would rather go to USMA but will take Navy if WP has no room. It is the service to their country they want anyway so tell him we are proud of his decision to serve and we wish him the best of luck. This journey has been the thrill of our lives. ENJOY!