Chances of admission after not being selected for SLE?

mcmcmc

5-Year Member
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Is their any reason to apply if you are not accepted to the USMA SLE? I had above USMA average grades and stellar leadership in numerous clubs. Is it best to continue or are chances slim?
 
There is little to no correlation between SLE acceptance and USMA acceptance. SLE is a recruiting tool, not an admissions indicator.
 
Is their any reason to apply if you are not accepted to the USMA SLE? I had above USMA average grades and stellar leadership in numerous clubs. Is it best to continue or are chances slim?

Take it from someone who just went through the process - SLE does not matter in the overall application. In fact, I don't even know if it goes on your application at all during your actual processing.

Last year (when I applied for SLE), they limited the sessions from 2 down to 1 due to the budget cuts. That means very few people went. I was not one of them, but I received an appointment in the end.

I am friends with a grad who used to be on the board of admissions up there, and he said SLE is really more competitive than USMA applications because it is a lot of the ivy league applicants with amazing test scores that are looking to boost their resumes by adding that to it. Sometimes, the board is even looking for different things during SLE selection, so people with amazing files are not selected for whatever reason.

On top of this, a TON of my accomplishments came after the application during my junior and senior years. I didn't have a strong ACT on file, and I really gained a lot of leadership positions in my school and community AFTER I was denied. So there is really nothing you should take away from that. You need to focus now on making your file stronger for the application.

And, +1 to Jcc123 too! USMA uses SLE as a recruiting tool. I was told that some people who were closer to USMA than others were not selected because admissions is trying to reach out to people further away (this came from someone who worked with USMA). If candidates know a lot about USMA, and maybe they don't have a stellar application for it, they will offer a spot to someone who maybe doesn't know as much. It is truly meant to recruit a larger number of strong applicants.

To make a long post longer: read the threads on here, and keep moving forward. :thumb:
 
Don't be intimidated

Don't let this experience intimidate you. I was in your situation two years ago, and then applied and was rejected last year. This year however I was appointed,and I don't regret applying for the second time. There are plenty of people who did not attend the SLE and still received an appointment. Don't be intimidated. You don't make any shots you don't take.
 
Our DS (now CC Class of 2018) was rejected when he applied for SLE as a junior. He still received an appointment.


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My cadet did not even apply to SLE (SLS back then). He had already made up his mind about West Point and did not see a reason to go to the trouble (missing classes or having to reschedule exams) and expense (plane ticket) of going.

Of course, you should apply to West Point.
 
SLE

My DD did not get selected for SLE. Got her appointment 2FEB. No real correlation between SLE and Appointments that I know of.
 
Add another to the list....our DS received an LOE and his appointment in January and did not get into SLE. Try to go to Boys or Girls State, if you can, if you don't get into SLE. Boys/Girls State acutally counts towards your WCS (Whole Candidate Score) while SLE does not. Do not even sweat it!
 
SLE....Brownie points equal....

Nothing. The only slight advantage to SLE is to look, see, feel WP and open your application file a little early. As you build your WCS there are no point to gain by attending SLE. As stated already, attend Boys/Girls State and earn BSA/GSA Eagle Scout or Gold Star. These junior leadership programs do earn you point towards you WCS. The biggest affect to your WCS is getting the highest possible score on your ACT/SAT testing.


Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Since no one has mentioned them, while no advantages on getting in, you do have a few advantages:

1. File is opened earlier than other applicants.
2. You have an interview conducted which replaces an interview with you regional liason officer.
3. CFA has the chance to be completed early.
4. The visit lets you decide if you you actually want to attend.
 
Positives

I agree with Eaglescout. Lots of good reasons to go to SLE. If it does not interfere with B/G State then go! However, if you don't get a SLE slot - don't sweat it. If someone REALLY wants to go to an Academy (and they at least meet the minimum academic requirements) I think there is always a path. It took me three years. No serious GF, enlisting in the Army, taking CC classes, staying healthy and fit...
 
Boys/Girls State

SLE is not that important, but the Boys/Girls State is! It adds points to your WCS.
 
Hey, this is seriously not a problem, I can verify this with my own experience. I'm an appointee for the C/O 2018 who was flat out rejected from SLE. Keep working hard, and don't let it get you down.
 
Hey, this is seriously not a problem, I can verify this with my own experience. I'm an appointee for the C/O 2018 who was flat out rejected from SLE. Keep working hard, and don't let it get you down.

Same thing here, just continue on with your file and try to keep improving your grades and extracurriculars. Also get ready for the CFA, West Point is a little more stringent with retakes than the other academies.
 
Appointee as well without SLE, but try to switch around your SLE slots to other things if at all possible. I heard a few people who switched around the slots they had and then got SLE.


Jackie, USMA USAFA USMMA Candidate for Class of 2018
Principally Nominated to USMA & USAFA
Appointed to USMA and USAFA
USMA Class of 2018
 
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