Boys State: Attendance is good enough???

Padre101

Padre101

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After reading these forums and listening to WP admissions reps, I am learning that Boys State attendance is looked at highly. However, after looking at different Boys State websites, it seems as though participants can be elected to different leadership positions while at Boys State.

Obviously, not everyone can be elected to a Boys State leadership position, so is just attending Boys State good enough in the eyes of the Admission Board?

I'm still not sure why Boys State is touted with such high regard. To be selected, you already have displayed significant academic and leadership accomplishments.

Thank you.
 
It's "touted with such high regard" because 1) It's a fantastic program; 2) It's relatively uniform across the US (like the ACT test or Boy Scouts, for example); and 3) It's often competitively selected for well rounded leader-scholar-athletes. Sound familiar?

I went when I was a kid and my USMA Yuk went a couple of years ago. He didn't hold a high office at Boys State. I'm not an admissions officer so I can't tell you what "bonus" you might get if you were elected Governor or Lt. Governor. Just "attendance" is good, but I'd encourage anyone that goes to take full advantage of the opportunities presented. It really is a fun educational week.
 
Padre101 said:
I'm still not sure why Boys State is touted with such high regard. To be selected, you already have displayed significant academic and leadership accomplishments.
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At some schools it is very easy to get selected for Boys State. At my school only 4 boys applied to go and there were 7 slots, so we all got to go.
 
That may have more to do with the budget $$ for sponsoring students between schools. Sponsors pick up the bulk of the cost ($300? ea) while the student is supposed to pay a smaller part ($50?). My son's school only sponsored 1-2. Some schools may not be able to sponsor any, so those students should talk to their local American Legion, etc.
 
Good enough???? lol. Do you really want "Good enough". You want to be the best you can be, and you want your application to be so compelling that any service academy or any other university has to say Yes.

Attending Boys State is a great idea and it checks another box for admission. Who knows you may also learn something.
Getting elected to one of the leadership positions would be even better.
 
I'm sure it's an enjoyable experience if you're interested in politics, etc., but the fact is anyone can go. If you don't receive a slot from your school you can simply call the nearest American Legion and request to go. You have to pay the full amount - $350?, but you still get to go. I've never heard anyone who was asked who paid for their slot in a nom interview or a ffr/bgo interview. I've never understood the hoopla have surrounding this week-long event.
 
I also enjoyed it. I'm even still in contact with my City and county mates.

Try to get elected at some level. I was elected in the county level and I had a great time solving problems (i.e. budget cuts, taxes, education reform) for our county. It's a great program!
 
imflyingsolo said:
I also enjoyed it. I'm even still in contact with my City and county mates.

Try to get elected at some level. I was elected in the county level and I had a great time solving problems (i.e. budget cuts, taxes, education reform) for our county. It's a great program!
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Appreciate the info.
 
Sledge said:
Just "attendance" is good, but I'd encourage anyone that goes to take full advantage of the opportunities presented.
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My DD attended Girls State and it was her first government type of program. She was nervous about getting elected, but her position allowed her to learn Robert's Rules of Order and speak to 350+ Nationalist (or was it Federalist) party members. Her roommate was elected Governor. Oh what fun they had staying up late at night working the speeches. DD said being elected was like having front row tickets at a great music concert. The ones who just showed up and sat in the back seats went home with a different experience.

Girls or Boys State is not something to just check off. It's a call to action. And of course, some get it, some don't. It really does seem to mirror the public attitude. It would probably make a great research paper for someone to follow up with alumni. Our state Governor attended Boys State, his kids attended, and his mom attended Girls State long ago.
 
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Jcc123 said:
I'm sure it's an enjoyable experience if you're interested in politics, etc., but the fact is anyone can go. If you don't receive a slot from your school you can simply call the nearest American Legion and request to go. You have to pay the full amount - $350?, but you still get to go. I've never heard anyone who was asked who paid for their slot in a nom interview or a ffr/bgo interview. I've never understood the hoopla have surrounding this week-long event.
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It's the reality of the college/SA admissions - children with wealthy parents have advantages in life. Is it fair? No, but life is not fair. It's not just Girls/Boys State - private school, tutoring, club/travel sports, and etc.

On a side note, I check my local AL - the website stipulates ELIGIBILITY; High school students who participate in and complete either an American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State program and is a direct decendant, i.e. chils, grandchild or legally adopted child of a U. S. veteran who served during a period of war. Furnish requested information when completing this application.
 
I'm sure you're correct, @MemberLG, on the qualifications. However, if the only requirement to go is that an ancestor served in the military, how selective is that, really? Living in the South, literally everyone is a descendant of someone in the military. So, for all practical purposes, anyone can attend boys'/girls' state.
 
Jcc123 said:
I'm sure you're correct, @MemberLG, on the qualifications. However, if the only requirement to go is that an ancestor served in the military, how selective is that, really? Living in the South, literally everyone is a descendant of someone in the military. So, for all practical purposes, anyone can attend boys'/girls' state.
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to whoever can afford $350 as I am sure the number of sponsored attendees are limited. Which supports your point.
 
Not selective at our local school....if you want to go.. just talk to guidance. Typically, the only kids that request to go are interested in SA or ROTC scholarship.
 
I attended Boys State and learned a lot about myself. I actually remember reading about it on this website years back, asked my school, and local post if I could apply. Long story short, the experience was amazing and its a great leadership program for high school students. While attending allows you to check that box, I encourage and challenge you to do more than you think you can. You never know where you'll end up if you don't. (Pulling from my experience)
 
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