Boy's state

Cwolfpack137

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Aug 1, 2015
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Quick question, is boy's state something that's really good to have on an application and if yes why? Thanks in advance
 
When I went they told us it holds the same weight as an Eagle Scout like jbusn said. On a side note does the Cwolfpack stand for Connecticut Wolfpack? If so any affiliation with the hockey team?
 
I attended Boys State, and not only is it golden on a resume, but you are going to be able to network with congressman, and political figures, and make life long friends. Given the opportunity I would never tell anyone to reject going to Boys State.
 
Hope this works. Trying to post a screenshot.
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Alright then if it messes up my schedule with NASS, should I just not go to NASS and instead go to boy's state? Also no, my name stands for the German u-boat Wolfpack back in the world wars.
 
Boys state in lieu of NASS.
NASS is designed to help convince you that USNA is a right fit. Boys State will help you get that appointment.
 
Last year when there was a local informational admissions meeting for USMA I asked the FFR the same question. "If Boys State conflicts with SLE which one should I choose." His answer, "Absolutely Boys State!" He was adamant about Boys State being better.

As far as I can tell, the summer programs are more about familiarizing yourself with academy life rather than giving you a valuable Leadership experience (a lot of them don't even end up at SA). However, this is exactly what Boys State is. I don't think the admissions office really cares whether applicants went to the summer programs (just my opinion).

In my experience, Boys State was very difficult. Most nights I had roughly 4hrs of sleep and some nights had to get up for an hour long "fire duty". Then we had a long day of very interesting classes and seminars. But the "hardships" we experienced made us all closer. In my State, there was also a VERY strong network for those of us going to Academies. Two of my counselors were shipping off to USAFA and USMA prep as soon as the week was over.

So yes, Boys State is much more valuable than a Summer Program.
 
Lots of older threads on this topic, so no need to rehash here. Good to remember that WP's WCS formula MAY be different from USNA, so don't assume they are all exactly the same. Some states no longer have a selection criteria to attend Boys State, so anyone who pays the fee can attend. I am sure SA's will be reassessing the value of this program if you just pay and attend vs. being part of something that has a selection process. Paying to attend a seminar/event that anyone can attend is not an example of leadership that SA's value.
 
Alright then if it messes up my schedule with NASS, should I just not go to NASS and instead go to boy's state? Also no, my name stands for the German u-boat Wolfpack back in the world wars.


I had to make that exact same decision a year ago. I choose Boys State, and I had a blast. Down the road, if your BGO ever asks why you didn't attend NASS, answer to the tune of, "I already knew I wanted to attend USNA and felt the rigorous lifestyle would suite me, but Boys State would provide me with new experiences and further my leadership development." In addition, when I went for my congressional interview I was wearing the lapel pin I received when I finished Boys State and the one man on the panel asked what it was for. I told him and he obviously knew about the program because he proceeded to boast of how good the program is to the other interviewers. It was an amazing start to the interview. Long story short, in my opinion, Boys State>NASS for those who already think the academy is for them.
 
Boys state in lieu of NASS.
NASS is designed to help convince you that USNA is a right fit. Boys State will help you get that appointment.

I'm not convinced of that..... Maybe Boys State differs nationally, but in this area it is not in any way competitive to be selected. I honestly can not fathom that my son's week at BS could be weighted heavier than an Eagle Scout. At least it shouldn't be if it is (IMO). He said BS was full of kids (like himself) who wanted it on their resumes for SAs. Yes, it was a piece of my kid's overall resume, but I think it was a small piece.

NASS and SLE affirmed and further drove his SA choices. That was the intangible components of those weeks, more than Boys State could offer to his resume. In fact, one MOC interview question was about his time at SLE and NASS. No questions about BS.
 
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I can't comment on Boys State but I can for Girls State. The overall experience was very good for my DD. Since she is highly involved in student government and NJROTC it added another layer to her Civics education. This is invaluable IMO for the up and coming new voters and who knows may be a future public leader... If one chooses that route...

I absolutely loved the last days Rally where the parents were invited to watch. It was amazing seeing hundreds of like minded young women from different walks of life from different parts of the state supporting each other. Only 1 girl went home during the week.

DD was fortunate to be selected and attend AIM so she had the best summer. We never heard about Girls State until she was nominated by someone at the school. The nominations then went to Women's Republican League in our Area where the applications were reviewed again. DD and another girl were chosen. To our dismay we found out both were number 50 and 51 on the wait list. There are only a certain amount of spots even if one is nominated! The Friday before while my DD was at JROTC LA I called the organization to see if any openings had come up and where she was on the wait list. There was one spot left and they gave it to my DD. Her classmate did not attend.

While at Girls State my DD and her roommate absolutely hit it off. Her roommate really wanted to be elected Governor of GS, so my DD sort of became her campaign manager and the two worked on her election...well her roommate got elected. I would like to think DD played an important role in that but this young lady was pretty amazing on her own. She had a voice that projected well rivaling any of the presidential nominees. Her presence when you met her was immediately likable.

Although it is only a week you can't deny...
any girl with some ambition, has the opportunity to convince 1000 girls, who they have never met before, to vote them in for a position they want just as bad. Not to mention during the process these young women worked together and organized mini cities for a taste of government infrastructure. I see why GS rates up there. From what others have told me Boys State works the same way.

IMO Boys or Girls State isn't just a point marker for service academy applications , ROTC types of scholarships or plan C and D's. Not all of the girls were interested in attending a service academy. My DD said it was a worth while experience better than any summer camp and ranks up there with AIM...she was very happy she was selected. She encourages many of the student government and JROTC kids to express interest to attend.
 
Wow ... I went to Boys State many, many years ago. I didn't even know it was still a "thing."
 
Yes, Boys and Girls State are still prosperous, thanks to the American Legion, and I hope that it continues to provide enriching opportunities for youth now and in the future.
 
Yes, Boys and Girls State are still prosperous, thanks to the American Legion, and I hope that it continues to provide enriching opportunities for youth now and in the future.

I wish I had known it was still around. I would have liked my son to have had the opportunity. I loved it - ended up attending the host university!
 
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