SLE - Parent Question

csb5150

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Apr 7, 2016
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DS applied to SLE. He has not heard whether he is in the program, although the assumption is that it is not likely.

My question may be a dumb one -- when can he expect a formal answer, either way? For me, I would like him to get in to see if cadet life is for him, but it is mostly a matter of logistics and costs. He will be flying in from Florida and the airfare gets more expensive, the closer we get.

Thanks.
 
You could give it until the 15th, we are still pending too.
 
Like most colleges, summer programs are available to attract future student. WP is no exception, however..........
Due to budget cut backs from a few years ago, SLS/SLE was reduced by half. It was very competitive before, now it is really competitive and is more difficult to get in than winning an appointment. SLE is NOT a requirement, or have any advantage during the selection process for appointments. SLE is a one week program as you know, that gives those who have a desire to attend by letting them see, taste, feel, touch and smell WP. It has NO reflection of daily cadet life. How can you demonstrate a 19 academic credit semester load in just one week? The only real advantage is you have the ability to open your file a few weeks sooner than everyone else.

About 60% who attend SLE follow through and eventually attend WP. But you must understand these kids since they were knee high had the desire to attend, maybe a parent, or sibling attended. General numbers, a third of the class is direct admits from high school, a third are recruited athletes, a third are second time applicants, priors and prep school.

If he makes it awesome, if he doesn't no big deal and plan a trip to spend a few days.

Good Luck

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
So I applied Feb 5th and just heard back today saying i got offered a spot. I as well thought that because of how long it took I was not offered one.
 
It was very competitive before, now it is really competitive and is more difficult to get in than winning an appointment.

Really? Is this true? I thought SLE was rolling admissions, and easier to get into than an appointment; as many candidates get into SLE but not the academy itself.
 
If you really want to roll the dice, try booking with Southwest. Then if you don't go you can cancel the flights with no penalty and the money will be put into your account with them so you can use it up to one year later with no change fee. that is for the cheapest tier flights. if you pay for the business traveler or higher fare tier they actually refund you the money. No penalty.

Be sure to cancel flight, if you just don't show up you forfeit your ticket fee.

if you don't get summer SLE, Then after you open your app, if you are at all interested contact USNA and ask admissions for a drag weekend visit. you can re-book your ticket for there. USMA does not offer overnight visits unless you are appointed or get a letter of intent.
 
My DS received SLE acceptance in late Feb. We submitted paperwork & certified check March 1. Have seen no change in his portal status and the check has not cleared. Several calls and emails to WP suggested contacts. Also call and email to FFR. He responded and said he would investigate. That was over a week ago. Getting a little anxious but don't know what else to do. Anybody have any ideas?

Thank you in advance
 
I'm sure SLE is a tremendous experience, and I'm also sure my son would have enjoyed it had he had the opportunity to attend. Unfortunately though, he didn't contemplate attending a SA until it was too late to apply for SLE, and therefore he missed out. But I can say this, if you are wanting to attend SLE because you think it is important as a bonus to be admitted to West Point, that is wrong. We were told this many times by RC's at WP, and my son was admitted in January without ever having attended any summer program.

It would be a cool experience for sure, but I don't think it has any effect on the application.
 
My DS received SLE acceptance in late Feb. We submitted paperwork & certified check March 1. Have seen no change in his portal status and the check has not cleared. Several calls and emails to WP suggested contacts. Also call and email to FFR. He responded and said he would investigate. That was over a week ago. Getting a little anxious but don't know what else to do. Anybody have any ideas?

Thank you in advance
My portal updated on the 17th or 18th I believe with all my paperwork.
 
SLE is fun but it's not a big deal if you don't go. I went to SLS a few years back and about a third of my group ended up here. A couple have left since. It is much harder because of how reduced it is now. Plus, you're really not missing much. It isn't anything like cadet life at all. This past year's SLE was outside my barracks while I was attending summer school. They had music and dodgeball while me and my friends tried to figure out our problem set. It's fun, don't get me wrong, but it's made to attract people, not show you what true cadet life is like. If you really want to know what the day to day life would feel like, sit in your room reading emails or watching netflix for three weeks straight. Periodically have your parents come in, tell you your room looks dirty and your door has to be open to 1630 and you can't lay down. Also eat a lot of sliced turkey. Bam! Cadet life!

I kid, but really don't worry about SLE too much. Even from SLS when it was bigger most cadets I knew hadn't done it.
 
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