Turned down for SLS.

C/ 2nd Lt. McKnight

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2009
Messages
182
So I got a letter from them today saying I was rejected. And I have two questions.

Firstly, the said something along the lines of, "we've confirmed you as a candidate for admission."
Does that mean I'm considered a competitive candidate or are they just sugar-coating it?

Secondly, if WP isn't in my top choices, should I still pursue an appointment?
 
1. I believe they mean that they simply recognize you as a prospective cadet since you opened a candidate file when you applied for SLS


2. Definitely! You never know how you might change your mind in the future, and its too early to give up - I've repeatedly heard that its statistically tougher to get into SLS than it is to get an appointment.
 
So they've already reviewed applications? When did you send yours in? I sent mine in the day after it opened.
 
Seriously, don't let this discourage you. West Point gets tons of applications for SLS and have a very limited number of spots.
You are indeed a candidate for admission. You are not technically "competitive" until you are triple qualified.
If you want to go to West Point, keep improving your overall scholar/leader/athlete package.
 
I got the same letter on Sunday. I called admissions and if I improve my file I still have a chance at SLS.
 
I applied for SLS on December 14, and called admissions today because I had still not heard anything. They told me they had just sent out letters this morning and that they should be arriving in 3 to 4 days, assuming no delays from the holiday mail.
 
So the first round of acceptance letters have been sent out today? Beacause people have already recived letters saying that they havent been accepted, but I havent heard of anyone recieving an acceptance letter yet.
 
By submitting new SAT scores, new grades, reporting any new leadership positions, Varsity sports or letters won or any other awards.
 
One alternative to SLS is going to a sports camp. I know it's not the same but it is a good way to see the campus and talk to some cadets.
 
In my opinion, (and it's purely speculative based on reading these forums for the last couple of years) the USMA uses admission to SLS as a recruitment tool obviously, they know they have the middle of the road, fully qualified applicants and offer this to either 1) very highly qualified candidates or recruited applicants or 2) just qualified applicants to entice them to complete the application.

Just an observation and not scientific.
 
Got my rejection letter too. No big deal. NASS is my first choice, and AIM is my second (obviously haven't applied to those yet). I applied to SLS and AF just in case (mainly to diversify my chances).

GPA: 3.4
SAT: 590 CR, 580 M, 570 W
EC: Captain of Debate, Sponsored Cyclist (4 years), Track and Field , 285 Volunteer Hours and work during the school year. That's really all I could put into the app.

Based on comparing the AF to the WP app, I have a feeling SLS puts heavy emphasis on grades/ranking, compared to AF (which allows you to put a resume).

Good luck to everyone!
 
So I got a letter from them today saying I was rejected. And I have two questions.

Firstly, the said something along the lines of, "we've confirmed you as a candidate for admission."
Does that mean I'm considered a competitive candidate or are they just sugar-coating it?

Secondly, if WP isn't in my top choices, should I still pursue an appointment?

I was rejected for USAFA's summer seminar and I am now a cadet there. It's a competitive program, so don't get too let down.
 
Don't worry about it. I didn't get into SLS but got into NASS which was a great experience for me.

Also, I just received my 2nd nomination for West Point and have a great shot at one for USNA from my congressman. And I was informed recently by my regional admissions officer that I would have had an LOA for West Point if I had completed my application on time. Not trying to brag or anything like that...just don't let not getting into SLS bring you down. That calls for another word of advice-- make sure you get your teachers to do do your SOEs (Subject Evaluations) fairly promptly and don't put off your personal statements like I did. You'll see what I'm talking about when you login the candidate portal. Take care of everything you can in the summer so you don't have school and what not in the way. Good luck.
 
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I got the same letter that said i wasn't accepted into sls. I then submitted my most recent test scores and transcripts, and about two weeks letter i got my acceptance letter.
 
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