Admissions question

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USMAalltheway

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5-Year Member
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Apr 16, 2009
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Hey!

A couple of weeks ago, and also in a couple of other threads, people say that the Boys State Legion is looked at favorably by USMA admissions. Can anyone give me more info on this seminar? When is it a good time to apply for the Boys state? Thanks

USMAalltheway
 
Boys State is a week long summer leadership seminar sponsored by the American Legion. It is for rising senior boys and is held in every state except Hawaii. There is also Girls State. Google "Boys State" or "name of your state Boys State" to find out more. Your school counselor may have information as well. If you are interested, you need to go ahead and check into it because in some states it is held the end of May or early June and it can be competitive. My son thought is was a great program.
 
Boys' State

Boys' State was one of the best things I ever went to! I did put it on my West Point Application, and I do believe they view it in a good boost to your leadership section. Basically, It is held every year by your states' American Legion, you apply during the 2nd semester of your junior year of high school, or sooner depending on your American Legion district. You have to get a sponsorship from an American Legion post in your area- so try to contact the representative from your area. Your guidance counselor also is able to recommend a certain number of boys for the program that he/she gives to the local legion. You will have to be interviewed by the Legion in order to become a Boys' State attendee. But all in all it is truly a great experience. The actual camp- because it is a camp more or less, you go away for a week to a local college (normally) where the program takes place. Each state varies in size- I know that the NY Boys' State had about 1100 kids (and NY has the best program by far!! :shake:) Its a great place to meet kids from all over the state. I know in NY we had actual military personal (Marines) mentor our program- 50% was a military style and 50% was a government style. I heard that only NY uses Marines and is hardcore on the military aspect of the program, but I loved it- it was a really great experience overall. So I highly recommend it!! The government aspect is also a great part of the program- If you crave for leadership then Boys' State is your oppurtunity to shine- You'll have the chance to run from leadership positions in the mock boys' state government that is made throughout the week. So go talk to your guidance counselor as soon as possible- If your a junior then you better hurry- your legion may have already done the selections. Also, the program usually takes place at the end of June or beginning of July- but again, it varies from state to state. Good Luck : )
 
Thank you all for your thorough replies.:biggrin: My BSL runs in mid-July. Do you think that it's too late for me to apply? I've just e-mail the director of the Florida program about 5 minutes ago, asking him of this question, because the Florida website doesn't specify the deadline. Also, do you need an extensive knowledge of government to attend this session? Thanks again.

USMAalltheway
 
I had a great time at Boys State. I didn't apply until May or June of my junior year. Don't worry about knowing too much going into it. You'll leave knowing more than you could ever imagine about American government. I'm pretty sure I learned more during my week there than my entire senior year of American govt/law class!
 
No you dont. I learned a ton about local and national government through Boy's State that I didnt know before. I would suggest though that you run and get a solid leadership position early on if possible. I was a sheriff this past year and had a ton of fun arresting people and waking everyone up in the morning. Good fun. There are awards at the end of the week as well so really work for those. Me and another guy from my area were both sheriffs at the same boys state (imagine that!:rolleyes:) so it goes to show that there is no telling how much a leadership position could help! :wink:Good luck, have fun, and good luck getting into West Point.
 
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