Boys State

[BillSL]

Once again, thanks for all the helpful responses.

I'm going to try to do what TCUSMA2016 said - I'll skip the last week of school to go to SLS, then go to Boy's State, then USAFA SS.

This summer is gonna' be amazing!
(And hopefully I LOVE SLS, I'm already super-biased toward West Point)

Thanks everyone,
TheChicagoan

Good luck! Have fun!

 

[jagabiti]

I have to just interject... Last year I saw the same posts with people saying that Boys State was equal to Eagle Scout. They are NO WAY equal and for people to say they are is not accurate. Colleges look at both as being a huge accomplishment. My DS has his Eagle Scout and did Boys State and I have to tell you that Eagle Scout is a commitment of over 5+ or more years of hard work from a Scout. Most Scouts are in it since 1st grade until 10th, 11th or 12th grade depending on when they reach the rank of Eagle. DS loved Boys State so do try to do both SLS and Boys State but give an Eagle Scout the respect that they have earned and please don’t say they are equal. No college will ever say they are. And please do Boys State because you want to, not because it will look good on your resume…

 

[Packer]

My cadet's MALO told him that West Point values Boys' State as much as an Eagle Scout award.

I don't believe anybody said they were equal.

 

[fritz]

IMHO, Eagle scout is a terrific accomplishment and shows commitment, dedication and hard work and Boys state is an educational, learning experience that has value to all who attend. I agree they are not equal.

I also wonder why USMA put so much emphasis on them, from a parent whos candidate did neither. again, IMHO, neither of them show leadership.

My son was a 3 year youth coordinator for walk and relay for life raising countless funds for a cause that he worked for. difficult in the teenage years to stay involved in let alone pull your peers with you. To me that shows leadership.

Just an opinion from another perspective on this.

Fritz

 

[Dixieland]

I don't believe anybody said they were equal.

Yes, there have been other discussions where candidates thought it meant "equal" to an Eagle. Do a search on "Boys' State" and check it out. Folks tend to get worked up about it. Then they started throwing "class president" into the mix as well.

I am simply repeating the exact words the MALO (who has been doing this for a LONG time) said to my cadet.

Case in point.......

jagabiti said......
I have to just interject... Last year I saw the same posts with people saying that Boys State was equal to Eagle Scout. They are NO WAY equal and for people to say they are is not accurate.

Check back to the beginning of the thread....I did not use the word "equal". From the dictionary: values-----to consider with respect to worth, excellence, usefulness, or importance; to regard or esteem highly. I have a son with an Eagle--I know what's involved.

 

[Packer]

First let me say I don't know but here is what I think.

I think the academies place a significant amount of weight on Boy's State due to the selection process itself. One is evaluated by others (teachers, American Legion, etc) and they see leadership potential in the individuals they select to send to Boys State.

 

[Dixieland]

First let me say I don't know but here is what I think.

I think the academies place a significant amount of weight on Boy's State due to the selection process itself. One is evaluated by others (teachers, American Legion, etc) and they see leadership potential in the individuals they select to send to Boys State.

Exactly! Great summation! Thanks!

 

[jagabiti]

My cadet's MALO told him that West Point values Boys' State as much as an Eagle Scout award.

However, Boys' State is much more than a line on your resume. It's a wonderful week of "living" state government, Moot Court, new amazing friends, and tons of fun. Both of my sons were honored to have been selected to attend and they got a lot out of the opportunity.

Hers it is....someone did say it was equal

 

[Dixieland]

Hers it is....someone did say it was equal

Yes, that is my post. I used the word "values" not "equal" as you can see.

I just posted the definition of "values" from the dictionary in my other post. It means "to consider with respect to worth, excellence, usefulness, or importance; to regard or esteem highly".

 

[kinnem]

Hers it is....someone did say it was equal

jagabiti,

I think you're getting wrapped up around semantics. I don't think anyone here means to imply they are equal. They are both valued. I think the answer lies in Packer's post:

I think the academies place a significant amount of weight on Boy's State due to the selection process itself. One is evaluated by others (teachers, American Legion, etc) and they see leadership potential in the individuals they select to send to Boys State.

So what is valued is the leadership. Eagle Scout is a difficult self selection process that takes years. Boy's State is an external selection process focused, at least in part, on leadership, and doesn't take nearly as long. Two different, unequal things, that end up highlighting the same quality that the academies value.

 

[buff81]

Is the real question -
which gives you more points on your WCS, Boy's State or Eagle Scout?

I don't know but it really doesn't matter.
Do what interests you.

If you are a Boy Scout, get your Eagle.
If you are interested in Boy's State, pursue it.

 

[Dixieland]

Is the real question -
which gives you more points on your WCS, Boy's State or Eagle Scout?

I don't know but it really doesn't matter.
Do what interests you.

If you are a Boy Scout, get your Eagle.
If you are interested in Boy's State, pursue it.

 

[jagabiti]

Agree.... Do each...none....both. Do what u are interested in not what looks good on your resume... Each are different and any college knows when you are doing something just to have it look good....they can see from your DS or DD resume how much they have volunteered or had leadership positions in activites that they have enjoyed... Both are great!

 

[Dixieland]

Agree.... Do each...none....both. Do what u are interested in not what looks good on your resume... Each are different and any college knows when you are doing something just to have it look good....they can see from your DS or DD resume how much they have volunteered or had leadership positions in activites that they have enjoyed... Both are great!

 

[OhioSoccerMom]

This is what I remember gathering from posts of this nature from last year: attending SLS has no bearing on your application file. However, attending Boys' State will. The motivations for doing each activity are different:

Attend SLS to get a feeling for life at the Academy.

Attend Boy's State to gain leadership experience that you can take with you forever, as well as working knowledge of government and organizational function.

If you have the ability to do both, I would say that you should, becuase both experiences will gain you something.

However, if you can only do one... I would pick Boy's State. For a couple of reasons. 1) As stated above, you'll leave boys State with experiences that can serve as great leadership building blocks. 2) It adds value to your WCS.

Attending SLS will give you a feeling for life in a particular academy, but otheriwse won't help much in the long run .

However, recognize that this is just the 2 cents of a mom/lurker/poster with a DS who next year will be making the same choices that you are facing now! Good luck!!

 

[1017225]

This is what I remember gathering from posts of this nature from last year: attending SLS has no bearing on your application file. However, attending Boys' State will.

Going to SLS does have a bearing on your file, it just is not as large as Boy's State is in terms of "points" (or at least as most people speculate).

Attending SLS will give you a feeling for life in a particular academy, but otheriwse won't help much in the long run .

As someone who is preparing to dedicate his life to the academy and the Army, I can honestly say that the experience of SLS is invaluable for opening the eyes of anyone who is not intimately familiar with what they are getting themselves into. Boy's State, while cool and informative, simply cannot give a prospective cadet the insight they need to make an informed decision on what to do with the rest of their lives. Also, last year at one meeting or another I was told that around 50% of SLS attendees end up at the academy. Considering 1000 people go, that's nearly half the class. While I doubt it is something that gets max leadership points, going to SLS, getting your file complete as soon as possible, and maintaining contact with your liaison officers really shows the academy that you know what you want and you are motivated to get it. I've heard all over this forum that showing motivation is important in the application process, and what is a better indicator that giving up a week of summer, going to the academy, and still putting maximum effort into the application?

Good luck to you with whichever (or both) that you choose!

 

[BigNick]

I agree with the post above - do the things that interest you -HOWEVER - you are now in the real world which is very competitive. Just "doing your own thing" may not be enough. Less than 10% of the WP applicants will be admitted. It is critical that you make your record as strong as possible. I advise that you make some concessions and take some additional actions (not radical or against your principles) to improve your record.

 

[buff81]

Bottom line up front:
In regards to the WCS-
No points for SLS
Points for Boy's State.

This of, course, should not be the reason to choose one over the other.

 

[HopefulUSNA]

How is the application process for Boy's State? Are you selected or can you just go? Thanks!

 

[Dad]

How is the application process for Boy's State? Are you selected or can you just go? Thanks!

You are nominated by your school counselor and sponsoredby the local American Legion Post. Ask your counselor if they would recommend you. Best wishes.