DD wants to pass on SLS

JMJpray4us

5-Year Member
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May 21, 2012
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DD got accepted to SLS and AIM. She prefers coast guard with USNA as second. Since SLS is the week before finals, she would prefer to not miss school. Even if she has ruled out USMA, I think it would be a great experience. Although she is stressing about her grades, I think she can manage it if she wants. If nothing else, it will give her confidence going into AIM and a point of comparison. Does anyone have an opinion? Is it worth risking a lower grade on a final exam? Obviously she doesn't have her heart set on USMA but she also has never visited, so it may be short-sighted. I know how coveted these spots are and I see it as a wasted opportunity but maybe I should back-off and accept her choice.
 
She doesn't want to go. Sure, it might be a good experience, but let her decide. Maybe they'll give the slot to someone who wants to go.
 
I'd yield to her wishes. The grades are actually more important. Perhaps there will be another opportunity to visit WP at another time. Also, make sure she applies to NROTC as plan B. If she expresses further interest in WP later she can try to do a candidate visit. In that case make sure she applies to AROTC as well. For now I would just encourage her to keep an open mind about attending USMA.
 
I will take a different position.

Why did your DD accept (I am assuming) SLS when she clearly know when it was and her desire to attend West Point wasn't strong?

My opinion, when your DD applied to SLS, she took on an obligation to attend it if she got accepted, especailly if she didn't decline it in a timely manner.
 
It's her call. Let her make the decision without making her feel guilty about making the "wrong" choice.
 
My son attending SLS the week before his finals. He had to plan ahead, get support from his teachers, and bring some homework with him, but it all went well for him. I think she could learn more about the army and form a clearer picture of WP by doing the program. She can also get the CFA done for her USNA application.

On the other hand, if she decides not to go WP will quickly fill the spot. Some of my son's SLS squad were last minute additions and very happy to be there.
 
I am going to be "old school". There are thousands of candidates who STRONGY want to go to SLS and West Point. If WP is not one of her top choices, I advise her to step-aside and not take the slot of a dedicated SLS/West Point candidate.
 
She can decline to attend, it won't affect her chances at either program.

But even a candidate who does not have West Point as a 1st or 2nd choice can still benefit from attending, using the experience to reinforce the decision to apply ("loved it, wouldn't have known so much about it if I didn't go to SLS!") or to not apply ("this is the wrong place for me").

Contrary to popular belief, the summer programs are not used to "sell the candidate to the academy" but the opposite, to "sell the academy to the candidate."

Showing a candidate that it was the wrong fit for them, without the impact of leaving after accepting an appointment, is a valuable tool.
 
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