I went to TN boys state last year and really enjoyed it. You will meet a lot of people, many of whom would like to go to a service academy as well. The governor spoke, a state senator, a national senator, the adjutant general of the TN, national guard, and more. It has its lows, some people hate the marching. You will meet a lot of people and it's military structured. TN has the #1 ranked boys state program also. It is completely what you make of it. You have to make your room a specific way (hospital corners, drawers for specific items, hangers 3 fingers apart) and you will compete with "cities" (40-50 people who are a team) on athletics, marching, and more. And if you go, Run for office! Run for governor more importantly because the worst thing that can happen is you lose. Last years governor wanted to go to West Point but I'm unsure if he got in. If you want bonuses get a high ranking office like the senator or Supreme Court. While you are at it go for boys nation ( same thing but national level). Some of it will be boring, but that stuff is over fast. The staff of the program are awesome people as well. Most chaperones are in the ROTC program or are cadre for the ROTC program. The good is good too, lots of dessert foods. Every day you have formations and will eventually have a mayor of the town similar to a platoon leader. You will learn cadence and have a structured lifestyle. I say go for boys state and get the WCS points.
2019 WestPoint class appointee
Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.