Boy's State

Stormtrooper30

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I've got an opportunity through my school to go to Boy's State this year. Problem is, I signed up for the first SLS session and the dates conflict. Is it possible for me to move to the second session of SLS and go to both (also going to AFA SS)? Is it worth it to go through the trouble?
 
hey man,
same thing happened to me. the TN boy's state ends the same day that session 2 SLS starts. theres no way to go to SLS and boy's state if you live in TN.
 
I would say try it out anyway, and call whoever you need to call...the admissions office? Since deadline for SLS hasn't passed yet, chances are they're still trying to fill spots and so it may be possible for you to switch sessions. I am sure they would understand.
 
Just remember... As much as you may want to attend SLS, attending Boys State counts much more towards admission.
 
My guess is that since you get leadership points for attending Boys State that makes your application better than if you attended SLS.

I don't think giving up SLS for Boys State necessarily helps your application all that much. If you are chosen for SLS, it's for a reason and because you have an excellent preliminary application. You are already a leader/scholar/athlete and also probably a strong candidate for USMA.
Most applicants for SLS already have leadership points and don't "need" to go to Boys State to enhance their application.

OTOH - think twice before you miss an opportunity like SLS. There are many benefits to YOU the candidate to attending SLS. You have an opportunity to get a small taste of West Point, you spend a week there, have a chance to interact with Cadets. This is all about finding out if West Point is right for you.
Application wise, attending SLS can result in an early LOA for you. You will have the opportunity to have your interview there as well as take the CFA. Honestly, taking the CFA and doing well at SLS is huge. Your scores will mean more than if you take it at home.

If you were accepted to SLS and have a conflict then go ahead and call admissions. They may be able to accomadate you. You never know unless you ask.
 
I just got home from the Founder's dinner. The admissions person was there visiting for the southwest (not our area) and spent some time talking with LTG Hagenbeck. What a night.

I can tell you exactly what they told the group. If you have to chose between SLS and Boy's or Girl's state, choose State. We rank that the same as being President of your class.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

As much as I would love to attend Boy's State, USMA SLS is a higher priority for me. I figure if I'm well off enough to make it into SLS, then I don't need the extra topping on my leadership repertoire. I hadn't noticed this until Jake pointed it out, but the last day of Boy's State is on the starting date of the second week of SLS. Unless I flew out of Nashville Saturday afternoon and arrived in New York late, I cannot go to both. I assume that taking this route is frowned upon.
 
Last year when we were going through the SLS app process with DS, we spoke with his RC and he highly recommended we do whatever we could to get him into Boys State. DS missed a week of school to attend SLS, and our state's Boys State was directly after it which meant he'd miss the week of finals at school. We did some research and looked into an exchange state program and found one to work with his schedule. The only thing I'd point out is that if you're able to work an exchange program with another state, you won't be eligible for Boys Nation. There are a few other stipulations involved as well, but if it's the experience of the program you're looking for, it's another option to look into.
 
My son's MALO told him Boys' State carried the same weight as Eagle Scout.
 
I'm looking at it this way:

SLS is definitely important. I think around 50% of SLS attendees end up going to USMA. I heard from a guy who got an LOA in September of his senior year that over 80% of SLS attendees are offered admission.

Boys' State certainly helps your application. Is it required to get in? Certainly not. Only 200 out of 1300 admitted go to boys/girls state.

Both programs help your candidacy for admission. Either way, its not like you are shooting yourself in the foot by picking one over the other.
 
I'm looking at it this way:

SLS is definitely important. I think around 50% of SLS attendees end up going to USMA. I heard from a guy who got an LOA in September of his senior year that over 80% of SLS attendees are offered admission.

Boys' State certainly helps your application. Is it required to get in? Certainly not. Only 200 out of 1300 admitted go to boys/girls state.

Both programs help your candidacy for admission. Either way, its not like you are shooting yourself in the foot by picking one over the other.

The Superintendent of West Point last night said 60%. Out of the 3 appointments from our area all 3 had gone to SLS.
 
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SLS acceptance shows that you've already achieved a certain level of performance... that's why many SLS attendees are accepted. SLS does little to add to that level. Boy's State adds to that level... if needed.
 
My guess is that since you get leadership points for attending Boys State that makes your application better than if you attended SLS.

I don't think giving up SLS for Boys State necessarily helps your application all that much. If you are chosen for SLS, it's for a reason and because you have an excellent preliminary application. You are already a leader/scholar/athlete and also probably a strong candidate for USMA.
Most applicants for SLS already have leadership points and don't "need" to go to Boys State to enhance their application.

OTOH - think twice before you miss an opportunity like SLS. There are many benefits to YOU the candidate to attending SLS. You have an opportunity to get a small taste of West Point, you spend a week there, have a chance to interact with Cadets. This is all about finding out if West Point is right for you.
Application wise, attending SLS can result in an early LOA for you. You will have the opportunity to have your interview there as well as take the CFA. Honestly, taking the CFA and doing well at SLS is huge. Your scores will mean more than if you take it at home.

If you were accepted to SLS and have a conflict then go ahead and call admissions. They may be able to accomadate you. You never know unless you ask.

JAM- Your correct in saying that Boys State is more highly valued than SLS (according to my MALO at least).

Your second statement is wrong though. SLS is a sort of recruitment/self-assessment tool used by USMA to evaluate candidates while they decide if USMA is right for them. Boys State is a leadership program that teaches one how state governments work.

That's all very true, but I don't think he'll get a "real" taste of Plebe Year at SLS. My friends who went said it was pretty relaxed (unlike the experience I had at AIM :shake:)

Well, he still would have the chance of getting an LOA even if he doesn't go to SLS.

LIke you said, it never hurts to try! :thumb:

Thanks for all the replies.

As much as I would love to attend Boy's State, USMA SLS is a higher priority for me. I figure if I'm well off enough to make it into SLS, then I don't need the extra topping on my leadership repertoire. I hadn't noticed this until Jake pointed it out, but the last day of Boy's State is on the starting date of the second week of SLS. Unless I flew out of Nashville Saturday afternoon and arrived in New York late, I cannot go to both. I assume that taking this route is frowned upon.

I'd advise you to think about that some. Remember, Boys State is going to have a MUCH bigger impact than SLS, especially when it comes to getting a congressional nomination. You can never have enough leadership experience; do you know what your competition is like in your state/district for nominations?

Hopefully it'll work out for you
 
do you know what your competition is like in your state/district for nominations?

Hopefully it'll work out for you

Well, I recently found out about someone in my district right here on this board, so I guess there's at least two of us considering. :rolleyes:

I wish there was a way to attend both. I've never really been involved in Youth Legislature at school, but I follow politics and would love an opportunity to learn more. If I have to choose between a week at a potentional 4 year home and a week at a government leadership camp... I'll choose the college one.
 
Stormtrooper30,

I know a little bit of your resume. I know guys who had a lot less academic-wise and competitve sports-wise who got in. You've got the stuff for sure, as far as I know so far.

By the way, there's 6 candidates who have been offered admission from the memphis area(9th and 7th TN) this year. Found out that little bit of info at Founder's Day dinner a couple of weeks ago.
 
Your second statement is wrong though. SLS is a sort of recruitment/self-assessment tool used by USMA to evaluate candidates while they decide if USMA is right for them. Boys State is a leadership program that teaches one how state governments work.

Well, he still would have the chance of getting an LOA even if he doesn't go to SLS.

Remember, Boys State is going to have a MUCH bigger impact than SLS, especially when it comes to getting a congressional nomination.

I'm not sure what you're saying that JAM said that was incorrect? I think they're fairly equally weighted, but as said, once you've been accepted for SLS, it really doesn't add to your application. However, JAM was emphasizing that you may get a lot out of it, in terms of knowing if an academy is right for you. No, you don't get the true plebe experience, but a chance to see everything in person and talk to a LOT of people who can answer your questions.

In general the actual application window don't open until sometime mid-August for non-SLS candidates. By that time, my son knew many people from SLS who had already received their LOA's. No, not going to SLS doesn't mean you can't get one, but most likely you wouldn't get one as early.

I just don't see how you can say Boys State will have a MUCH bigger impact than SLS on a congressman. That depends totally on the congressman and region. I know around here it seems like a lot of the MOC's take attendance at a SS as 1. An indicator to them that the academy is interested in YOU, and 2. An indicator that you are serious enough to give up a week and spend the money to get out there. As I said earlier, it may help your actual application at WP more, since SLS really doesn't add that much (other than showing them you're serious about WP), but I don't think you can say Boys State will weigh more heavily with every MOC.
 
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