Question Regarding SLE

crazyboy1179

5-Year Member
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Jan 20, 2012
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Unfortunately, I found out that one of the SAT Subject Test dates is on July 7, the first day of SLE session 1. I plan to take the SAT in May and take the Subject Tests in June; consequently, I will not be able to attend SLE and will need to notify the admissions team:frown:. Is there an option in my candidate portal that says "Offered SLE"? I would like to show the admissions team when the full applications process comes around that I was considered competitive enough to be offered to attend SLE.
 
I don't really think there's necessarily that much correlation between attending SLE and the Academy...there are people who aren't accepted to SLE but do end up at USMA and people who go to SLE who don't get into USMA. As everyone's said many times, SLE and the other summer seminars are recruiting tools for the most part.

Don't know the answer to your actual question, but thought the above should be said.
 
You don't enter it, but you file shows your SLE status. Yours will be something like declined. Recommend sending your RC a note telling them why you are declining so they can add it to your file.
 
I would love to go to SLE, but June 7 is the only day I can take the SAT Subject Tests, and I will not be able to attend session 2 because I might be attending Boys State.
 
I agree with Stevewar2. Go to SLE. I don't recall seeing anything that SAT Subject tests will help in your SA applications, although they may help with civilian college applications. (Someone else may know differently.) Can you take the SAT Subject test in the Fall? They're offered 6 times/year.
 
I agree with Stevewar2. Go to SLE. I don't recall seeing anything that SAT Subject tests will help in your SA applications, although they may help with civilian college applications. (Someone else may know differently.) Can you take the SAT Subject test in the Fall? They're offered 6 times/year.

Yeah, subject tests do help for some civilian colleges (some require them or at least strongly recommend them).
 
ST vs. SLE

I would love to go to SLE, but June 7 is the only day I can take the SAT Subject Tests, and I will not be able to attend session 2 because I might be attending Boys State.

Depends on what your priorities are. If USMA is your dream and number one pick, SLE will solidify that and show the RC that you put some of your time and effort into the equation. I don't think Subject Tests mean anything to WP, but may mean something to your Plan A school. Boys State is definitely a reason not to attend SLE though. My DD would have killed (or severely injured someone) to go to SLE last year. However, WP was her number one choice.

You should treat getting in to WP as a mission. What gets you the result you want? SLE may or may not. Subject Tests do not.

BTW - I'm an old infantryman. I don't see shades of gray in some areas. It took me three years to get into WP and I can't fathom not doing what is necessary to get there.
 
Boys state vs SLE? DS was accepted to both but his sle date is the same date as boys state...his choice is SLE...thoughts?
 
Boys state vs SLE? DS was accepted to both but his sle date is the same date as boys state...his choice is SLE...thoughts?

Boys State will give him more points on his WCS. If he chooses Boys State, he can try to request the other week of SLE. He'd most likely be waitlisted, but would still have a chance of attending. I understand the allure of SLE, but Boys State will help his application, it is said SLE will not. (My DS was fortunate to do both. Received his USMA appointment in January.)
 
Wow...would have thought sle carried more weight than boys state....interesting....
 
I am a current high school teacher. I think your proposed course of action -- passing up SLE because of the conflicts of (a) the SAT II subject tests; and (b) Boys' State -- does make sense within the context of vigorously pursuing an appointment to West Point. I don't think you'll get any "bump" from the fact that you got the SLE offer, though. I would also make sure that in contacts with admissions you make sure to explain the conflict. You should also be prepared to explain yourself should the question arise in interviews with, say, your Congressperson's nominations committee.

As many have pointed out, SLE is, first and foremost, an opportunity for USMA to raise awareness about West Point with individuals and communities. Quite a few SLE attendees don't get appointments, and conversely many who didn't get a slot at SLE ultimately get appointments to West Point. As others have also pointed out, attending Boys' State adds more points to your candidate score. Now, if you are still really on the fence about whether even to apply to West Point, or whether the military lifestyle is for you, that might be a reason to pick SLE over Boys' State. But in terms of improving admissions chances to West Point, Boys' State is the clear pick.

Now, moving onto the SAT II subject tests. We always tell candidates that they need to have a "Plan B" and not put all their eggs in the Service Academy basket. Most of the top colleges -- from the Ivy League to Stanford to Rice -- require two or more SAT II subject tests. It makes sense that you want to take the "main" SAT in May, and that leaves June as the possibility for taking the SAT subject tests for courses you have taken junior year (for example, U.S. History).

So, this was a long-winded way of encouraging you not to second guess your decision-making, which is rational and not inconsistent with a strong desire to go to West Point.
 
Boys state vs SLE? DS was accepted to both but his sle date is the same date as boys state...his choice is SLE...thoughts?

Boys State hands down if the goal is an appointment. SLE is for you, not the. Academy. Boys State awards leadership points to the WCS; SLE does not.

This from a dad who had a son in a similar situation a couple of years back and who thought SLS was more important. Fortunately my DS shadowed a cadet and met with a WP admissions counselor afterwards who made it clear Boys State was a better choice for my son.
 
I would recommend talking to the RC. In that discussion you could talk about your leadership to date, what you project into your senior year, and if Boys State will even make a difference. For some individuals, it doesn't. For many it does. Only your RC can help you make that decision when reviewing your file. Everyone on here is speculating with incomplete knowledge not only about you, but also about your competition. That's also your chance to tell them why you can't go to the first session.
 
Appreciate all the advice! DS is going to talk RC to discuss. HE has very very strong leadership credentials to date so the RC is probably the best route to take...
 
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