West Point SLE 2017

I didn't go to SLE, never received a LOA, didn't go to Girls State (I had never heard of it until this forum as well), & my MOC didn't call me either.... I received and accepted my appointment in January. Just goes to show SLE/ girls or boys state are not musts
 
I didn't go to SLE, never received a LOA, didn't go to Girls State (I had never heard of it until this forum as well), & my MOC didn't call me either.... I received and accepted my appointment in January. Just goes to show SLE/ girls or boys state are not musts

DS is a USNA candidate right now, attended Boys State, but he said honestly he could have done without it.
Not really anything but a popularity contest, and not as enjoyable and educational experience as he had expected. And he loves History and Government and had this view.
He attended NASS, enjoyed it, knows it's. It like regular week, lol, but it helped him decide to continue his application.
 
So agree with CaliNavy mom. Son attended Boys State last year, had little positive feedback about the program. Also said it was a popularity contest . The boy that was selected to go to Nationals was suspended on 2 different occasions for alcohol use at school football games. Not sure why the Academy sees it as such as a positive.
 
So agree with CaliNavy mom. Son attended Boys State last year, had little positive feedback about the program. Also said it was a popularity contest . The boy that was selected to go to Nationals was suspended on 2 different occasions for alcohol use at school football games. Not sure why the Academy sees it as such as a positive.
What a shame! My sons attended Boys' State and thought it was wonderful! They had great speakers, enjoyed learning about state government, took the bar exam and served on moot court law firms, and made great friends. My oldest used to run in to his Boys' State friends at his large university. You should pass your comments along to your state American Legion since they sponsor Boys' State. It's a wonderful honor and it was a great week for my kids. My West Point grad's MALO told him, "West Point values Boys' State as much as Eagle Scout."
 
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From what I understand (and I may be wrong, but I have relatives who work at West Point), SLE doesn't have anything to do with admissions in the sense that one doesn't necessarily lead to another, but SLE is a good indicator of your standing if you are accepted; USMA site says 40% of attendees go on to be cadets. Yea, it is a recruiting tool. But getting accepted certainly means something, as most cadets I've talked have gone to SLE as well. Now, it's not like SLE guarantees admission nor does not being accepted to SLE guarantee your rejection from USMA, but, out of the thousands of applicants, they probably want to attract the ones who look the most serious and look the most competitive so that they end up liking the place and applying to go there.

Essentially, if they pick you, they probably want you to try out the college and want to get you there, so kudos. If they don't, chances are either you're just so uncompetitive (probably not the case), or they just filled up spots or have too many from your region.

Now, of course, this is just my take, I could be wrong, so don't quote me.

P.S. Got my acceptance on Friday, excited to go!
 
@Ajay Hariharan: there is no causal relationship between SLE and an appointment as it does not figure in to the Whole Candidate Score. Most cadets do not attend (not everyone is interested and there are not enough slots for those who are--that's why it's "competitive"). It's just camp and will give you an opportunity to see the fort. Go and have a good time.
 
When I filled out the application for the SLE, I entered in my test scores for the ACT, but the "Comb. Eng/Writ: " didn't show up. When I look at this on my application file, it shows it as Comb. Eng/Writ: 0. There is no way to change this and it is not official, but will it affect my chances?
 
SLE may very well be closer to a camp atmosphere than the real deal, and it certainly does not guarantee anything one way or another. However, there are many benefits that make it worth your while. The first being, the relationship piece is huge. DD is still in contact with her squad members as well as cadre she met during SLE last year. This support network has been quite beneficial. She was also able to meet and connect with one of the coaches and now she's considering playing. The cadre will write a brief evaluation which will supplement, or in some cases serve in lieu of, a FFR report. DD had classes and learned about majors from her cadre, and now she's got a clearer vision for what she wants going into USMA...at least until she changes her mind again. Another benefit is those who attend SLE have their application portal open up sooner than the general public. (Although this past year USMA had snafu after snafu which delayed this, so I'm not sure if that can be claimed, at least last summer). Putting DD on a plane and sending her by herself was also a benefit. It was the most adult thing she's done to that point on her own and she has the confidence to travel independently. Once she returns for R-Day, she'll have an awareness of where things are. No doubt, the experience is night and day, but at least having some sense as to the lay out will help. Never underestimate the power and benefit of experience. With that said, I totally agree that not going will not hurt you. Instead, think of it as a great opportunity if given the chance.
 
I, as well, think it is a valuable experience if you are able to attend. My DD was extremely competitive to get into an academy. She went to SLE and NASS and it helped her decided that she DIDN'T want to attend an academy, rather than solidify that she did. She still wanted to serve, but wanted to go the NROTC route, instead. Had she not had that experience, I'm sure she would be at an academy now.
 
I, as well, think it is a valuable experience if you are able to attend. My DD was extremely competitive to get into an academy. She went to SLE and NASS and it helped her decided that she DIDN'T want to attend an academy, rather than solidify that she did. She still wanted to serve, but wanted to go the NROTC route, instead. Had she not had that experience, I'm sure she would be at an academy now.

My DD was thinking ROTC route until she went to SLE. The experience was enough to convince her she wanted the fully immersed lifestyle of West Point. I saw her walking off the air plane, and I could tell she was in love.

Definitely a worthwhile program, but it'll be like anything else, you'll get out what you put in. Go with an open mind. Volunteer for everything, take advantage of the opportunity to experience as much as you can. Talk to and listen to those who are already there. You'll never know what'll stick.
 
I, as well, think it is a valuable experience if you are able to attend. My DD was extremely competitive to get into an academy. She went to SLE and NASS and it helped her decided that she DIDN'T want to attend an academy, rather than solidify that she did. She still wanted to serve, but wanted to go the NROTC route, instead. Had she not had that experience, I'm sure she would be at an academy now.

This is an important point. In addition, if a person is on the fence, they need to understand what SLE, AIM (although Aim is most realistic) or NASS or AFA Summer Seminar is. It is like a summer camp. It is not indicative of plebe or cadet life so attendees need to beware of making a decision to attend based on that experience. Do a CVW, talk to cadets, grads, etc. That is how you will get a feel for real plebe (and beyond) life.

I recall a story of an applicant who was on the fence about academy and military life and attended one of the summer programs at one of the SAs and loved the experience. Their experience at the summer program tipped them towards applying and eventually getting accepted. Two days into plebe summer they made the decision to drop out as it was not their cup of tea.
 
I just got my acceptance email yesterday. Here are my stats:
3rd in class of about 400 (4.4 GPA)
31 composite on ACT (35 English, 32 math, 31 reading, 28 science)
1430 on PSAT (720 Math, 710 Reading)
AP Scholar (5s on Human Geography, US Government, and Psychology)
AP Human Geography Outstanding Performance Award
Junior Class President
Beta Club Secretary
3rd in Social Studies at TN Beta Club Convention (National Convention Qualifier)
Junior State of America Representative
Directors' Student Advisory Council member
National Honors Society
74 hours community service for various things
Varsity Scholars' Bowl
Spanish Club
Key Club
Debate team member
National Student Leadership Conference on Intelligence and National Security attendee
Beta Club Leadership Summit attendee
3 years Cross Country
1 year Varsity Wrestling
2 years Varsity Swimming

I am also doing what I can to make sure I get my school's nomination for Boys' State and I am waiting on my notification of whether or not I get into TN Governor's School for International Studies. If I get into GSIS, then I'll unfortunately have to turn down SLE along with USNA and USAFA summer seminars if I get in those also, so that would potentially really suck to have to miss out on those. Nevertheless, good luck to you. I hope this gave you a better idea.

A bit unrelated, but how was the NSLC for Intel? I got invited to it and I'm trying to decide whether I should attend or not. Thanks!
 
A bit unrelated, but how was the NSLC for Intel? I got invited to it and I'm trying to decide whether I should attend or not. Thanks!
It was really fun and I had a blast. I got to hear from some awesome people and hear a lot of their wisdom and got to tour a lot of really cool places, including the pentagon and FBI building, so I'd reccomend it. Just be sure that it's the career you want before committing or it won't be worth the money.
 
Granted my experience is dated by 10 years, but when I applied/attended SLE the summer of 2006, GPA/ACT/class rank were required.

I agree SLE was a recruiting tool to obtain potential candidate's contact info, however, I received an LOA in September based upon my SLE stats.

I realize that the LOA has gone out of favor in recent years, but I still feel the SLE application process and experience can do nothing but benefit a future cadet's file.

Take this dated advice for what it's worth, but it served me well!

-AIR CAV
 
With all due respect, it's not. Our son never heard of Boys State (and neither had I until this forum). He didn't do SLE, no LOA, and no MOC calls. He's a Yuk now.



This is an important point that doesn't seem to stick on this forum. SLE is just a summer camp with a recruiting mission. It has zero impact on admissions, yet kids worry about "getting in" to SLE like it somehow matters. It doesn't. If you want to go to camp, apply. If there isn't a spot for you, oh well. Go do some other fun thing. SLE doesn't affect your candidacy one whit.

Oh, and it doesn't resemble a real week as a cadet at West Point one iota.
I agree they should be focusing on things like Boys State.
 
I am a female from Georgia. I move around A LOT and I actually just moved to my third high school in Georgia, so I don't have many opportunities to be involved in leadership positions. I have a few varsity letters in cheerleading, cross country, and track, with one co-captain position. My schools haven't really appointed "captains" for any sports. I am very limited on clubs as well. I've been in NHS, National Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, vice president of Beta Club, DECA, and a few other clubs, but now my new school doesn't have those clubs and I will lose those leadership positions. I was first in my class at my old school, but since I'm now transferring late I won't be technically allowed to be valedictorian, however it will show that I am on my transcript if I am.
I currently have a 31 ACT (36 English, 27 Math, 33 Reading, 28 Science, 23 Writing) and a 1370 PSAT (720 Reading and 650 Math). I am definitely going to retake the ACT soon and take the SAT because these scores are slightly older and I think I can do better now if I actually study.
I've been accepted to SLE and NASS, and I was waitlisted for USAFA summer seminar and eventually offered a spot. Now I have to choose between SLE and USAFASS and I dont know which one to choose. I am definitely going to NASS. Any suggestions? Also, will my lack of leadership and clubs and extracurriculars affect my chance at appointment since I'm from rural Georgia and I move so often?
 
I've been accepted to SLE and NASS, and I was waitlisted for USAFA summer seminar and eventually offered a spot. Now I have to choose between SLE and USAFASS and I dont know which one to choose. I am definitely going to NASS. Any suggestions?

Hey! I got into SLE and USAFA SS, still haven't been confirmed or denied from NASS.
I'd like to help! What kind of major/career are you looking into? USAFA and USMA are both great schools but they each have strong suits.
 
Hey! I got into SLE and USAFA SS, still haven't been confirmed or denied from NASS.
I'd like to help! What kind of major/career are you looking into? USAFA and USMA are both great schools but they each have strong suits.

Well, I have a couple options I'm interested in. I've thought about medical school so I would probably major in chemistry if I went that route, I'm interested in political science but mainly in foreign affairs because I like foreign language so maybe an ambassador of some type, and I'm also really interested in military intelligence. Those are all super broad and really have nothing to do with each other but those are probably my main three that I'm thinking about. Maybe engineering if those don't work out.
 
To echo was @VelveteenR wrote, Boys State is not a must - unless you are weak in leadership. If you have plenty of leadership experiences, then you may prefer to do other things with your summer. My cadet did not attend Boys State. He didn't even apply.
 
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