SLE not selected

All this talk about Boys/Girls State...Our state is the only state in the Union that doesn't even offer Boys State, which is probably why I had never even heard about it until I joined this forum a while back. Reading about the boys/girls state program, sounds like a fantastic opportunity to actively engage in and learn leadership and citizenship. Wish there was that opportunity here. So, DS feels fortunate to attend SLE as it will give him valuable insight to further his understanding of West Point and the greater mission of the Army. Would be a tough choice though having to choose between the two.
 
DrMom said:
@Dadx4 Hey, Dad of 4...here is the deal. Your family already has a kid at USMA. The assumption is that your family knows the admissions process and expectations as well as about life as a plebe/cadet...putting the next kid in the 'doesn't need it' category for SLE.
Click to expand...
I see your point.
 
The best quote about SLE acceptance/rejection I heard came from a WP Class of 2009 graduate recently who has been "counseling" my son about going to USMA. When my son found out he did not get accepted to SLE, this fine young academy grad (who also did not get selected for SLE), texted my son: "no worries, Bradley, MacArthur, and Patton didn't go to SLE...and neither did I".

Definitely helped my son keep the rejection in perspective.
 
It is not. I know a local kid that went. Not selected this year. Our Cadet was not selected for SLE.
 
SLE:
  1. Excellent way to find out if USMA is for you and to help decide between other SA's
  2. Provides a couple of ways that make application process a little easier: complete CFA during SLE; no downside interview with cadet - if it doesn't go well, it will be redone by FFR; may provide the basis for stronger essays and nomination interviews.
  3. No impact on admissions. Zero WCS points = Zero effect on appointment. With a few exceptions because of the byzantine appointment/nomination process, the candidate with the highest WCS score will be appointed, regardless of SLE attendance.
  4. There is a correlation between attending SLE and receiving an appointment, but no causality; it simply is not considered. Selection for SLE is competitive and thus most of those selected will have competitive files, but SLE uses limited data and has a short time window for selection. This eliminates many candidates from SLE who will later have more competitive files than those attending SLE by inclusion of other data that contributes to the WCS score.
 
I’m pretty new at this and I’m can only speak from personal experience. I would agree with the other posts that SLE doesn’t necessarily hurt or help your application. My DD was not selected for SLE. She was selected for and attended NASS last summer. She had 3 appointments to USNA (senatorial, representative and presidential) and 2 to USMA (Representative and Presidential). She got a TWE from USNA late March or early April and an appointment from USMA mid March. Sometimes you can’t tell. I guess there are so many factors at play. Either way, after her week at NASS she absolutely knew 100% that she wanted to attend a service academy and continued her applications to both. She’s thrilled to be headed to USMA this summer. I think the summer programs, whether SLE or NASS, are valuable experiences in that they give you insight into the academies.
 
SAmom123 said:
I’m pretty new at this and I’m can only speak from personal experience. I would agree with the other posts that SLE doesn’t necessarily hurt or help your application. My DD was not selected for SLE. She was selected for and attended NASS last summer. She had 3 appointments to USNA (senatorial, representative and presidential) and 2 to USMA (Representative and Presidential). She got a TWE from USNA late March or early April and an appointment from USMA mid March. Sometimes you can’t tell. I guess there are so many factors at play. Either way, after her week at NASS she absolutely knew 100% that she wanted to attend a service academy and continued her applications to both. She’s thrilled to be headed to USMA this summer. I think the summer programs, whether SLE or NASS, are valuable experiences in that they give you insight into the academies.
Click to expand...

I meant nominations not appointments. I typically don’t write longer messages on my phone... obviously she only got 1 appointment.
 
jl123 said:
SLE:
  1. Excellent way to find out if USMA is for you and to help decide between other SA's
  2. Provides a couple of ways that make application process a little easier: complete CFA during SLE; no downside interview with cadet - if it doesn't go well, it will be redone by FFR; may provide the basis for stronger essays and nomination interviews.
  3. No impact on admissions. Zero WCS points = Zero effect on appointment. With a few exceptions because of the byzantine appointment/nomination process, the candidate with the highest WCS score will be appointed, regardless of SLE attendance.
  4. There is a correlation between attending SLE and receiving an appointment, but no causality; it simply is not considered. Selection for SLE is competitive and thus most of those selected will have competitive files, but SLE uses limited data and has a short time window for selection. This eliminates many candidates from SLE who will later have more competitive files than those attending SLE by inclusion of other data that contributes to the WCS score.
Click to expand...
Best summary I've read on this topic - kudos.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top