Boys State Interview via Zoom

[wmap]

Hello,

This is my first thread. I have my Boys State Interview over zoom in a few days. How can I best prepare? How formal should I dress? What type of questions can I prepare for? Thanks.

 

[Heatherg21]

Have you done a search in this forum? Tons of prior threads re interview advice and tactics.
Be you. Be authentic, be the positive, toot your own horn without being a jerk.

 

[wmap]

Thanks!

 

[Academician]

Last year, I had a few students attend Boys State. By the way, a few have appointments now and others are in contention.

Here are a few questions I prepared for them:

- Tell me a little about yourself?

- What are some of your interests?

- How would you describe yourself - use one or more adjectives?

- What do you hope to learn or gain from participating in Boys State?

- What do you believe are the rights of our citizens? ... privileges? ... responsibilities?

- Why are you applying for Boys' State?

- What will you 'bring' to the program?

Best of luck with your interview!

 

[Heatherg21]

Also, remember Boys State is a leadership exercise. And an exercise in your state’s constitution and it’s executive, legislative, and judicial processes.

What do you have in your wheelhouse in terms of leadership experience?

My son loved it. Didn’t think he would. And it changed the course of his life for sure. Worthwhile experience.

 

[USSEnterpr1se]

Sorry for the side question but, when exactly is boy's state going to happen this year and when does the application process for it begin?

 

[Heatherg21]

Typically in June for our area. Reach out to your guidance counselor at school.
If no luck there google your local American Legion post and reach out. Advocate for yourself in this process.

Not all guidance counselors know about it sadly, and some do and don’t facilitate candidates applications.

 

[Heatherg21]

You can attend a local American Legion meeting, introduce yourself. The information is online. The local Legion Post component is up to you and the local Post is who would ‘sponsor’ an applicant.

They ‘sponsor’ candidates for the Boys State program. The Ladies Auxillary does the same for Girls State.

Also, I know I mention it ad nauseam but check out the American Legion Oratorical contest. Our son entered and placed at the state level for three years. Great relationships built with the local post members, excellent experience with public speaking, and super cool scholarship money.

I am now a judge for the event each year and love participating in it.

 

[Heatherg21]

And to the OP, @wmap welcome to the forums.

To @USSEnterpr1se , don’t apologize for asking. Just make sure you do your due diligence using the search function.

Many scenarios and questions have been asked and answered previously.
Welcome!

 

[Hudica]

Make sure to get involved in everything at boys state, I wish I did more and the week flew by. I met a few friends who I still talk to and now have appointments to the academies, it was an amazing experience.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Sorry for the side question but, when exactly is boy's state going to happen this year and when does the application process for it begin?

Every state is different but most that I know of hold it at the end of the school year - I see a lot in the June-ish timeframe. In my state, we start on Fathers Day (3rd Sun in June) every year. Actually the staff starts a day or two early to get set up. The application process depends on the local posts and on that state's boys state organization. For instance, at least one post near me already has lists of candidates to interview while I do not as of now. In any case the online form which is the next step for boys who are selected as delegates or alternates is not yet available.
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FWIW, I am a Trustee of our Boys State as well as a staff member when we hold it. I also coordinate Boys State for the 20 American Legion Posts in my county.
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Also, while each state can and does run their Boys State somewhat differently, we do communicate with each other and often share staff members so as to try to learn from each other.

 

[njfilm23]

Boys State & Nation were two of the most transformative experiences for me during high school—I'm excited to also return as a staff member this summer to give back to such an amazing program.

Be yourself in the interview, humbly stress leadership and a desire to learn more about our nation's democratic processes. Best of luck, and I hope you have a great time!