Boys State vs SLCDA, which one is more important to Academy Admissions if you could only attend one of them?

birdwatcher4125

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If a USNA candidate were to apply to Boys State and SLCDA, and he were fortunate enough to be offered a spot at both programs, but they both happen to be held during the same week so that he could only attend one of them, which one should he choose?

We know that all of the service academies really like Boys State, and that it counts for a lot of admissions points, but I can't help but think that SLCDA is at least as valuable as Boys State, especially to Annapolis.

I'd love to know what others think on this matter. Thank you.
 
I have read everyone on this Forum touting Boys State and for the most part being somewhat dismissive of SLCDA. But I have no idea. Apply for both of course. By the way, they opened the applications for SLCDA early this year. My DS, a sophomore, already submitted his application to SLCDA. If he is gets selected, he will still be able to do Boys State after his Junior year if he is fortunate enough to be selected.
 
There are quite a few prior threads on this topic with a variety of opinions on the value of SLCDA.
 
DD attended both SLCDA and Girls State. Different programs. SLCDA promotes leadership and a taste of the Marine Corps, including obstacle course, self-defense class, etc. GS teaches how to set up and run local government. DD enjoyed both. I would recommend picking the one your son most wants to go to based on what each program offers.
 
If a USNA candidate were to apply to Boys State and SLCDA, and he were fortunate enough to be offered a spot at both programs, but they both happen to be held during the same week so that he could only attend one of them, which one should he choose?

We know that all of the service academies really like Boys State, and that it counts for a lot of admissions points, but I can't help but think that SLCDA is at least as valuable as Boys State, especially to Annapolis.

I'd love to know what others think on this matter. Thank you.
From the standpoint of admission to USNA, you answered your own question here.

"We KNOW that all of the service academies really like Boys State, and that it counts for a lot of admissions points" versus

"I can't help but THINK that SLCDA is at least as valuable as Boys State"

From an ADMISSIONS standpoint, I'd recommend Boys State.

In msny/most places that I know of, Boy's State attendees are generally selected - often without having applied for it (I'd never heard of it when I was nominated and my son didn't apply, the school nominated him). Generally, the schools nominate the "top" boys as in the best all around in terms of academics and activities. I am not very familiar with SLCDA but don't the students themselves apply (nominate) themselves as opposed to people in the schools nominating a very small number of boys out of the entire class?
 
In my DS's high school, the NJROTC unit usually nominates two outstanding rising seniors in the Spring of their junior year to Boys State. This year it was the incoming Battalion CO and an outstanding Drill Team Commander. (I don't think our HS nominates any non-JROTC students to Boys State.)

SLCDA does accept nominations as well, or a student can apply on his or her own. I don't know the split between nominees and students who just apply. However, SLCDA requires letters of recommendation, transcripts, an essay and specifically asks the student to list all honors and AP classes they have taken. There are only about 200 selected for SLCDA. So, just being selected says something. I think Dadx4's description of the differences between the programs is accurate. Certainly, one can learn something from both.
 
If a USNA candidate were to apply to Boys State and SLCDA, and he were fortunate enough to be offered a spot at both programs, but they both happen to be held during the same week so that he could only attend one of them, which one should he choose?

We know that all of the service academies really like Boys State, and that it counts for a lot of admissions points, but I can't help but think that SLCDA is at least as valuable as Boys State, especially to Annapolis...

Answer is NO! Boys State is more valuable according to USNA Admissions. Period end of story. Take it for what it's worth. Knowing this it is still your choice.
 
Thank you all for the feedback. It seems apparent from all of the responses that Boys State is clearly the best option (should he have an option).

Just one more question: If my DS is accepted to both programs (Boys State & SLCDA) and he attends Boys State, does the fact that he was accepted to SLCDA, but did not attend, still count for points toward the Whole Person Multiple?

Thanks.
 
Thank you all for the feedback. It seems apparent from all of the responses that Boys State is clearly the best option (should he have an option).

Just one more question: If my DS is accepted to both programs (Boys State & SLCDA) and he attends Boys State, does the fact that he was accepted to SLCDA, but did not attend, still count for points toward the Whole Person Multiple?

Thanks.

I don’t know about the score system but I believe he has to go the program to write about it on application.
 
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