Importance of SLE

[applicantNo.25]

I applied to the SLE within a day of its opening, but at this point I am not entirely sure that I will get in. I have read that the SLE does not impact admissions, but I have also heard different from someone who attended. He said that SLE attendees are assigned a guide of some sorts, who is supposed to help them with their application? He also described some kind of evaluation, done at the SLE, which impacted admissions. Am I at a serious disadvantage if I am not selected for the SLE?

 

[SC2015]

SLE is a great opportunity to see WP if you haven't been there, and get sort of a feel for what life is like as a cadet. SLE is really designed as a recruiting tool, to expose the service academies to people who might not be familiar with them, so if you live in an area that is well-represented by candidates, or if they know you have another academy connection you might not get a spot (or they might just run out of spots, since budgets are tight, and many qualified people apply).

DS didn't get accepted to SLE last summer, no real explanation other than he was qualified but they didn't have enough spaces for everyone. Perhaps it was because he has an older brother already at a Service Academy, who knows? While we were a bit surprised, not going to SLE opened up the opportunity for him to attend Boys State, which was a wonderful experience. He also attended the USMC Leadership and Character Development Academy for a week at Quantico. He was offered an appointment to WP (2018) in January, so not attending SLE didn't seem to negatively impact his Whole Candidate Score.

Bottom line, the summer offerings at the Service Academies are great, but not the only leadership opportunities available - search around and you'll find some great alternatives!

 

[BoLwife]

I can almost just say "ditto" to the previous post. DS did not get into SLE - no explanation other than too many candidates for too few spots. We wondered if it had to do with being from NY (too close to USMA, so too easy to go and visit anytime we want?) or my husband having gone to USAFA and therefore DS already knows a lot about the SA's? Anyway, he went to Boys State and I'm sure that was a real asset, as we've been told it adds to the Whole Candidate Score, while SLE attendance does not. DS received a January appointment to USMA. Control what you can control and don't worry too much about what you can't. USNA even has a great YouTube video all done by midshipmen who didn't get into their summer leadership seminar. Each one introduces himself or herself and then says, "and I didn't get into the summer leadership seminar." It made DS feel much better.

 

[cadet85]

Ditto. No SLE. Offered my appointment on January 14th. No big deal. Good experience if you are selected. But all in all, you have to look at the big picture. Work on what really matters! Not 1 week at USMA, but 4 Years!

 

[applicantNo.25]

Thank you SC2015 and BoLwife, and cadet85. This definitely brings a great deal of weight off of my shoulders. I will have to check out that video concerning the USNA candidates. Fortunately I have already been accepted to Boys State, so I will have that under my belt; however, this USMC Leadership Academy sounds interesting, I will have to look into it.

 

[SC2015]

USMC Leadership and Character Development Academy

You will find info on facebook at USMC Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy - I'm not sure where they are in the application process for this coming summer, but it is definitely worth looking into. If I remember correctly, there were about 100 kids total, so smaller than any of the summer programs at the academies, but it was very well run, and DS loved it! It was open to rising juniors and seniors. Best of luck to you!

 

[jmvogel]

I attended SLE last year and the only thing we did regarding our application was our interview. One night our squad sergeant pulled us out of an activity for 15 minutes or so per person and interviewed us for our application. I didn't have to interview with an alumnus. So no, you're at no disadvantage in any sense by not attending SLE. Personally, SLE just made me realize that West Point was the place I wanted to be and when making college decisions I just had to think back to that experience and it solidified my decision. Go Army!