I am going to be a junior when this summer ends and I was wondering if anyone knows of any great camps to attend my junior summer (I've heard of Boise State). So far I've gone to two camps this summer. I'm just trying to build up a resumé. Thanks.
Hi @J_kapp,
GREAT to think about this now. My response would be, the great camps to go to are the ones that appeal to you, that you and your family can afford, and that build skills or knowledge you want. (You didn't say whether you're searching for a sport camp or STEM camp or history camp or... .)
FYI, whether you're aiming for SA admission or ROTC or selective college, admissions personnel (like me) can see applicants who focused on "build a résumé" a mile away. I'm just letting you know that kids with a 3.8 and extra-curriculars and camps and volunteering and sports are a dime a dozen. (Sorry.) We need some way to choose from all of you, so you need to find or create ways to make yourself stand out from the other kids who look just as awesome as you on paper.
Here's what I mean. We want kids who do well in school and on SATs/ACTs and have sports and ECs, but also have a clear purpose. For example, we want kids who went to STEM camp at a small college, because they went last year and distinguished themselves and were invited to re-apply as a co-counselor for the camp this year. We want kids with SATs/ACTs who started a food drive at their high school and collected 8 tons of non-perishables for their local food bank. (This is a real example.) We want kids who organize a Special Olympics sponsorship in their region, or who volunteer at the same place for three years (etc.) We want to hear from kids who have a purpose, who find ways to fulfill that purpose - especially by involving OTHER people, and then who can tell us about why those things specifically matter to them and what they did about it.
It's "Boys' State". Not Boise. Check it out through the American Legion.
I do have good grades, ECs, sports, and volunteering and I understand what you mean now by that's not necessarily a stand out position. I do want to start something at my school like you mentioned but I just have never thought about getting it started. It's just a thought, but starting a group to go out and help pick up trash from local state parks. Something small but beneficial. Thanks a ton for opening up another door to assist me in the process!
Oh my, I completely missed the obvious on that one. Good catch.
My kids took SAT/ACT beginning of Junior year. Best to study intensely (SAT camp) all summer and take it in Aug/Sept.Do you mean this summer we are in now? Or next summer before your senior year?
Do you mean this summer we are in now? Or next summer before your senior year?
Honestly in my opinion, taking SAT/ACT early junior year is better? Service academy applications start early spring so nice to have all Tests out of the way & apply earlyNext summer before my senior year
Actually, you apply to Boys’ (or Girls’) State during your junior year. I applied and found out I was going in April. Many schools have an interview process in order to be considered for a nomination. You can go to the American Legion’s website and find your area coordinator for specifics on how they choose the delegates. You may also want to tell your Guidance Counsellor that you’re interested because they are usually the ones that end up choosing the final delegates.You can't apply to attend Boys State until AFTER you have completed your junior year of h.s.
https://www.legion.org/boysnation/stateeligibility
Paying to attend various camps/sports programs might be something you enjoy or make new friends, but those aren't considered leadership that count toward your USNA application.