SLE 2017

matz2022

matz2022

Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2017
Messages
26
Hello all!

I'm a junior who has recently started my application process, and I will be attending the West Point Summer Leadership Experience. I come from a family with very few ties to the military, so I'm looking to expand my connections and learn as much as I can as I move forward with my application. This seems like an amazing and helpful community, and I would very much appreciate any advice or help anyone has to offer.

I'm wondering about tips or insight into what the summer leadership experience is really like. I'm very excited to attend and I want to make sure that I make the most of everything I do while I'm there. Advice for my application process as a whole is also welcome, and I can provide any details about my resume if need be
 
matz2022 said:
Hello all!

I'm a junior who has recently started my application process, and I will be attending the West Point Summer Leadership Experience. I come from a family with very few ties to the military, so I'm looking to expand my connections and learn as much as I can as I move forward with my application. This seems like an amazing and helpful community, and I would very much appreciate any advice or help anyone has to offer.

I'm wondering about tips or insight into what the summer leadership experience is really like. I'm very excited to attend and I want to make sure that I make the most of everything I do while I'm there. Advice for my application process as a whole is also welcome, and I can provide any details about my resume if need be
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A couple of thoughts from when my son went last summer:
1 - Train for & practice the CFA prior to going. If you do well on it while at SLE, you can check that off the list of items to complete as early as possible.
2 - Start the medical/DODMERB process as soon as they will allow. If you have any issues in your medical history it is better to get a head start and address them. The DODMERB process can be slow and painful.
3 - Enjoy your time at SLE, my DS had a blast, made good new friends in his squad and did not want to leave when it was over.
4 - Good luck on your SA application journey.
 
I'm in pretty good physical shape, but my pushup performance needs improvement. I should have that sorted out by then.

I'll start working on my medical immediately. Thank you, and best of luck to you as well
 
The CFA is very important... as said above, practice practice practice. The hardest for me was the armhang/pull-ups but eventually I got it down. The application is a long and stressful process but can be well worth it in the end. The DODMERB is painfully slow as they also have to go through every ROTC applicant. To increase your chances, I highly recommend looking into Girls State. It is run by the American Legion Auxiliary, a huge veterans organization, so it looks very good on applications.

Have a great time at SLE! And best of luck on your application!
 
I go to a small private school, and it doesn't have any association with the American legion. I think there are posts in our area. Should I contact them?
 
matz2022 said:
I go to a small private school, and it doesn't have any association with the American legion. I think there are posts in our area. Should I contact them?
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Yes you should. My DS is also a junior & attends small private school. He reached out to Legion in city school located but they said they didn't have funds to send anyone. He applied to 2 local legions and was accepted. He's so excited, so keep trying!
 
Thank you for the links and help! I started reading through the website and will contact my regional director the first chance I get.
 
Practice the basketball throw. It is an unnatural position and movement, and the only way to nail it is to practice. Stay in good shape, work on your pushups, and if you're not already there, try to be able to do at least one pull-up.

Other than that, go in with an open mind, take every opportunity you get, and have fun. Take it seriously, but not too seriously. The program is very fast paced. You probably won't get much sleep, but it's not stressful or anything. It is an excellent opportunity to get a snapshot of what life at the Academy will be like.
 
1. If at all possible, pass the CFA while at SLE. This was a really nice thing for my DS to check off of the list.
2. Attend your Boys State/Girls State. This is a great event to list on your application.
3. Get your ACT/SAT as high as you can. Keep taking them through December of your senior year. A few points just might make the difference.
4. Contact your congressional reps ASAP. It is never to early to make a friendly introduction. My DS started this his sophomore year.
5. Enjoy SLE. It is an amazing experience.
 
Is there anything for parents to do during SLE? What are the opening and closing ceremonies like? We have visited West Point in the past. Thank you.
 
here2learn said:
Is there anything for parents to do during SLE? What are the opening and closing ceremonies like? We have visited West Point in the past. Thank you.
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There was a briefing for parents by members of the West Point Admissions after you drop off your child on the first day. At the end, the day when you pickup your child, they have a closing and awards ceremony.

I thought the briefing was the most comprehensive briefing about the admissions process that I've heard (been to Academy nights, West Point Admissions briefing/tour, etc).

There is nothing for parents to do "during" SLE.
 
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Padre101 said:
here2learn said:
Is there anything for parents to do during SLE? What are the opening and closing ceremonies like? We have visited West Point in the past. Thank you.
Click to expand...
There was a briefing for parents by members of the West Point Admissions after you drop off your child on the first day. At the end, the day when you pickup your child, they have a closing and awards ceremony.

I thought the briefing was the most comprehensive briefing about the admissions process that I've heard (been to Academy nights, West Point Admissions briefing/tour, etc).

There is nothing for parents to do "during" SLE.
Click to expand...
I agree with Padre101, the WP SLE briefing was, by far, the most informative and comprehensive I have been to. After attending the Naval Academy NASS briefing, I was more comfortable than ever with my son's preference toward WP than the other academies.
 
There really isn't much for parents to do during SLE. I stayed in NYC while my DS was there. However, the parent briefing was very helpful. I would encourage you to be there for that. The closing ceremony was very moving for me personally. It was neat to see my DS participate in that.

If nothing else, it gives you as a parent a very small insight into what your child is attempting to become a part of. I'm glad I participated in the parent briefing and closing ceremony.
 
Padre101 said:
here2learn said:
Is there anything for parents to do during SLE? What are the opening and closing ceremonies like? We have visited West Point in the past. Thank you.
Click to expand...
There was a briefing for parents by members of the West Point Admissions after you drop off your child on the first day. At the end, the day when you pickup your child, they have a closing and awards ceremony.

I thought the briefing was the most comprehensive briefing about the admissions process that I've heard (been to Academy nights, West Point Admissions briefing/tour, etc).

There is nothing for parents to do "during" SLE.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by "closing and awards ceremony" ? Do they give awards to outstanding summer participants?
 
"Closing and Awards Ceremony"

Yes, they give some awards and recognitions. If my memory serves, they gave awards for "Best Participant", "Best Platoon", and some awards for CFA stats. They also gave academic awards for each of the academic disciplines.

It was cool to watch. Don't know that any of the "awards" really amounted to anything when it came for application evaluation. But, it probably didn't hurt.

Go have fun. Do your best. Enjoy the opportunity.
 
matz2022 said:
Hello all!

I'm a junior who has recently started my application process, and I will be attending the West Point Summer Leadership Experience. I come from a family with very few ties to the military, so I'm looking to expand my connections and learn as much as I can as I move forward with my application. This seems like an amazing and helpful community, and I would very much appreciate any advice or help anyone has to offer.

I'm wondering about tips or insight into what the summer leadership experience is really like. I'm very excited to attend and I want to make sure that I make the most of everything I do while I'm there. Advice for my application process as a whole is also welcome, and I can provide any details about my resume if need be
Click to expand...
Hey i went last year and just got a westpoint aog scholarship! Sle CHANGED MY LIFE. i was so set on navy that going yo sle was a shrug of the shoulder. But when i was there i loved it. Every aspect. The yelling the workouts, the dormitories. Advice, be prepared to be yelled at as soon as you get off that bus. Wear light weight clothes and pack light. You will be carrying your stuff and if its not in your suitcase, youll have a hard time. You need to physically prepare. Prepare for the cfa. Run. One morning workout was a mile and a half run around the campus singing cadences. The rivalry between platoons is awesome. Constantly having cadence battles make marching so much more fun. But if your heart is set for west point youll have the time of your life.
 
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