SLS vs. Boys State

bbourq5

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2011
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50
Which one would be more beneficial to attend? I would gladly attend both, however, i have school throughout June and cannot miss more than a week of school, so basically I need to pick one. I know that attending boys state is equivalent to eagle scout, which could really help me; however, I've heard from a video made by West Point themselves that of those who attend SLS, 50% receive appointments either directly to the academy or to a prep program. Which of these would better increase my chances for obtaining an appointment.

By the way, I'm not already involved in boy scouts.
 
General consensus across the forum is that Boy's State is more valuable on your application than SLS or any academy summer program. Reason being is that you don't just get Boy's State. You usually have had to show leadership qualities for several years to get a Boy's State position. On most of the academy applications Boy's state carries as much weight as Eagle Scout. If you are not into scouting at this point, there is very little chance you could complete all the requirements before securing an appointment to a SA. There are also many other factors that go into the WCS (whole candidate score).
 
In MHO I do not believe that boys state is ranked the same as Eagle Scout. The boys who have achieved Eagle have worked for YEARS and YEARS on it and have achieved something they will carry with them their entire lives. To achieve Eagle is a difficult endevor. DS has his Eagle and also attended boys state. He loved the week at boys state. Good luck.
 
I have posted this before....my son's MALO told him that West Point values Boys' State as much as Eagle Scout. To me, that does not mean Boys' State is equivalent to Eagle Scout as the OP postulated.

I would choose Boys' State over SLS but not just to have something to slap on a resume. Boys' State is a wonderful week of learning about state government and both of my sons thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity. My civilian college son still crosses paths with guys he went to Boys' State with over 6 years ago. It's a great experience, not just something to check off a "to-do list".
 
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