Summer Seminar or Boys' State?

[Giantatom]

I've been accepted into virtual USAFASS and Boys' State in Colorado, which conflict with each other (June 6-9 and June 5-11). I have also been in contact with Wyoming Boys' State (June 12-18) because of other conflicts, and have the option of attending there instead. I definitely want to attend USAFA, but I feel like the Summer Seminar would still be a valuable experience for me, just as Boys' State would be, and I want to attend both.

So, I wanted to ask if anyone knows if there is a considerable difference between Boys' State programs and whether I should cancel on Colorado and attend Boys' State in Wyoming instead so that I can attend USAFASS too.

 

[moho]

If you had to pick between one or the other, I would pick Boys' State IF you already know you want to attend USAFA.

 

[Pluto]

Admissions notes that they do not favor those who attend Summer Seminar over those who didnt, and SS is not a tool for admissions to compare candidates. But in my opinion, if you can somehow attend both via attending the Wyoming Boys State instead (and its not a hassle for you or your parents) do that.

 

[flieger83]

ALO answer: you have a nice bullet statement for the resume, having been selected for SS...

GO TO BOYS STATE!!!

Work hard, learn a lot, run for office...learn...

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[OldRetSWO]

One issue with going to another state's Boys State is that the actual program is tailored to the specific state.
For example, NJ state laws set up City, Town and County government's very differently from Pennsylvania.
While you'd still be learning and participating, the actual curricula might run counter to how your state is
organized/governed.

Additionally, if somehow you might be the kid who gets picked for Boys Nation, it is doubtful that the "other"
state would send an out of state kid instead of one of their own.

All that said, another state's Boys State is better than no Boys State at all.

R/
Boys State grad 1973
Parent of Boys State grad 2006
NJ Boys State Staff Member. . 2016-present
NJ Boys State Trustee 2019-present

 

[In-the-Know]

Boys State

 

[cyhawk]

I've been accepted into virtual USAFASS and Boys' State in Colorado, which conflict with each other (June 6-9 and June 5-11). I have also been in contact with Wyoming Boys' State (June 12-18) because of other conflicts, and have the option of attending there instead. I definitely want to attend USAFA, but I feel like the Summer Seminar would still be a valuable experience for me, just as Boys' State would be, and I want to attend both.

So, I wanted to ask if anyone knows if there is a considerable difference between Boys' State programs and whether I should cancel on Colorado and attend Boys' State in Wyoming instead so that I can attend USAFASS too.

Would you rather sit in front of a computer or go have fun and learn a bunch about government and make new friends?

 

[CrewDad]

I've been accepted into virtual USAFASS and Boys' State in Colorado, which conflict with each other (June 6-9 and June 5-11). I have also been in contact with Wyoming Boys' State (June 12-18) because of other conflicts, and have the option of attending there instead. I definitely want to attend USAFA, but I feel like the Summer Seminar would still be a valuable experience for me, just as Boys' State would be, and I want to attend both.

So, I wanted to ask if anyone knows if there is a considerable difference between Boys' State programs and whether I should cancel on Colorado and attend Boys' State in Wyoming instead so that I can attend USAFASS too.

Go Boys State all the way. You’ll get full leadership points for this and not for Summer Seminar! Enjoy!

 

[Falcon74]

When I taught at USAFA, I frequently saw SS students during the summer. When I escorted them into a jet engine test cell to discuss jet engines, I would ask the students if any could tell me how a jet engine generates thrust. Many of these high school students offered correct answers! Later, I noticed that when Academy Cadets enrolled in an engineering thermodynamics classroom were asked the same question, it was rare to find a correct answer. Conclusion (based on limited data): SS selection seemed to be tougher than getting a Cadet appointment. I would not pass up the opportunity to see and live the academy experience in person. As a grad and prior faculty member, I would recommend SS over almost anything else.