Value of Boys' State

USMA2016

Appointee - Class of 2016
5-Year Member
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Dec 19, 2010
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I just found out today that I was selected to go to California Boys' State! I've heard rumors that Boys' State is comparable to Eagle Scout or Class President in the eyes of USMA admissions, is that true?
 
CONGRATS!

Boys State is a definite resume enhancer. Good job. Enjoy! :thumb:
 
Our son found out Friday that he was nominated for Boys' State.

Problem: He is already committed to attending SLS at West Point that week.

Is it still "proper" to mention his nomination on his application, and why he didn't accept it?
 
Before you go ahead and say no to boys state contact West Point and see if they will be kind enough to let him switch weeks. Its worth a try. I mean the worst thing West Point can say is he cant switch.
 
STOP!!!! Don't say no to Boys' State!!!! My regional commander said that it is 10,000 times more valuable to attend Boys' State than SLS. He went so far as to say to miss SLS if it meant going to Boys' State.


Take from that what you will.

I highly recommend you choose Boys' State.
 
STOP!!!! Don't say no to Boys' State!!!! My regional commander said that it is 10,000 times more valuable to attend Boys' State than SLS. He went so far as to say to miss SLS if it meant going to Boys' State.


Take from that what you will.

I highly recommend you choose Boys' State.

I have heard the same thing. Select Boys State over SLS. SLS does nothing for your file's strength.
 
I have heard the same thing. Select Boys State over SLS. SLS does nothing for your file's strength.

Ok. I understand there is a value of Boys' State. In the end it is only one week of activity.

What about the value of SLS in helping decide which academy your candidate wants to have as first choice on the application?
 
Attend Boys State because you WANT to and and be apart of a great program and learn to work on govt. activities with others. Don't attend because it looks good on a resume! Sorry but too many people attend or volunterr or become an Eagle Scout because of how it "looks" to others. DS did those things because he wanted to learn and wanted to give back. Colleges and the SA will know why you are doing things just by talking to you. Make sure you do it for the right reasons please, if not give someone else your spot...
 
USMA2016

Boys' State is extremely important. It on the same level of Eagle ans shows leadership Do this, I don't think you will regret it.

God Speed and Good luck,

RGK
 
Congrats!! :) may i ask how competitive it is to be nominated to Boys State?
 
Well I think it really depends on your area.

I had to take a very convoluted, difficult path get a spot at Boys' State.

I first found out about it when I was filling out the West Point SLS application/initial application. It sparked my curiosity so I decided to research. What I found about Boys' State really interested me so I asked my counseling office at my school if my school nominated people to Boys' State. They told me that they had never nominated anyone to Boys' State. So I just decided to email all of the local American Legion posts around me. One was about to give me a spot, but then they withdrew and the deadline to be selected passed. I was disheartened but I decided to keep emailing posts about possible openings. Eventually, I got one! The persistence paid off.

If you're a junior it might be too late (I know the registration deadline for California is approaching), but it can't hurt to try!

I never really answered your question though... It's very competitive. American legion posts nominate 1 or 2 boys from their local area (which could include 3 or 4 high schools!). I think they mostly look at class rank and ECs though.
 
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