What % of those attending SLE gain an appointment?

And they are better informed as to the application process, e.g., the advantage of applying early. Their essays are better because they can relate to their experiences at the academy. They can better explain to the nomination board why they want to attend the academy. All of which makes them more competitive for having attended SLE or NASS. Attending, in and of itself, makes no difference for all of the reasons discussed in the prior posts.
 
Aren't two advantages in going to SLE/NASS: (1) you get evaluated by the staff during your time there so if you show enthusiasm and other good qualities that can be something the admissions boards can consider and (2) you can get your CFA done???
 
My son really enjoyed the interview at SLE. Evidently some were pretty short but his went long. He had a lot to talk about with the cadet who interviewed him as they had quite a few points of common interest.

He'd already done a CFA but he was happy to do it again there.
 
I think I've come to believe that attendance at SLE or NASS does not help in the admission process. That said, attending SLE or NASS (or both) does make you a more competitive candidate. My DS came back better informed and super motivated. He hammered his applications and his essays were stronger. The downside is that Plan B is really more like Plan Z. Plan B is re-apply next year. He's applied to a stretch, target and safe school, but his heart is just not in it. As a parent, that's a mixed blessing. Boys State was good too. It did not, however, provide much beyond the "experience" and the resume boost.


Ditto that..... Word for word!
 
They can better explain to the nomination board why they want to attend the academy.

I served on several nomination boards. I have seen some candidates focusing too much on the college aspect and not making the connection to the miltiary service. Personally, I don't think highly of candidates that spent 95% their time on what a great college West Point/Annapolis/AFA/Coast Guard/Merchant Marine is, but fail to discuss and make connection on what happens after graduation.
 
I served on several nomination boards. I have seen some candidates focusing too much on the college aspect and not making the connection to the miltiary service. Personally, I don't think highly of candidates that spent 95% their time on what a great college West Point/Annapolis/AFA/Coast Guard/Merchant Marine is, but fail to discuss and make connection on what happens after graduation.
I agree completely, MemberLG. My USMA grad practiced his interview skills with a retired COL and the ROTC instructors at his school, even though he wasn't in ROTC. These folks were very gracious and interested in helping him prepare for the MILITARY aspect of the interviews and he was able to convey that his first interest in West Point was to prepare to serve as an officer in the US Army.
 
As a current cadet who was not accepted to attend SLE, I'd like to reiterate a point that was brought up earlier in this thread. SLE is not the end-all be-all. I hear a lot of talk about highly-motivated candidates who wanted USMA all their lives and had their resolve reinforced by going to it. I was one of those candidates, except that I was crushed when I found out that I wasn't going. If there's anybody reading this who had this happen to them and had a similar reaction but is still genuinely committed, use it as a learning point and keep pushing forward. Take stock of where you're at, where you need to be, and how to get there. If you play your cards right, you'll be shoulder to shoulder with the SLE grads as you toss your white covers in the air together on Graduation Day.

Also, if anybody has any questions about anything, feel free to PM me. That goes for anybody, not just the candidates.
 
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