Boys State

<p>I know this has probably already been discussed but... I am hoping on attending Boys State this summer. I have an interview coming up with someone from the local American Legion. How does the interview work? </p>

<p>What questions should I be expecting? </p>

<p>Does the fact that I have been accepted to Westpoint SLS or desire to persue a career in the military improve my chances of being selected? </p>

<p>Does Boys state look really good on the application?</p>

<p>And I know i have not been selected yet but hopefully if i do, is there anything i should do to prepare or read up on before attending? I know what the program entails but is there something i can do to make my experience there "smoother." </p>

<p>Thank you all for any help you can provide!!!</p>

<p>Crazymiler08, </p>

<p>Last year, I attended California Golden Boy's Program. The interviews for Boy's State began in March or April. The guidance counselor at my school selected five boys she thought would be qualified for the program. </p>

<p>A few days later we were interviewed by members from the American Legion and a few other people. Some of the questions from my interview included my knowledge of Boy's State (it's mission, etc.), information on my family (I don't think this has any relevance to your selection), extra curricular activities, clubs, and sports (Eagle Scout and Varsity Soccer weighed heavily in my favor). </p>

<p>They will probably ask you about your plans after high school. Mentioning interest in service to your country and plans to attend an academy are a definite plus. Also, keep your summer free, with the exception of West Point SLS. Several of my friends were unable to attend due to prior plans. </p>

<p>As far as the program is concerened, you get what you put in. Being a conservative in Califronia I was a minority. However, there are great opporunities for friends, learning, and "city" fun. I would say come with an open mind and try to get any position that interests you. Hope this helps. </p>

<p>Nurseypoo's son</p>

<p>"Does Boys state look really good on the application?"</p>

<p>Yes - it is an activity that all of the academies hold in high regard. </p>

<p>good luck!</p>

<p>Selection for Boys State gets you as many "leadership" points on your application as Eagle Scout. It's an awesome program but you have to work hard to get as much out of it as you can. Check to see what your SLS dates are becasue at least the GA Boys State is June 11-17. I think that there arw two SLS weeks and one of them overlaps. Good luck getting in!</p>

<p>My interview was pretty simple. They asked me where I was from originally, my GPA and asked me to detail my plans for the State of Florida. I was selected as the alternate. Good luck!</p>

<p>I went to Colorado Boys State last year, and then on to Boys Nation. What others have said about the interview process is right on. It's nothing like an academy interview in regards to the depth of the questions/length. Just let them know that you are interested in becoming a better citizen, learning how our government works, and taking what you learn back into your community. You get out of it what you put into it. Try to get some leadership positions early on. There are many elections during the week for various positions/functions, everything from a county clerk to party chairman. Holding some good postions really makes the whole experience that much better because you are so much more involved. At the end of the week there will either be elections for the two senators or they will be picked from the American Legion counselors running the camp. I was fortunate enough to be elected as a senator and sent to Washington DC for 9 days, all expenses paid. It was an incredible week summed up by meeting the President. If you have any questions send me a PM, i'd be glad to talk about it.</p>

<p>Thank you all for the replies. My interview will be Monday and I am not sure about what to wear. I know I sounded just like a girl right there but I want to make a good impression on the gentlemen from the American Legion who will be interviewing me. Will a blazer with a tie and Docker pants be over kill? </p>

<p>Thanks again for any help.</p>

<p>No. I was actually in my school uniform because my interviewer came to the school and talked to me during lunch. What you described should be just right. This is a veterans organization, they value respect more than anyone else. Give them some by dressing up a little :) Just be yourself and RELAX! Good luck!</p>

<p>I wore my Jrotc uniform. My competitors wore a uniform or dressed up with tie and pants.</p>

<p>I'm going to Florida's Boys State!!!</p>

<p>I showed up to my interview in flip flops, khaki shorts, and a polo. (Not trying to be disrespectful, it was just what I was wearing that day) I wouldn't recommend doing that. I didn't really know what Boys' State was until I went. Turns out I actually liked it. Where I'm from our selection process was pretty easy. Our American Legion had all high schools pick a person and they got to go. My dad was a NY Boys' State alumni in '76, so I thought that was cool. Thirty years later, ended up having the same position as him, chief of police, just in NC.</p>

<p>I ended up working it out to where I went to NASS, SLS, and then Boys' State last summer. Three weeks of little sleep, but the experience was great.</p>

<p>If you get into Boys' State, enjoy it.</p>

<p>Boys State was mad fun.</p>

<p>Just don't be afraid to get involved. If you are "hooah" and enthusiastic about it without being phony, you should have tons of fun and hold high positions.</p>

<p>Leave timidity and hesitation at the door.</p>

<p>I agree. I'm pretty introverted, so making lots of public speeches and campaigning for myself really forced me to expand my "comfort bubble."</p>

<p>"Boys State was mad fun."</p>

<p>Yup, it was the best summer week I've ever had. You make lots of friends and just have a wild time with the other guys in your city during down time.</p>

<p>Are the workouts in New York Boys State hard? Like can an unathletic person do them?</p>

<p>What workouts?</p>

<p>I am attending Maryland Boy’s State this weekend and I don’t think there are going to be rigorous athletic workouts; one of the kids from my county that is going is disabled.</p>