<p>My son received a letter inviting him to attend the Congressional Student Leadership Conference. Does any one know any one who attended? I was wondering if it's just a "money making" scheme or a worthwhile activity. Thank you for your input.</p>
<p>My friend went to the congressional student leadership conference and another forum conference on political science. I was invited to it too but the money constraint and the small financial help that they proide made it impossible for me to apply. He said that he learned alot but I honestly think that there are better things you could do with your money and a scarce resource like your son's time.</p>
<p>My son got that too. He received several after his PSAT scores.</p>
<p>I'm wondering if it's possible to generalize that anything that comes from PSAT score alone is generally not worthwhile in terms of actual 'prestige' or, rather, should be considered a potentially fun option only if you've got $$ to spare?</p>
<p>I think it is something of a marketing ploy, and I would agree with lingotjuice that if you have the money it might be an option to consider, but not necessarily your son's best option.</p>
<p>My impression is that there is nothing particularly selective or prestigious about this program in particular. As others have said, there are likely better uses of your / your son's money and time.</p>
<p>Warning: don't go thinking that it will look good on a college application. It almost certainly won't do much, with a possible mild exception if it fits in with a demonstrated interest in politics or public policy. But even in that case, I still think you could find something just as interesting (if not more so) closer to home and costing less $$.</p>
<p>All of this is not to say that the program wouldn't be fun -- it very well might be! And if your son is interested and you have the cash to spend, it could make for a good experience. Just know what you are - and are not - paying for.</p>
<p>Not worth a couple thousand of dollars. Use your money for something else. I did it.</p>
<p>Our son had several of these types of conference offers during his sophomore and junior years. He was just sure he really needed to attend one to be competitive for the United States Military Academy at West Point. </p>
<p>I looked at the cost and said, "eh, I don't think so". He ended up going to several other local events such as Am. Leg. Boys State and a JROTC Honors Camp. Though there is no doubt in my mind much can be gained from some of these Youth Leadership conferences, s gained an appointment to the USMA without attending them. </p>
<p>You might ask your school GC if they know of anyone from the school district who has attended and talk to them directly. I know of several kids in the graduating class last year that did go, but money was not an issue to the parents. </p>
<p>BTW, We found out later that the nominations for attendance were coming from our son's high school teachers. At least one came from his Honors English teacher, and another teacher nominated every single student in his AP History class!!</p>
<p>ticlemepink-did you go for college app purposes or for fun?</p>
<p>I attended CSLC at San Diego State University, and it was the best 10 days of my life. The Team Leaders were very knowledgable and nice, and I've made some lifelong friendships with the other students. One of them even drove 2 1/2 hours for my birthday to see me. :)</p>
<p>This is definitely one of those programs where if you go just for college app purposes, you won't enjoy it. You have to go because it's something you want to do FOR FUN (Isn't that the point of a summer program in the first place?).</p>
<p>Also, on the money part, CSLC does offer scholarships.</p>
<p>Please feel free to PM me or IM me with any specific questions. :)</p>
<p>Some students enjoy it, but generally it is a money-making scheme feeding on everyone's anxieties with regards to "resume building" for college (and as most other expensive programs, it is useless for that purpose)</p>
<p>The opinions you have gotten so far are right on target. My son attend one on law in Washington, DC. He did not go for college application purposes, but because he wanted more information about becoming an attorney. We was given a full scholarship, so it only cost us a plane ticket and spending money (and he combined it with a college visit to Georgetown).</p>
<p>I usually tell people to consider these things:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Money -- it can be expensive, so if money is an issue I would suggest better ways to spend it. If you are low-income, try for a scholarship or if money is not an issue, then go for it.</p></li>
<li><p>Subject matter -- there are different subjects that the forums focus on (leadership, law, medicine, etc). If you have already been exposed to programs and information on these subjects -- then the material will be very repetitive. My son knew nothing about law and becoming an attorney, so he found the information very good. Those kids who attended who already had parents who were lawyers, or who had been interning with an attorney or had researched the career on thier own thought it was a complete waste of time.</p></li>
<li><p>If you are thinking it will give you a boost when applying to college, don't go -- it doesn't. Anyone can nominate a kid (including your parents) and there is no prestige attached (no matter how pretty the material you get look). </p></li>
<li><p>Consider the location -- for many of the kids on my son's trip, it was their first time visiting Washington, DC. On top of the conference, they also got a tour of the nation's capital. Conferences held in places where you have been before might not be as interesting -- there is almost always a day or two spent sightseeing.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>It is a money maker -- but so are many other ventures that kids buy into -- so it depends on your reasons for spending your money. If you can afford it (or get a scholarship) and you would enjoy the trip and get something out of it -- I say go. Otherwise, keep looking for other programs.</p>