<p>I know there have been posts about this before, but I am new here, and do not know how to find them. Is anyone familiar with this program? Is it genuine, or just another moneymaking "leadership" for kids program? Is it really by invitation only? Any information or direction to other posts about this would be appreciated.</p>
<p>If it is expensive, it probably is just another moneymaking "leadership" for kids program...</p>
<p>My son received his invitation last night and we just threw it away, and did the same for my older son. I thought it was just another money making program but a co worker told me she allowed her daughter to go a few years ago and had a great time.</p>
<p>i know people who went on it and had fun, but it's not a real honor. if you list it on your college applications, pretty much all they'll know is that your have an interest in public affairs and money to spend.</p>
<p>i did something similar, or perhaps the same program (the national student leadership conference). after you go, you can "nominate" someone else so in that sense it's by invitation, but not really. i had a really good time, learned a lot, and expanded not only my interest in international affairs but also learned how to be around people better - drawing on those experiences helped me in dorm life in college. i do think, though, that colleges will just see that you are interested in political science and have money to spend, but also that you want to spend part of your summer learning instead of just vacationing, which is a good thing.</p>
<p>I recently heard a panel of admissions reps (from elite schools) address this very question at a local private school. I'm paraphrasing, but the bottom line is that programs like this can mean something if it is indicative of a strong interest on the part of the student. Their main concern is that, in general, a student is making productive use of their time. A student is not penalized for their ability to attend a program like this one, just as a student who cannot afford to attend will not be penalized because they did not. The bar is raised higher for kids who have resources - they want to see them take advantage whether it's through community service, exploring an interest, etc. </p>
<p>I do know many kids who have done this program and loved it. It seems to be well run. As far as how selective it is, I would have to say "it depends." I know of some areas where teachers really do nominate the students for this, and in other cases, the students are referred from past attendees. They are also supposed to have at least a 3.7 GPA, but don't know how strict they are with that.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for your responses. It seems as if they leave the qualifications intentionally vague and I find that somewhat suspicious. However, it is encouraging that some students have found it a worthwhile experience, and that adcoms are familiar with the program. Any others have personal experience with this particular program? Please post your thoughts, however briefly. Thanks.</p>
<p>Yeah, I got invited to both the National Student leadership conference and the Congressional student leadership conference, but I am attending the NSLC, since that came in the mail first. But for the CSLC, it said that you have to have at least a B average, so not everybody can go. Also, if you plan to attend either conference, you need to be recomended, and not everyone is recomended. Many people are, but not everybody. So i guess it is somewhat of an honor. However, It is probably more beneficial for someone to attend a pre-college program at a college campus. But I am only a sophomorew in High School, so I am not an expert. You should probably talk to your guidance counselor and see what he/she has to say about it.</p>
<p>I attended when I was in middle school and the program was enjoyable but not worth the money.</p>