<p>if you make it to SLS, does that pretty much unofficially promise you a spot? seeing that they accept 800 to SLS and they accept about 1100-1200 every year which would include the elite of the people that did not make it.. any info?</p>
<p>I wouldnt say so because there is no way for the academy to see if a person is medicaly and physicaly qualified. correct me if im wrong.</p>
<p>No, it does not. Another reason for those who do not make it into SLS not to fret.</p>
<p>Your chances are improved if you get accepted to SLS, but as it is stated above, there are still potetial obstacles---DODMERB, nomination, SAT scores, interviews, etc. Also keep in mind that the cadre at SLS is always "evaluating" you during that week.</p>
<p>I actually asked that question when I was at SLS, back in the Stone Age (Summer, 2001). If I remember correctly, I was told that the acceptance rate from SLS candidates was about 30%. But that was then, and this is now.</p>
<p>Last year we heard is was about 50%. If you make it into SLS, you pretty much qualify academically, but that's about it. There are still a lot of other factors, but it's a step in the right direction.</p>
<p>lol and to all you horrible test takers out there, if I got into SLS with an SAT score of 1680, YOU CAN TOO!!!</p>
<p>haha qualified academically on 1680 when everyone I talked to was complaining of like 2000s. USMA011 you slay me! =)</p>
<p>I concur 100% with majmattmason-</p>
<p>One thing SLS does is weed out those who realize WP is not for them & they don't apply. Our son did not get accepted to SLS <to be="" fair,="" he="" did="" apply="" late=""> & received an LOA mid-Nov. Also, the 3 Cadets he spent the overnight visit with, none of them went to SLS. In fact one Cadet hadn't even heard of SLS until he started the application process!</to></p>
<p>So to whomever does not get the chance to go, please keep in mind these positive outcomes.</p>
<p>SLS is a recruiting tool in an attempt to get some of the brightest among America’s youth to consider West Point and the Army as an option, rather than Yale etc. At least that's how it was described to me.</p>
<p>they told us that about 50% of sls people get in. However, I was also otld (informally) that PSAT scores are the deciding factor for admission to SLS, so really you are admitted based on a fraction of your academics, with no consideration for fitness, health, personality (need that nomination). </p>
<p>I have kept in touch with several buddies from sls, and none of them have been admitted (some can't get their apps together, some chose rotc). </p>
<p>I have no idea if the cadets were really evaluating us or not... seems to condradict the empirical, mathematical scoring method usma says it uses for admissions</p>
<p>Cadets are evaluating you at SLS. Same as when you are a cadet there. Several times a year (for all four years) you are evaluated by your chain of command-- and this particular evaluation is very subjective (not mathematical).
Be on your best behavior at SLS.</p>
<p>To add to what shogun mentioned, at SLS, you get interviewed by your squad leader. I read somewhere, might have been here on collegeconfidential, that the interview you undergo at SLS will be added to your file...somehow. But yeah, just be good, be a leader, and be outgoing! No one likes those shy, nerdy kids who just sit on the balcony during the parties lol.</p>
<p>I went to SLS last year - we were told that about 50% of attendees get appointed to USMA. I couldn't help but notice, however, that they didn't tell you how many people from SLS actually apply. As mentioned above, there are plenty of things that admissions to USMA looks for that SLS doesn't, so it's very much open. I also heard that it doesn't necessarily "check off a box" but it does tell the admissions staff that you're very, very interested in West Point.
I remember the interview my squad sergeant gave me at SLS. It was really basic, nothing serious - stuff like "Do you know the stresses you will encounter at Beast, and do you think you can overcome them?" and such. I honestly don't how important the interview itself is, but I do know it's considered.</p>
<p>I was rejected from all 3 Academy's SLS programs. Instead I was able to attend Illinois Boys State and went to AFA Swim Camp- both of which paid off huge. I was pretty dissapointed though, and thought that my chances were cooked. However, I'm now a Cadet Candidate for USMA (and USAFA) and have been double nomianted by my Senator and Congressmen to USMA. So don't worry if you arn't accepted. I'm sure it was a cool experience, but I know plenty of SLS guys and girls who have been medically DQ'd and wern't competitive enough I guess. It can go either way, like the people above me were saying.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how much geographic location plays in the selection process? I know all the academies take many kids from all over the country? But do you think they take alot of locals, or is it harder for the locals to get into?</p>
<p>I don't think geography is taken into account in the least during the selection process. Admissions is broken down into different groups for large sections of the country (ie, the western United States), but that's just for efficiency. I doubt they like to pick local kids over other ones. We're all Americans, right?</p>
<p>From the information I have from admissions:
In choosing SLS candidates they are looking for top academic performers with strong leadership potential. In addition to academics, they look at extracurricular activities and athletic activities, and consideration is given to class composition goals. Last year they received 3000 applications - they accept 800. Almost 50% of SLS attendees join the next class of USMA cadets. If a candidate is invited to SLS he/she is generally considered competitive for admission.
I believe that interviews done by the squad leaders follow the same format as the MALO interview and a MALO interview is not required if a squad leader interview is on file.</p>