<p>Hi there. I am equally interested in attending a service academy as I am interested in enrolling in a college of my choice. So, as a junior in high school, I decided to apply for the summer seminars for each SA (USMA, USAFA, USNA) and have registered to go to USMA and USAFA.</p>
<p>But, I have registered to take the ACT on June 13 and as you may know, the USMA SLS begins on June 16th and ends June 12th. My family is supportive of me going to the seminars, yet, they are discouraging me from attending the USMA seminar, because right after I return from the seminar, I have to take the ACT (critical for me to do well) and they maintain that I will be a) too tired and b) lose the week before the test to study for the ACT. </p>
<p>My question is directed mainly to those who have in the past attended the USMA SLS:
1. are you really that tired out after returning from the seminar? would attending the SLS and almost immediately taking the test hurt me?
2. how much free time do you get? I actually am considering studying for my ACT while at the seminar...is the daily schedule packed? Or will I be given enough free time to study before I sleep?</p>
<p>You will definitely have enough time. During the night I had time to sit and talk to my parents for about a 30 minutes and so forth. You have desks where you can study at night and if you talk to your roommates about it they’ll be cool with it. Your last day is not stressful at all and you won’t be that tired out if you manage to sleep on the plane and not get to hyped up. My last day at SLS was relaxing becuase we cleaned up the dorms the night before and all we had to do was turn everything in and get in our lines to get back to the airport. You should be fine, but be sure to study a lot before it just in case you’re tired and don’t study one night over the other. You will do fine if your dedicated. Have fun!</p>
<p>When did you attend? Are you telling the truth? No exaggerations, not stretching of the truth? …I hope I dont sound too distrusting or mean…I hope you understand how important this is for me for deciding what to do. I want to really make sure that your testimonial is one that I can trust. Its very confusing - I asked this same question on a different forum and they gave me the exact opposite answer of the one you have given me. </p>
<p>Would appreciate it if you could clear things up for me.</p>
<p>Well then I guess it really comes down to who you are. I had plenty of time when I went to the summer seminars and I went last year. At West Point you were tired, but who wouldn’t be at times. On some days it will be worse than others but if you know how to manage your time then you’ll be fine. I was in decent physical condition which allowed me not to get as whiped out as others and my roommate was fine. My squad hung out together a lot and we had some free time to hang out with others. I spent a lot of time with my squad mates and just talked about everything and everything. There’s desks where you can do your work, but if you’re doubting it, I guess I’d say go with your gut.</p>
<p>I really don’t think that week will be the worst for you. If you don’t know it then you’re going to be screwed anyways to put it bluntly, but if you study leading up to it you can use at least 30-45 minutes per night to just look over your notes just to be sure. That’s my opinion. Then again I’m used to getting up at 430 in the morning and going to bed late because that was my school schedule. Just go with the type of person you are. Each person has a different view on things.</p>
<p>I also attended last year’s SLS. There was so much free time, you will have plenty of time to study if you so choose. PM if you would like details.</p>
<p>I’ve also heard from others that the days and evenings are packed. My 2 cents: Don’t plan on having lots of down time to prep for the ACT. Start your prep now - even though you’re already busy. Then you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of attending SLS while still being able to prep some more on the plane. </p>
<p>It’s important to do well, but you’ll also have another chance in the early fall if you’re not pleased with your results. And you’ll have all summer to prep.</p>
<p>I would agree with momoftwins, it would be best to start now. Last year was the hottest it had ever been during SLS, and I thought we had a lot of down time, though it would be very sporadic. I would bring your SAT or ACT study book with you, and I’m sure you would be able to get through some of the problems. I would not however, push off studying to that week!</p>
<p>Thank you again everyone for the replies, although some of you misinterpreted me. I am, of course, studying right now, and plan on doing so right up until the start of the SLS. My only concern was not being able to study the immediate week before the seminar and wondering if, even if it was only 20 minutes or so, I could get some time to squeeze a little study time so I wouldn’t be so thrown off when I got back home.</p>
<p>Thanks again, and I’m not too worried anymore!</p>