SLS Application Opening Monday, 14 Dec 2009

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
1

<p>I've been told that West Point will begin to receive applications for their Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS) this coming Monday. Students who may be interested in this great program should go to the following page to read more about it and find the link to the online application. The link will be active Monday morning sometime.</p>

<p>USMA</a> Admissions: More Info: Summer Program</p>

<p>This is truly an amazing and fun program offering a chance for current High School juniors to get some great training and to gain a better understanding of what West Point has to offer.</p>

2

<p>They moved the date up one day from last year, it kind of surprised me when I opened the page yesterday.</p>

3

<p>Each year the SLS week’s start on a Saturday and end on a Friday. This year, similar to last year, West Point now accepts 1,000 students which is a nice increase from just two years ago (800 back then). This alone increases ones chances of getting into this great program.</p>

4

<p>The 2009 SLS was awesome. I heard back almost immediately when I got a spot. The application process wasn’t half bad either.</p>

5

<p>Has anyone that’s applied received a response yet? My youngest son just applied. Gosh I am dreading going through the whole college admissions process with my kids again next year. </p>

<p>Good luck to everyone who has applied!</p>

6

<p>six2nJoy:</p>

<p>If you dread going through a long and lengthy admissions process, then you are looking in the wrong place. Even if your son aces his SATs and does great at SLS and gets a Letter of Assurance, he will still have to finish the rest of the application when he puts it up. If you or your spouse is career military, MIA, POW, or a Medal of Honor recipient, he may get a presidential nomination - which basically gives him a shot at receiving an offer in September of October. But, if not, he will have to apply for a nomination from a senator or congressman (basically another college application/interview) and then wait until at least November, in some cases as late as February or March to see if he receives one. Most people apply to ALL NOMINATING SOURCES - which for me meant 2 senators, my congressman, and the Vice President - a total of four separate applications and three interviews. Then, if he is like most people and he didn’t get that Letter of Assurance, he will have to wait longer to see if he gets an offer from West Point, sometimes people don’t find out until May or June. Meanwhile, if really serious about becoming an officer, he will be applying to other academies, plus ROTC programs at civilian universities and the respective applications at each of those schools.</p>

<p>It is hard to convey your emotions over the internet - so sorry it sounds like I am trying to discourage you or your son. Just be prepared to do about 6 times the amount of work that every other student does. Most of my friends applied to 1 or 2 schools in state, some schools with the common app, and maybe a few without the common app - a total of about 5 applications. I applied to three academies, four nominating sources, ROTC and NROTC (which is almost another service academy - they have their own apps, interviews, essays, and physical fitness tests), two in-state universities, two common app schools, and three non-common app schools.</p>

<p>This makes a total of 15 applications. Plus the Army Summer Leaders Seminar App and the Naval Academy Summer Seminar App. Plus the DODMERB - Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board - stuff, which can be a nightmare.</p>

<p>It is kind of insane, and frustrating at times, but it’s really worth it in the end. But, BE PREPARED for it. If you and your son are not ready for all the crap that’s coming up, it will be a kick in the butt.</p>

7

<p>USMA 14~ You sound like me! I am a high school counselor and recite the information in your post (almost verbatim) several times a year. </p>

<p>Please don’t read too much in my post. I’m all too aware of the process - I am a parent of a yuk, and as a counselor, have watched many of my students compete for an appointment year after year (14 years now). It is this lengthy admissions process which you so succinctly describe that’s the source of my frustration. As much as I have encouraged my son (the last of six) and supported his goal of seeking an appointment, I am truly dreading going through this again. </p>

<p>Best of luck to you. You have chosen an amazing institution!</p>

8

<p>six2nJoy,
I applied on Dec. 14th and heard back that I was in on Dec. 26th.</p>

9

<p>Good for you! You’ll have a great time.</p>

<p>Here’s a fun little fact: You will receive a couple of West Point golf shirts to wear during SLS. My son brought them home and for obvious reasons didn’t bring them when he reported for R day. I wear them to school when I administer tests (PSAT, SAT and ACT, etc). When he was home the last two weeks for winter break, he saw one hanging in the laundry room. He didn’t remember where they came from, and he asked me where I got them. I explained they were his SLS shirts and how I wear them to school occasionally. He got really excited and said, “I need them. I can wear them for cadet casual.”</p>

<p>Although he forgot to take them, I think it’s funny he can wear them again almost two years later. So hang onto your shirts…otherwise you may end up buying some after your plebe year.</p>

10

<p>My son applied on 12/21 and heard back this week that he was accepted. We’re excited!</p>

11

<p>Wow - that was fast. He received his packet in the mail this morning. </p>

<p>Now let the fun begin!</p>

12

<p>I applied on the 14th and got my envelope in the mail the next week. I have a question about attending… I tore my labrum during football and had surgery to repair it. I will be fully cleared the week before my session. Will it still benefit to go if I’m not at full strength? Or could it hurt my chance of getting an appointment? If its best for me to miss I need to notify them soon so another student will have a chance to go. My liaison told me to go anyway</p>

13

<p>Listen to your Liaison who represents Admissions. You’ll participate in pt have an opportunity to take the CFA. You may also want to contact the Admissions office at WP to let them know about it.</p>

14

<p>Thanks for the input. So if they know I’m not at full strength will I be able to take my CFA later?</p>

15

<p>So I was just reading over my acceptance packet, and one page said ‘Must return all forms by March 1st’ and another said ‘Must return all forms by April 1st’.
AHH! Which date is it? I don’t reasonably think I’ll be able to have my forms in by Marsh 1st seeing as I’m still waiting on NASS results…</p>

16

<p>It’s April 1st. I’m pretty sure.</p>

17

<p>Get used to it. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Check with Admissions to see which is the correct date.</p>