<p>I was just chosen to be the representative of my school to go to Sacramento and participate in Boy's State. The legioniers could not stress enough how good this program looked for colleges, and how even being nominated made you extremely special. I know that Boys' State is an actual Activity on the App, but how much is it weighed into the over all application, anyone have any idea? I am just trying everything I can to make myself look as strong as i possibly can and I believe Boys' State will also help me develop as a leader. Thanks to all.
ZN</p>
<p>My son went to boys state because he was told it would help him get into the academy. Well I couldn't get him to stop talking about how much fun he had. By the way he did get an appointment....</p>
<p>By all means go to Boy's State, it can only help your application! My son had all of these things including Boy's State and it didn't gain him admission but being in a competative area as you are it can only enhance your chances! Boy's State has name recognition and although my son liked the educational opportunity he didn't find that many that went were what he expected. He felt that many were not respectful and he was surprised by the way many behaved including those supervising. He was glad he went but it in no way remotely compared to summer seminar! Take it for what it's worth and enjoy the experience. He participated as a State Senator and perhaps the build up was more than what it turned out to be. Best of luck in your quest! Juniormom (seniormom)</p>
<p>Very helpful for your app. Double check the dates and make sure it does not conflict with NASS.</p>
<p>Boys State and Girls State are amazing programs. I attended Girls State this past summer and was elected the highest position of Keystone Girls State Governor. It was not only a great program but I am CONVINCED as is my Blue and Gold Officer that the leadership position clinched my acceptance. I had good grades, decent SATs, a couple of Xtra Cirrics, Rugby team, and this. It is such an important factor to all schools, the Naval Acad especially because it has its own bubble in on the application. My B&G said the program is what made me stand out above many of the students since there are only 50 in the whole US and very few apply for the Academy. As result though I received my appointment very early Jan. well before many. I truly believe this program is what did it. I believe it also allowed me to be accepted into Univ of Pennsylvania, Cornell, and Johns Hopkins because although I had competitive grades, my SATs (1340) were not good enough to keep me competitive at these schools considering academics is their life. I was accepted over kids with higher rankings in my school as well as 1560's on the SATs. I am very priveledged to attend the program and you should be too. Just remember, BE CONFIDENT andrun for as many leadership positions as you can while you are there. G/L!</p>
<p>juniormom are you from new york because i felt the same way about boys state. leading up to it they told us we would get good discipline from the marines and it was going to be really strict, but it was nothing compared to summer seminar. while i enjoyed boy's state, the kids seemed very disrespectful and the leaders didnt seem to mind. just a comment. boy's state is definately a good thing though if not just for colleges you will also have a good time.</p>
<p>I did Boy's State instead of the IAW at West Point because they took place at the same time, and I have no regrets. My state is very small (Delaware), but it was still an awesome experience where I met interesting people and whatnot. The people there kept emphasizing how good it looked for the Academies. There's no doubt in my mind that Boys' State was extremeley influential in getting my principal nomination and appointment (USMA). Do Boys' State, and try to run for office. If you can't win an office, don't worry. I lost for Attorney General and volunteered to be a squad leader, which no doubt was a good thing. I don't see any reason for you not to attend. Good luck!</p>
<p>One thing that might be helpful:</p>
<p>My son was notified of his acceptance to SS and selection for Boys State w/in days of each other. We immediately called the Academy and notified them of the conflict, asking them to change form session 1 to session 3. [He had an additional conflict with session 2 due to a NASA appointment.] The officer recognized the importance of Boys state and readily made the change.</p>
<p>My son had outstanding grades/SAT but was probably weak, comparatively, on athletics/leadership. While Boys State may not have been the determining factor, we think it added quite a bit of "weight" to his leadership score.</p>
<p>He is now preparing for I-Day.</p>
<p>Go to Boys State AND Summer Seminar if you can arrange it.</p>
<p>I got accepted to both.</p>
<p>Bill0510,
Who should i contact at the academy about boys' state? I am currently on a waiting list for SS, and i do not want to be given session 1 and not be able to switch becasue os Boys' State. Is there any way i can make it to my advantage on the waiting list to notify them about Boys' state? Thanks!!!
ZN</p>
<p>How do i go about getting involved in Boys' state. I'm in California and the website has no information or way of applying - feel free to PM me, thanks</p>
<p>Boys' State is an American Legion sponsored program. Schools that are involved, which i believe all are, nominate 3-5 students that display characteristics of leadership, patriotism, and all that other good stuff. The local AL Representative will hold interviews at the school, where they choose 1 student as the delegate and 1 as an alternate. If you have any questions whatsoever i could help you out, I was chosen for Boys' State at Westlake High School in Westlake Village California, April 12th, so this stuff is fresh in my mind. Thanks for replying.
ZN</p>
<p>ZN
I don't recall if there was any name on the papers we received from USNA regarding SS. I think there were. If there were not, I suspect we just called down there and asked for whomever was in charge of SS. We did reach an officer in charge of SS and informed him of the situation.</p>
<p>Assuming you have been selected for Boys State, you may want to call, write, or fax in and ask that your selection be added to your application for consideration and, specifically, that you be placed in session 2 or 3.
[By the way, don't fret if you are not selected for SS. Look through the threads herein and you will see many persons that have been appointed that did not go to SS.] Furthermore, this something that my wife did on our son's behalf -- I mention that only because my son was at school during the day and did not have the opportunity to make his way through the telephone system to get to the right person. I also mention it because you will read on here how some persons made it into the Academy "all by themselves." While you will be called upon to complete much of the application process by yourself, there is nothing wrong with a bit of strategic parental assistance. Admission to the USNA is a marathon. Seek everybody's help. </p>
<p>WP2010. ZN described the Boys State program well. Many schools select a representative w/out an application process. [That was the case in my son's case. He was "chosen" to interview based on his school record, etc. He did not apply for the interview.] However, the alternate in his school was also permitted to attend. [Although at his own expense.] I think some schools have an application process. Unfortunately, if your screen name is indicative, it may be too late for this year. </p>
<p>BUT, it would not hurt to ask your high school counselors. AND, this is indicative of the most important thing to be learned, you must be pro-active about this entire process. Notify everybody along the way of any positive factor that develops. So, yes, notify the Academy that you have been selected for Boy's State. It might not get you into SS, but it may help in unforseen ways. Ask, ask, ask, about everything . . . good luck.</p>
<p>Students from my school were nominated bye teachers, counselors, principal, etc. I had been asking my counselor for about 3 weeks, 4 times a week if she had recieved and information about boys' state. My persistance gave me the opportunity to be nomniated and to be interviewed. The two other nominees were clueless of the program and pporly prepared for the interview. If you do get interviewd, make sure you write a resume, mayeb a little essay, and TRANSCRIPT. Put it in a presentable folder and dress nice. I thought the interview was quite flawed though and if you would like to know anymore just PM me. I can't wait for Boys' State........
ZN</p>
<p>If you are not nominated for Boys/Girls State, do not give up. Write a letter to the American Legion and let them know you are very interested in any and all fall out openings. Tell them you will have your bag packed and ready to go at a moments notice. I know two girls who did just that and got in as alternates.</p>
<p>Woah, u go to westlake?! That's weird - im a junior at Oak Park High... we had a track meet at Westlake like a few weeks ago. Small world... anyway, thanks for the info, i'm going to talk to my school tomorrow!</p>
<p>WP2010,
Who is your congressman, and what district are you in? Wow, Oak Park, Small Small world. I know quite few oak parkians myself. If you have any other wuetsion that arise, I here.
ZN</p>
<p>ZN- you got waitlisted for NASS? I didn't know they had a waitlist. Does it tell you when you are rejected that you are put on it or is everyone technically on it?</p>
<p>Actually, someone from the NASS Thread gave me som very good advice, and after a very convincing letter and calls, I recieved a call form Captain Leahy himself. He told me I was put on a wating list and would find out before the end of the month. However, I believe the deadline for all taht stuff was March 31st. I wait everyday for news from USNA, and I have just been doing everything possilbe to get into USNA. I believe that you have to be placed on the waiting list, you are not automatically added onto it.
ZN</p>
<p>Sorry for all my spelling errors, I just looked back and I am just horrified. Haha.
ZN</p>