Summer Leaders Experience | United States Military Academy West Point

Inside the West Point Experience

Session 1: 31 May to 6 June 2025

Session 2: 7 June to 13 June 2025

Led by current West Point cadets, Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is a week-long immersion into the academic, military, and social life of a West Point cadet. At SLE, you will explore West Point from all angles, including our high-tech educational facilities, team-building athletic activities, and realistic military training.  

SLE gives you a taste of the character, determination, commitment to excellence, and leadership skills required to become a cadet at West Point.

Applications for SLE Summer 2025 will open on February 15th 2025.

An SLE application doubles as the first step of a West Point application; however, please keep in mind that completing an SLE application is not an obligation to complete a West Point application or attend West Point.

Be Part of a Team

The cornerstone of an effective team is trust and respect. At SLE, you will build both of these with other top scholars, leaders, and athletes from around the country as you face complex and difficult challenges.

The program's academic, military, and physical components are demanding, but while overcoming SLE's challenges, you will form life-long connections and friendships with your teammates.

Emerge as a Leader

At SLE, every mission is an opportunity for you to emerge as the team member others look to as an example. Throughout the program, you will be mentored by current West Point cadets who will use their hard-won leadership skills to plan and guide you during your time at SLE.  

See if you have what it takes to join the ranks of West Point's brightest scholars, athletes, and leaders from across the nation: your future classmates.

Overcome Academic Challenges

West Point is continually ranked among the nation's top undergraduate public colleges. Explore the outstanding academic opportunities West Point cadets experience every day.

During SLE, you will work in West Point's cutting-edge academic facilities and can customize your experience by choosing courses from a variety of academic disciplines.

Develop as an Athlete

At West Point, every cadet is an athlete. SLE will challenge you with military fitness competitions and highlight West Point's athletics programs through forums with coaches from across the academy.

The Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), required for admission to West Point, is difficult. SLE also offers you a chance to get CFA training and advice from those who have passed in order to maximize your athletic potential.

Summer Leaders Experience FAQs

What is SLE like?

SLE provides many activities and experiences that will challenge you mentally and physically as well as give you unprecedented insight into whether or not USMA is a good fit for you, including the following:

One-on-one time with a West Point cadet
Opportunity to explore our academic curriculum
Forum with West Point athletics coaches
Counseling sessions with the West Point Admissions team.
Training and experience in U.S. Army squad, platoon, and company leadership.
Cadet Fitness Test training and tips for success.
Intense team-building activities with other elite high school students
Graduation ceremony for West Point Summer Leaders Experience
Social events that provide insight into cadet life

View the SLE photo album on FLICKR

How do students apply for the Summer Leaders Experience?

SLE applications are accepted from February 15th through April 15th of your junior year in high school.

To apply, complete the SLE Checklist within the application.

Start the application now!

How do students get selected/invited to the Summer Leaders Experience?

Approximately 1100 students are selected to attend SLE each summer. Invitations are awarded on a competitive basis using the academic, athletic, and extracurricular information provided in the SLE application.

Applicants will be informed of their status by mid-April.

West Point selects a supremely talented, geographically diverse student body from all 50 states.

Have questions? Email us.

How much does SLE cost?

The cost of attendance is $625, but generous need-based scholarships are available. There is no application fee.

The cost covers clothing, supplies, meals, lodging, and instructor expenses. It does not cover travel to and from West Point.

Buses are available to West Point from Newark Airport.

Ask a question about SLE costs

What are the requirements for SLE?

Applicants must:

be a high school junior (current year).
be a U.S. citizen.
reach the age of 16 by 1 July of the summer between their junior and senior years.
have no serious medical issues.

There are only 1100 slots and entry into the SLE program is highly competitive. The average attendee:

has the following test* score range:
- SAT 1200-1300.
- ACT 26-30.
is in the top 20% of their class.
is a member of the National Honor Society.
participates in high school clubs.
participates in extracurricular leadership activities.
is in very good physical condition, a varsity letter winner, and/or team captain.

If you don't fit all of these categories, you should STILL APPLY. If your dream is to attend the United States Military Academy and become an Army officer, you have to try!

Many who attend SLE ultimately end up joining the Long Gray Line.

*Standardized test scores are not required but the ideal applicant has a strong academic background and participates in team sports and other extracurricular activities.

Ready for the challenge? Apply to SLE now!

Does attending SLE help my admissions chances?

SLE is a tool that will help students understand why West Point might be a good fit for them.

By applying for the Summer Leaders Experience you are also opening an admissions file at the academy.

SLE attendance will help prospective cadets understand the full application process; however, it has no bearing on West Point admissions decisions.

Are You Ready for Summer Leaders Experience?

Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)