The Summer Leaders Experience
The US Military Academy at West Point’s Summer 2025 Program
THE PROGRAM:
The Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is a week-long, immersive summer program that lets high school juniors experience the academic, military, and social life of a West Point cadet.
This is an opportunity we extend to students who will graduate high school in the spring of 2026.
Current sophomores, who will graduate high school in the spring of 2027, are encouraged to connect with West Point to prepare for the 2026 SLE program.
THE EXPERIENCE:
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 draws 1,100 high-achieving high school students from across the country for two 550-person week-long sessions.
Attendees participate in all events within their 'Squad’ (a group of 10 attendees) which is led by a current West Point cadet.
THE TIMELINE:
Summer 2025 SLE Sessions:
- Session 1: 31 May - 6 June 2025
- Session 2: 7 June - 13 June 2025
Applications for SLE are open February 15 – April 15, 2025.
Applicants will be informed of their status by mid-April. An SLE application is the first step of a West Point application but it is not an obligation to apply to West Point.
High School Juniors & Sophomores
Take the First Step Towards the Summer Leaders Experience: Connect with West Point
See inside the Summer Leaders Experience.
The Experience
Read what other high school juniors had to say about the Summer Leaders Experience.
Saige Starford (attended summer 2023, current West Point applicant)
SLE opened my eyes to what West Point is really about and what my experience as a Cadet would be like. If one week at West Point was this amazing, I couldn’t imagine what would happen in four years as part of the West Point community.
Nah-Han Nguyen (attended summer 2023, current West Point applicant)
It was a great opportunity to make friends and form bonds with people from all different walks of life and different communities. What we were going through was so different from civilian life; having the opportunity to go through some basic military training.
William Delvalle (attended summer 2023, current West Point applicant)
I applied to SLE because I thought West Point was a great college but I got a lot more out of it than I expected. I saw how great the community was and how much fun the military training would be.
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
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.
What are the requirements for SLE?
Applicants must:
- be a high school junior (current year).
- be a US citizen.
- reach the age of 16 by 1 July the summer between your 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.
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.