As a high school counselor, you have the vital job of identifying and recommending the most qualified candidates to attend Missouri Boys State. It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most influential and unique experiences that participants will ever experience. However, it is important that those whom you select will be dedicated to the program and follow through with their commitment to attend the session for the entire week.

Only students with outstanding qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, loyalty and service to their schools and communities should be considered for Boys State.

Some common rules of thumb in selecting a Boys State candidate:

- Look for those who try to make a difference in their school and community.

- Students who can compete with the best students in the state will find Boys State a great challenge.

- Boys State is fast paced and highly competitive. Students you recommend should be ready to work.

- Only recommend students who have no problem living on their own, away from their families for eight days. Homesick students won't have fun
at Boys State.

- Look for students who have at least a cursory understanding of our governmental system. Knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure can also be helpful.

- There is no minimum GPA required to attend, but typically students who average 3.0 or better on a 4.0 system will be best suited for Boys State.

- While not necessarily at the top of their class academically, often the editor of a school publication, the captain of a sports or academic team, the star actor, or the class officers can make excellent candidates for Missouri Boys State. We encourage diversity in your selection. Our goal is to make this experience as real life as possible. And, as we all know, diversity in backgrounds and experiences is definitely part of everyday life.

For more information, please see our Registration Area.