Our Current Situation - Not thrilled

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I called Rice and they said one physics and one comp sci recommendation was perfect and if they required the other they would have put that in the instructions. Stop scaring people.

Let everyone know about the RD from Rice...either you or the PP will eat crow!

Why would Rice or other schools hide the ball on something like this if it’s important to them? Is it like a secret menu or something?

Kind of, yes. While technically, it is not required, the schools want to get an interesting understanding of the applicants from teacher recommendations. More likely one STEM and one humanities recommendation will provide a better overall understanding of the applicant, because in theory the recommendations will complement one another. The STEM rec talks about the quantitative skills and interest in STEM, while the humanities likely touches upon their writing abilities or qualitative skills.

If you get two STEM recs, it is unlikely those recommendations will complement each other...they likely are quite similar in which case it is really just 1 recommendation letter. If you are going to get two STEM letters, you want try to curate what the teachers will say. You have one STEM teacher talk about your quantitative side and STEM passion, while maybe you have the other teacher talk about your leadership on the robotics team and your ability to motivate and inspire the team members. Basically, make sure each recommendation complements the other and does not duplicate.

The kid has to have a really close relationship with these teachers to achieve this...so it is hard. Much easier to achieve this by picking a teacher from a "left-brain" subject and a "right-brain" subject.

[Anonymous]

Why not write the rec yourself and have the teacher sign it? What a load of crap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I called Rice and they said one physics and one comp sci recommendation was perfect and if they required the other they would have put that in the instructions. Stop scaring people.

Let everyone know about the RD from Rice...either you or the PP will eat crow!

Why would Rice or other schools hide the ball on something like this if it’s important to them? Is it like a secret menu or something?

Kind of, yes. While technically, it is not required, the schools want to get an interesting understanding of the applicants from teacher recommendations. More likely one STEM and one humanities recommendation will provide a better overall understanding of the applicant, because in theory the recommendations will complement one another. The STEM rec talks about the quantitative skills and interest in STEM, while the humanities likely touches upon their writing abilities or qualitative skills.

If you get two STEM recs, it is unlikely those recommendations will complement each other...they likely are quite similar in which case it is really just 1 recommendation letter. If you are going to get two STEM letters, you want try to curate what the teachers will say. You have one STEM teacher talk about your quantitative side and STEM passion, while maybe you have the other teacher talk about your leadership on the robotics team and your ability to motivate and inspire the team members. Basically, make sure each recommendation complements the other and does not duplicate.

The kid has to have a really close relationship with these teachers to achieve this...so it is hard. Much easier to achieve this by picking a teacher from a "left-brain" subject and a "right-brain" subject.

I’m the PP that asked the question and I can see why strategically it might make sense for an applicant to include both, but you or someone else made it sound like you are denied if you don’t for not following instructions. That seems…both unfair and counterproductive, and I guess I’m dubious that if schools expected that they wouldn’t just ask for it. I’m also dubious generally about recommendations but my kid goes to a big public and even good students don’t seem to have those kind of relationships with teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I did not read the entire thread, but I hope you are staying positive for your kid. He has some excellent admittances and I would not be surprised if he gets offered a spot at Purdue.

UT Austin, Rice, and University of Washington were never going to happen. Georgia Tech is a toss up, but probably also a "no". Wisconsin seems like he should have a good shot.

I went through this with my kid last year. You need to be VERY positive about all of his acceptances and remind him why he likes those schools.

Huh. Why?? (not OP).

The kid has PERFECT stats.

So do thousands of others. (Tens or hundreds of thousands in TO world.)

You seriously think there are "hundreds of thousands" of high school seniors with perfect 4.0 uw GPAs AND who have taken 9 AP courses to include AP Physics, AP Calc BC, etc. AND who are Eagle Scouts AND have the equivalent of OP's kid's other accomplishments? No way.

NP here—hi OP. There may not be hundreds of thousands but there is certainly at least a hundred thousand. Public high schools give out 4.0s like candy. 100,000 would still be less than 1% of graduating seniors. So PP is right that there are hundreds of thousands of stellar students competing for the same spots. And there isn’t just one kind of “perfect.”

Come again?

It’s not less than 1%, but more like 2.5%. There are about 4 million graduating students—and that’s just the US. Point still stands, there are at least 100,000 students as stellar or more so than OP’s kid.

By GPA alone, sure. But you're conveniently ignoring the fact that the student has taken/is taking 9 APs across a range of subjects - to include ones likes AP Physics and AP Calc BC - on top of other achievements (Eagle Scouts, etc.). Are there thousands of equivalent kids? Yeah, probably. But 100,000? Again, no way.

Noooooobody cares about Eagle Scouts. It’s 2023, not 1995. Unless you get the 0.174% of admissions reps who are old men who were themselves Eagle Scouts and still think it’s a big deal that should factor into highly competitive admissions.

Whether or not you value scouts, everyone knows becoming an Eagle Scout takes hard work and commitment. Both attributes are likely valued by AOs.

+1

+2 The anti Eagle Scout crowd has no idea of the time and commitment involved and the resulting positive influence it has on the young person with discipline, work ethic, and philanthropic ideas/actions. I suspect individual bias is the impetus behind these negative views but such is life, especially in 2023.

Nobody is saying that Eagle Scout is not an accomplishment, people are saying that it isn't going to move the needle to get your kid into an elite university. My guess is that this has been true since the 90s at least.

Everyone says elite colleges want to see ECs that involve passion and commitment. Eagle Scout does that.

Not really. I know several Eagle Scouts and I wouldn't call any of them passionate. They attended lots of meetings and did lots of fun projects, and ultimately a project (that lots of the moms helped them with). Definitely time consuming. But highly structured and not something, if I were judging based on what I know, would describe as passion and commitment.

One kid I know did some weeding and build a park bench. Roll out the red carpet to Harvard and Yale!

——-/——

Two of my kids are Eagle Scouts - now 24 and 21.

Scouting is a good kid thing that is fantastic through the middle school years in particular. If you raced, you could get through the requirements by 14. The vast majority are 16/17 when they finish if they keep going to try and reach the Eagle rank. You have to work through various levels over time, earn merit badges of certain numbers and types. Do leadership roles within the troop for at least specific time periods (6 months typically). Do a certain number of overnights camping, and more. The Eagle project itself is one part of getting to that rank. It is not about what is done. It is about the process of doing something like that. Projects can only benefit 501(c)(3)s, approved established charities, and government entities. Kids bounce ideas off an adult project coordinator within their troop. They typically explore 4 or 5 options and 2 or maybe 3 seriously. Kids talk to appropriate people about projects, develop cost estimates, calculate labor requirements, figure out approval processes. Projects must use group labor. The Scout has to write everything up in advance and get their plan approved by a review board (not part of the troop) in advance. Then the Scout must’ve proceed to plan and schedule the actual work. They need to raise money for supplies, create and coordinate a work schedule, track and account for money raised and things purchased, deal with and document changes. They also track all labor. Who worked and many hours. Process all volunteer time paperwork (for kids who get school credit), and then write up a final report. After the report is submitted (outside the troop) it is reviewed - usually a follow up question or two is asked just like a supervisor might - then it is approved.

For many kids the project is the last requirement needed to reach the Eagle rank, but for a good number there are still things to complete. You have until age 18.

So - let’s say a kid wants to install two seating benches and plantings around the flag pole outside City Hall as their Eagle project. Okay. How do they do that? The kid will work with their parents and the troop project coordinator to figure out the process. Step 1: Does the City want the project? Maybe they have other plans for the space. Maybe the work will be a pain to mow around. You have to figure out who in the city to talk too. You, the Scout, has to go talk to them and pitch the project. They may have to pitch the project to the Mayor or City Council. How do you get that done? You learn how to make a proposal. You learn how to present your proposal and practice so you are comfortable enough. You practice anticipating likely questions.

Now - originally - the thought may have been to buy two good benches from Lowe’s, but the City requires sturdier benches and they need to be affixed. You work with the grounds person to decide what gets installed, and you get all necessary approvals for that. Let’s say the plan was for $400 in cost to buy 2 benches, but the new plan costs $1500. How do you adapt your fund raising? Maybe go see the VFW leadership and the City beautification Board. You attend their meetings and get their approvals. And, you still have not put a shovel in the ground.

With the money you buy the benches and other materials. You have them delivered to a good location. You thought your home first, but can you get them to City Hall later? Can you use the Troop trailer? How do you get permission to do that? How do you get kids and adults to turn up at City Hall on the day and time? What do you fo if it rains? Will you provide lunch? Drinks? Did you budget for that? What about first aid coverage? Do you have the right tools and supplies? Have you ever used cement in a hole before? Did you practice? Can you explain the process to other scouts at the site? What other work is to be done - are you making garden beds too? What plantings have you planned and why those? How did you adapt the project when your team started digging and found that the current flag pole cement pad was laid over a cement sidewalk in one area that was just covered with 6inches of dirt and sod.

Afterwards, including clean up and meetings with City government folks to ensure they are satisfied, you do your final write up. It gets read and approved by you, the person at the City who oversaw the project, and your troop Eagle project coordinator. That report is then sent to be reviewed and approved by BSA.

Ta-dah Now you know a neighbor’s kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle.

——/

My kids have “Eagle Scout” on their resume currently in the Personal Interest part. It reads: Camping and hiking. (Eagle Scout).

The stuff they learned can be learned elsewhere of course. But, they learned it in Scouts. A couple years ago my youngest was working nights at an ice packing plant. 2 guys bagging ice and loading trucks to go out in the morning. His co-worker got his hand caught in a gear breaking 3 fingers. My kid used his first aid knowledge to stabilize the hand and arm, and control the bleeding. He shut down the plant and drove his co-worker to the ER. Didn’t panic.

Used stuff he learned in Scouts. And - both have been asked in interviews to prove they are Eagle Scouts. They carry a card in their wallet. They guys who asked then showed them their cards.

I read college applications for a large public university. This is all well and good, but if the student doesn't explain more about the process in the application, it can still read like a "kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle."

Well, fortunately, as a $20 an hour reader, you don’t get to make the call. Your job is to do a first cull for GPA, test scores, legacy, Questbridge, URM, first generation and unique national awards. And approx class rank. Then you send the file up the command. May I suggest you read Wikipedia on Eagle Scouting to educate yourself ?

Yes, every single college that has readers has them do exactly the same thing with no deviation.

Seriously, you show your lack of knowledge when you make these broad statements as if they apply to every colleges.

And it's $25 per hour.

Lol! I knew it! About five years ago it was $17 an hour at W&M. It was discussed in College Confidential. So I added on three dollars. That’s very low.but you made my point -no one shoukd be listening to you about what value an Eagle Scout has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I did not read the entire thread, but I hope you are staying positive for your kid. He has some excellent admittances and I would not be surprised if he gets offered a spot at Purdue.

UT Austin, Rice, and University of Washington were never going to happen. Georgia Tech is a toss up, but probably also a "no". Wisconsin seems like he should have a good shot.

I went through this with my kid last year. You need to be VERY positive about all of his acceptances and remind him why he likes those schools.

Huh. Why?? (not OP).

The kid has PERFECT stats.

So do thousands of others. (Tens or hundreds of thousands in TO world.)

You seriously think there are "hundreds of thousands" of high school seniors with perfect 4.0 uw GPAs AND who have taken 9 AP courses to include AP Physics, AP Calc BC, etc. AND who are Eagle Scouts AND have the equivalent of OP's kid's other accomplishments? No way.

NP here—hi OP. There may not be hundreds of thousands but there is certainly at least a hundred thousand. Public high schools give out 4.0s like candy. 100,000 would still be less than 1% of graduating seniors. So PP is right that there are hundreds of thousands of stellar students competing for the same spots. And there isn’t just one kind of “perfect.”

Come again?

It’s not less than 1%, but more like 2.5%. There are about 4 million graduating students—and that’s just the US. Point still stands, there are at least 100,000 students as stellar or more so than OP’s kid.

By GPA alone, sure. But you're conveniently ignoring the fact that the student has taken/is taking 9 APs across a range of subjects - to include ones likes AP Physics and AP Calc BC - on top of other achievements (Eagle Scouts, etc.). Are there thousands of equivalent kids? Yeah, probably. But 100,000? Again, no way.

Noooooobody cares about Eagle Scouts. It’s 2023, not 1995. Unless you get the 0.174% of admissions reps who are old men who were themselves Eagle Scouts and still think it’s a big deal that should factor into highly competitive admissions.

Whether or not you value scouts, everyone knows becoming an Eagle Scout takes hard work and commitment. Both attributes are likely valued by AOs.

+1

+2 The anti Eagle Scout crowd has no idea of the time and commitment involved and the resulting positive influence it has on the young person with discipline, work ethic, and philanthropic ideas/actions. I suspect individual bias is the impetus behind these negative views but such is life, especially in 2023.

Nobody is saying that Eagle Scout is not an accomplishment, people are saying that it isn't going to move the needle to get your kid into an elite university. My guess is that this has been true since the 90s at least.

Everyone says elite colleges want to see ECs that involve passion and commitment. Eagle Scout does that.

Not really. I know several Eagle Scouts and I wouldn't call any of them passionate. They attended lots of meetings and did lots of fun projects, and ultimately a project (that lots of the moms helped them with). Definitely time consuming. But highly structured and not something, if I were judging based on what I know, would describe as passion and commitment.

One kid I know did some weeding and build a park bench. Roll out the red carpet to Harvard and Yale!

——-/——

Two of my kids are Eagle Scouts - now 24 and 21.

Scouting is a good kid thing that is fantastic through the middle school years in particular. If you raced, you could get through the requirements by 14. The vast majority are 16/17 when they finish if they keep going to try and reach the Eagle rank. You have to work through various levels over time, earn merit badges of certain numbers and types. Do leadership roles within the troop for at least specific time periods (6 months typically). Do a certain number of overnights camping, and more. The Eagle project itself is one part of getting to that rank. It is not about what is done. It is about the process of doing something like that. Projects can only benefit 501(c)(3)s, approved established charities, and government entities. Kids bounce ideas off an adult project coordinator within their troop. They typically explore 4 or 5 options and 2 or maybe 3 seriously. Kids talk to appropriate people about projects, develop cost estimates, calculate labor requirements, figure out approval processes. Projects must use group labor. The Scout has to write everything up in advance and get their plan approved by a review board (not part of the troop) in advance. Then the Scout must’ve proceed to plan and schedule the actual work. They need to raise money for supplies, create and coordinate a work schedule, track and account for money raised and things purchased, deal with and document changes. They also track all labor. Who worked and many hours. Process all volunteer time paperwork (for kids who get school credit), and then write up a final report. After the report is submitted (outside the troop) it is reviewed - usually a follow up question or two is asked just like a supervisor might - then it is approved.

For many kids the project is the last requirement needed to reach the Eagle rank, but for a good number there are still things to complete. You have until age 18.

So - let’s say a kid wants to install two seating benches and plantings around the flag pole outside City Hall as their Eagle project. Okay. How do they do that? The kid will work with their parents and the troop project coordinator to figure out the process. Step 1: Does the City want the project? Maybe they have other plans for the space. Maybe the work will be a pain to mow around. You have to figure out who in the city to talk too. You, the Scout, has to go talk to them and pitch the project. They may have to pitch the project to the Mayor or City Council. How do you get that done? You learn how to make a proposal. You learn how to present your proposal and practice so you are comfortable enough. You practice anticipating likely questions.

Now - originally - the thought may have been to buy two good benches from Lowe’s, but the City requires sturdier benches and they need to be affixed. You work with the grounds person to decide what gets installed, and you get all necessary approvals for that. Let’s say the plan was for $400 in cost to buy 2 benches, but the new plan costs $1500. How do you adapt your fund raising? Maybe go see the VFW leadership and the City beautification Board. You attend their meetings and get their approvals. And, you still have not put a shovel in the ground.

With the money you buy the benches and other materials. You have them delivered to a good location. You thought your home first, but can you get them to City Hall later? Can you use the Troop trailer? How do you get permission to do that? How do you get kids and adults to turn up at City Hall on the day and time? What do you fo if it rains? Will you provide lunch? Drinks? Did you budget for that? What about first aid coverage? Do you have the right tools and supplies? Have you ever used cement in a hole before? Did you practice? Can you explain the process to other scouts at the site? What other work is to be done - are you making garden beds too? What plantings have you planned and why those? How did you adapt the project when your team started digging and found that the current flag pole cement pad was laid over a cement sidewalk in one area that was just covered with 6inches of dirt and sod.

Afterwards, including clean up and meetings with City government folks to ensure they are satisfied, you do your final write up. It gets read and approved by you, the person at the City who oversaw the project, and your troop Eagle project coordinator. That report is then sent to be reviewed and approved by BSA.

Ta-dah Now you know a neighbor’s kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle.

——/

My kids have “Eagle Scout” on their resume currently in the Personal Interest part. It reads: Camping and hiking. (Eagle Scout).

The stuff they learned can be learned elsewhere of course. But, they learned it in Scouts. A couple years ago my youngest was working nights at an ice packing plant. 2 guys bagging ice and loading trucks to go out in the morning. His co-worker got his hand caught in a gear breaking 3 fingers. My kid used his first aid knowledge to stabilize the hand and arm, and control the bleeding. He shut down the plant and drove his co-worker to the ER. Didn’t panic.

Used stuff he learned in Scouts. And - both have been asked in interviews to prove they are Eagle Scouts. They carry a card in their wallet. They guys who asked then showed them their cards.

I read college applications for a large public university. This is all well and good, but if the student doesn't explain more about the process in the application, it can still read like a "kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle."

Well, fortunately, as a $20 an hour reader, you don’t get to make the call. Your job is to do a first cull for GPA, test scores, legacy, Questbridge, URM, first generation and unique national awards. And approx class rank. Then you send the file up the command. May I suggest you read Wikipedia on Eagle Scouting to educate yourself ?

Our training did actually include a discussion of Eagle Scouts, and I am very familiar with the process since I have Eagle Scouts in my family. My point is that while it is an honor with a great reputation, the onus is also on the student to make sense of it. And in our role as readers at one particular university, we had scope to analyze and rate far more than the list you gave (as well as not considering some of the things on your list).

[Anonymous]

Eagle Scout is a very dated distinction. It doesn’t require anywhere near the mastery of skill that music, literary, sports or other competitive ECs require. It takes a time commitment to achieve it and the ability to impress a bunch of middle aged mediocre white men bestowing it. It’s a predominantly a white, male, Christian thing in suburban and rural areas. It used to be a way for middle class white boys to break into more elite schools.

Scouts is a pretty bigoted organization so someone dedicating their youth to achieve distinction within this organization is someone who either agrees with the bigotry or is peachy fine ignoring it because they were told the distinction would help open doors for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I did not read the entire thread, but I hope you are staying positive for your kid. He has some excellent admittances and I would not be surprised if he gets offered a spot at Purdue.

UT Austin, Rice, and University of Washington were never going to happen. Georgia Tech is a toss up, but probably also a "no". Wisconsin seems like he should have a good shot.

I went through this with my kid last year. You need to be VERY positive about all of his acceptances and remind him why he likes those schools.

Huh. Why?? (not OP).

The kid has PERFECT stats.

So do thousands of others. (Tens or hundreds of thousands in TO world.)

You seriously think there are "hundreds of thousands" of high school seniors with perfect 4.0 uw GPAs AND who have taken 9 AP courses to include AP Physics, AP Calc BC, etc. AND who are Eagle Scouts AND have the equivalent of OP's kid's other accomplishments? No way.

NP here—hi OP. There may not be hundreds of thousands but there is certainly at least a hundred thousand. Public high schools give out 4.0s like candy. 100,000 would still be less than 1% of graduating seniors. So PP is right that there are hundreds of thousands of stellar students competing for the same spots. And there isn’t just one kind of “perfect.”

Come again?

It’s not less than 1%, but more like 2.5%. There are about 4 million graduating students—and that’s just the US. Point still stands, there are at least 100,000 students as stellar or more so than OP’s kid.

By GPA alone, sure. But you're conveniently ignoring the fact that the student has taken/is taking 9 APs across a range of subjects - to include ones likes AP Physics and AP Calc BC - on top of other achievements (Eagle Scouts, etc.). Are there thousands of equivalent kids? Yeah, probably. But 100,000? Again, no way.

Noooooobody cares about Eagle Scouts. It’s 2023, not 1995. Unless you get the 0.174% of admissions reps who are old men who were themselves Eagle Scouts and still think it’s a big deal that should factor into highly competitive admissions.

Whether or not you value scouts, everyone knows becoming an Eagle Scout takes hard work and commitment. Both attributes are likely valued by AOs.

+1

+2 The anti Eagle Scout crowd has no idea of the time and commitment involved and the resulting positive influence it has on the young person with discipline, work ethic, and philanthropic ideas/actions. I suspect individual bias is the impetus behind these negative views but such is life, especially in 2023.

Nobody is saying that Eagle Scout is not an accomplishment, people are saying that it isn't going to move the needle to get your kid into an elite university. My guess is that this has been true since the 90s at least.

Everyone says elite colleges want to see ECs that involve passion and commitment. Eagle Scout does that.

Not really. I know several Eagle Scouts and I wouldn't call any of them passionate. They attended lots of meetings and did lots of fun projects, and ultimately a project (that lots of the moms helped them with). Definitely time consuming. But highly structured and not something, if I were judging based on what I know, would describe as passion and commitment.

One kid I know did some weeding and build a park bench. Roll out the red carpet to Harvard and Yale!

——-/——

Two of my kids are Eagle Scouts - now 24 and 21.

Scouting is a good kid thing that is fantastic through the middle school years in particular. If you raced, you could get through the requirements by 14. The vast majority are 16/17 when they finish if they keep going to try and reach the Eagle rank. You have to work through various levels over time, earn merit badges of certain numbers and types. Do leadership roles within the troop for at least specific time periods (6 months typically). Do a certain number of overnights camping, and more. The Eagle project itself is one part of getting to that rank. It is not about what is done. It is about the process of doing something like that. Projects can only benefit 501(c)(3)s, approved established charities, and government entities. Kids bounce ideas off an adult project coordinator within their troop. They typically explore 4 or 5 options and 2 or maybe 3 seriously. Kids talk to appropriate people about projects, develop cost estimates, calculate labor requirements, figure out approval processes. Projects must use group labor. The Scout has to write everything up in advance and get their plan approved by a review board (not part of the troop) in advance. Then the Scout must’ve proceed to plan and schedule the actual work. They need to raise money for supplies, create and coordinate a work schedule, track and account for money raised and things purchased, deal with and document changes. They also track all labor. Who worked and many hours. Process all volunteer time paperwork (for kids who get school credit), and then write up a final report. After the report is submitted (outside the troop) it is reviewed - usually a follow up question or two is asked just like a supervisor might - then it is approved.

For many kids the project is the last requirement needed to reach the Eagle rank, but for a good number there are still things to complete. You have until age 18.

So - let’s say a kid wants to install two seating benches and plantings around the flag pole outside City Hall as their Eagle project. Okay. How do they do that? The kid will work with their parents and the troop project coordinator to figure out the process. Step 1: Does the City want the project? Maybe they have other plans for the space. Maybe the work will be a pain to mow around. You have to figure out who in the city to talk too. You, the Scout, has to go talk to them and pitch the project. They may have to pitch the project to the Mayor or City Council. How do you get that done? You learn how to make a proposal. You learn how to present your proposal and practice so you are comfortable enough. You practice anticipating likely questions.

Now - originally - the thought may have been to buy two good benches from Lowe’s, but the City requires sturdier benches and they need to be affixed. You work with the grounds person to decide what gets installed, and you get all necessary approvals for that. Let’s say the plan was for $400 in cost to buy 2 benches, but the new plan costs $1500. How do you adapt your fund raising? Maybe go see the VFW leadership and the City beautification Board. You attend their meetings and get their approvals. And, you still have not put a shovel in the ground.

With the money you buy the benches and other materials. You have them delivered to a good location. You thought your home first, but can you get them to City Hall later? Can you use the Troop trailer? How do you get permission to do that? How do you get kids and adults to turn up at City Hall on the day and time? What do you fo if it rains? Will you provide lunch? Drinks? Did you budget for that? What about first aid coverage? Do you have the right tools and supplies? Have you ever used cement in a hole before? Did you practice? Can you explain the process to other scouts at the site? What other work is to be done - are you making garden beds too? What plantings have you planned and why those? How did you adapt the project when your team started digging and found that the current flag pole cement pad was laid over a cement sidewalk in one area that was just covered with 6inches of dirt and sod.

Afterwards, including clean up and meetings with City government folks to ensure they are satisfied, you do your final write up. It gets read and approved by you, the person at the City who oversaw the project, and your troop Eagle project coordinator. That report is then sent to be reviewed and approved by BSA.

Ta-dah Now you know a neighbor’s kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle.

——/

My kids have “Eagle Scout” on their resume currently in the Personal Interest part. It reads: Camping and hiking. (Eagle Scout).

The stuff they learned can be learned elsewhere of course. But, they learned it in Scouts. A couple years ago my youngest was working nights at an ice packing plant. 2 guys bagging ice and loading trucks to go out in the morning. His co-worker got his hand caught in a gear breaking 3 fingers. My kid used his first aid knowledge to stabilize the hand and arm, and control the bleeding. He shut down the plant and drove his co-worker to the ER. Didn’t panic.

Used stuff he learned in Scouts. And - both have been asked in interviews to prove they are Eagle Scouts. They carry a card in their wallet. They guys who asked then showed them their cards.

I read college applications for a large public university. This is all well and good, but if the student doesn't explain more about the process in the application, it can still read like a "kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle."

I am appalled that an Admission's office wouldn't know the time commitment and dedication it takes to earn Eagle Scout. I'm a woman with no scouts, no boy scouts and even I knew how hard it was to persevere for Eagle Scout just based on info from when I was growing up.

It's pretty disturbing any admission's officer would not know about Eagle Scouts.

You should not be upset. Students invest a lot of time in many activities (ballet,wrestling, baseball & other sports, working, writing code, etc.) and do not get special treatment from admissions. The way to get an admissions boost for a non-needed activity is to share how participation in that activity affected you.

I know a fair amount about Eagle Scouts as several nephews have that designation & my brother-in-law was the scoutmaster for over a decade. It is an activity, but it isn't difficult. just requires a lot of time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I did not read the entire thread, but I hope you are staying positive for your kid. He has some excellent admittances and I would not be surprised if he gets offered a spot at Purdue.

UT Austin, Rice, and University of Washington were never going to happen. Georgia Tech is a toss up, but probably also a "no". Wisconsin seems like he should have a good shot.

I went through this with my kid last year. You need to be VERY positive about all of his acceptances and remind him why he likes those schools.

Huh. Why?? (not OP).

The kid has PERFECT stats.

So do thousands of others. (Tens or hundreds of thousands in TO world.)

You seriously think there are "hundreds of thousands" of high school seniors with perfect 4.0 uw GPAs AND who have taken 9 AP courses to include AP Physics, AP Calc BC, etc. AND who are Eagle Scouts AND have the equivalent of OP's kid's other accomplishments? No way.

NP here—hi OP. There may not be hundreds of thousands but there is certainly at least a hundred thousand. Public high schools give out 4.0s like candy. 100,000 would still be less than 1% of graduating seniors. So PP is right that there are hundreds of thousands of stellar students competing for the same spots. And there isn’t just one kind of “perfect.”

Come again?

It’s not less than 1%, but more like 2.5%. There are about 4 million graduating students—and that’s just the US. Point still stands, there are at least 100,000 students as stellar or more so than OP’s kid.

By GPA alone, sure. But you're conveniently ignoring the fact that the student has taken/is taking 9 APs across a range of subjects - to include ones likes AP Physics and AP Calc BC - on top of other achievements (Eagle Scouts, etc.). Are there thousands of equivalent kids? Yeah, probably. But 100,000? Again, no way.

Noooooobody cares about Eagle Scouts. It’s 2023, not 1995. Unless you get the 0.174% of admissions reps who are old men who were themselves Eagle Scouts and still think it’s a big deal that should factor into highly competitive admissions.

Whether or not you value scouts, everyone knows becoming an Eagle Scout takes hard work and commitment. Both attributes are likely valued by AOs.

+1

+2 The anti Eagle Scout crowd has no idea of the time and commitment involved and the resulting positive influence it has on the young person with discipline, work ethic, and philanthropic ideas/actions. I suspect individual bias is the impetus behind these negative views but such is life, especially in 2023.

Nobody is saying that Eagle Scout is not an accomplishment, people are saying that it isn't going to move the needle to get your kid into an elite university. My guess is that this has been true since the 90s at least.

Everyone says elite colleges want to see ECs that involve passion and commitment. Eagle Scout does that.

Not really. I know several Eagle Scouts and I wouldn't call any of them passionate. They attended lots of meetings and did lots of fun projects, and ultimately a project (that lots of the moms helped them with). Definitely time consuming. But highly structured and not something, if I were judging based on what I know, would describe as passion and commitment.

One kid I know did some weeding and build a park bench. Roll out the red carpet to Harvard and Yale!

——-/——

Two of my kids are Eagle Scouts - now 24 and 21.

Scouting is a good kid thing that is fantastic through the middle school years in particular. If you raced, you could get through the requirements by 14. The vast majority are 16/17 when they finish if they keep going to try and reach the Eagle rank. You have to work through various levels over time, earn merit badges of certain numbers and types. Do leadership roles within the troop for at least specific time periods (6 months typically). Do a certain number of overnights camping, and more. The Eagle project itself is one part of getting to that rank. It is not about what is done. It is about the process of doing something like that. Projects can only benefit 501(c)(3)s, approved established charities, and government entities. Kids bounce ideas off an adult project coordinator within their troop. They typically explore 4 or 5 options and 2 or maybe 3 seriously. Kids talk to appropriate people about projects, develop cost estimates, calculate labor requirements, figure out approval processes. Projects must use group labor. The Scout has to write everything up in advance and get their plan approved by a review board (not part of the troop) in advance. Then the Scout must’ve proceed to plan and schedule the actual work. They need to raise money for supplies, create and coordinate a work schedule, track and account for money raised and things purchased, deal with and document changes. They also track all labor. Who worked and many hours. Process all volunteer time paperwork (for kids who get school credit), and then write up a final report. After the report is submitted (outside the troop) it is reviewed - usually a follow up question or two is asked just like a supervisor might - then it is approved.

For many kids the project is the last requirement needed to reach the Eagle rank, but for a good number there are still things to complete. You have until age 18.

So - let’s say a kid wants to install two seating benches and plantings around the flag pole outside City Hall as their Eagle project. Okay. How do they do that? The kid will work with their parents and the troop project coordinator to figure out the process. Step 1: Does the City want the project? Maybe they have other plans for the space. Maybe the work will be a pain to mow around. You have to figure out who in the city to talk too. You, the Scout, has to go talk to them and pitch the project. They may have to pitch the project to the Mayor or City Council. How do you get that done? You learn how to make a proposal. You learn how to present your proposal and practice so you are comfortable enough. You practice anticipating likely questions.

Now - originally - the thought may have been to buy two good benches from Lowe’s, but the City requires sturdier benches and they need to be affixed. You work with the grounds person to decide what gets installed, and you get all necessary approvals for that. Let’s say the plan was for $400 in cost to buy 2 benches, but the new plan costs $1500. How do you adapt your fund raising? Maybe go see the VFW leadership and the City beautification Board. You attend their meetings and get their approvals. And, you still have not put a shovel in the ground.

With the money you buy the benches and other materials. You have them delivered to a good location. You thought your home first, but can you get them to City Hall later? Can you use the Troop trailer? How do you get permission to do that? How do you get kids and adults to turn up at City Hall on the day and time? What do you fo if it rains? Will you provide lunch? Drinks? Did you budget for that? What about first aid coverage? Do you have the right tools and supplies? Have you ever used cement in a hole before? Did you practice? Can you explain the process to other scouts at the site? What other work is to be done - are you making garden beds too? What plantings have you planned and why those? How did you adapt the project when your team started digging and found that the current flag pole cement pad was laid over a cement sidewalk in one area that was just covered with 6inches of dirt and sod.

Afterwards, including clean up and meetings with City government folks to ensure they are satisfied, you do your final write up. It gets read and approved by you, the person at the City who oversaw the project, and your troop Eagle project coordinator. That report is then sent to be reviewed and approved by BSA.

Ta-dah Now you know a neighbor’s kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle.

——/

My kids have “Eagle Scout” on their resume currently in the Personal Interest part. It reads: Camping and hiking. (Eagle Scout).

The stuff they learned can be learned elsewhere of course. But, they learned it in Scouts. A couple years ago my youngest was working nights at an ice packing plant. 2 guys bagging ice and loading trucks to go out in the morning. His co-worker got his hand caught in a gear breaking 3 fingers. My kid used his first aid knowledge to stabilize the hand and arm, and control the bleeding. He shut down the plant and drove his co-worker to the ER. Didn’t panic.

Used stuff he learned in Scouts. And - both have been asked in interviews to prove they are Eagle Scouts. They carry a card in their wallet. They guys who asked then showed them their cards.

I read college applications for a large public university. This is all well and good, but if the student doesn't explain more about the process in the application, it can still read like a "kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle."

Well, fortunately, as a $20 an hour reader, you don’t get to make the call. Your job is to do a first cull for GPA, test scores, legacy, Questbridge, URM, first generation and unique national awards. And approx class rank. Then you send the file up the command. May I suggest you read Wikipedia on Eagle Scouting to educate yourself ?

Yes, every single college that has readers has them do exactly the same thing with no deviation.

Seriously, you show your lack of knowledge when you make these broad statements as if they apply to every colleges.

And it's $25 per hour.

Lol! I knew it! About five years ago it was $17 an hour at W&M. It was discussed in College Confidential. So I added on three dollars. That’s very low.but you made my point -no one shoukd be listening to you about what value an Eagle Scout has.

Np - Please take your nastiness elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eagle Scout is a very dated distinction. It doesn’t require anywhere near the mastery of skill that music, literary, sports or other competitive ECs require. It takes a time commitment to achieve it and the ability to impress a bunch of middle aged mediocre white men bestowing it. It’s a predominantly a white, male, Christian thing in suburban and rural areas. It used to be a way for middle class white boys to break into more elite schools.

Scouts is a pretty bigoted organization so someone dedicating their youth to achieve distinction within this organization is someone who either agrees with the bigotry or is peachy fine ignoring it because they were told the distinction would help open doors for them.

It’s possible that, according to some definitions, you can’t be racist, but you sound pretty bigoted yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I did not read the entire thread, but I hope you are staying positive for your kid. He has some excellent admittances and I would not be surprised if he gets offered a spot at Purdue.

UT Austin, Rice, and University of Washington were never going to happen. Georgia Tech is a toss up, but probably also a "no". Wisconsin seems like he should have a good shot.

I went through this with my kid last year. You need to be VERY positive about all of his acceptances and remind him why he likes those schools.

Huh. Why?? (not OP).

The kid has PERFECT stats.

So do thousands of others. (Tens or hundreds of thousands in TO world.)

You seriously think there are "hundreds of thousands" of high school seniors with perfect 4.0 uw GPAs AND who have taken 9 AP courses to include AP Physics, AP Calc BC, etc. AND who are Eagle Scouts AND have the equivalent of OP's kid's other accomplishments? No way.

NP here—hi OP. There may not be hundreds of thousands but there is certainly at least a hundred thousand. Public high schools give out 4.0s like candy. 100,000 would still be less than 1% of graduating seniors. So PP is right that there are hundreds of thousands of stellar students competing for the same spots. And there isn’t just one kind of “perfect.”

Come again?

It’s not less than 1%, but more like 2.5%. There are about 4 million graduating students—and that’s just the US. Point still stands, there are at least 100,000 students as stellar or more so than OP’s kid.

By GPA alone, sure. But you're conveniently ignoring the fact that the student has taken/is taking 9 APs across a range of subjects - to include ones likes AP Physics and AP Calc BC - on top of other achievements (Eagle Scouts, etc.). Are there thousands of equivalent kids? Yeah, probably. But 100,000? Again, no way.

Noooooobody cares about Eagle Scouts. It’s 2023, not 1995. Unless you get the 0.174% of admissions reps who are old men who were themselves Eagle Scouts and still think it’s a big deal that should factor into highly competitive admissions.

Whether or not you value scouts, everyone knows becoming an Eagle Scout takes hard work and commitment. Both attributes are likely valued by AOs.

+1

+2 The anti Eagle Scout crowd has no idea of the time and commitment involved and the resulting positive influence it has on the young person with discipline, work ethic, and philanthropic ideas/actions. I suspect individual bias is the impetus behind these negative views but such is life, especially in 2023.

Nobody is saying that Eagle Scout is not an accomplishment, people are saying that it isn't going to move the needle to get your kid into an elite university. My guess is that this has been true since the 90s at least.

Everyone says elite colleges want to see ECs that involve passion and commitment. Eagle Scout does that.

Not really. I know several Eagle Scouts and I wouldn't call any of them passionate. They attended lots of meetings and did lots of fun projects, and ultimately a project (that lots of the moms helped them with). Definitely time consuming. But highly structured and not something, if I were judging based on what I know, would describe as passion and commitment.

One kid I know did some weeding and build a park bench. Roll out the red carpet to Harvard and Yale!

——-/——

Two of my kids are Eagle Scouts - now 24 and 21.

Scouting is a good kid thing that is fantastic through the middle school years in particular. If you raced, you could get through the requirements by 14. The vast majority are 16/17 when they finish if they keep going to try and reach the Eagle rank. You have to work through various levels over time, earn merit badges of certain numbers and types. Do leadership roles within the troop for at least specific time periods (6 months typically). Do a certain number of overnights camping, and more. The Eagle project itself is one part of getting to that rank. It is not about what is done. It is about the process of doing something like that. Projects can only benefit 501(c)(3)s, approved established charities, and government entities. Kids bounce ideas off an adult project coordinator within their troop. They typically explore 4 or 5 options and 2 or maybe 3 seriously. Kids talk to appropriate people about projects, develop cost estimates, calculate labor requirements, figure out approval processes. Projects must use group labor. The Scout has to write everything up in advance and get their plan approved by a review board (not part of the troop) in advance. Then the Scout must’ve proceed to plan and schedule the actual work. They need to raise money for supplies, create and coordinate a work schedule, track and account for money raised and things purchased, deal with and document changes. They also track all labor. Who worked and many hours. Process all volunteer time paperwork (for kids who get school credit), and then write up a final report. After the report is submitted (outside the troop) it is reviewed - usually a follow up question or two is asked just like a supervisor might - then it is approved.

For many kids the project is the last requirement needed to reach the Eagle rank, but for a good number there are still things to complete. You have until age 18.

So - let’s say a kid wants to install two seating benches and plantings around the flag pole outside City Hall as their Eagle project. Okay. How do they do that? The kid will work with their parents and the troop project coordinator to figure out the process. Step 1: Does the City want the project? Maybe they have other plans for the space. Maybe the work will be a pain to mow around. You have to figure out who in the city to talk too. You, the Scout, has to go talk to them and pitch the project. They may have to pitch the project to the Mayor or City Council. How do you get that done? You learn how to make a proposal. You learn how to present your proposal and practice so you are comfortable enough. You practice anticipating likely questions.

Now - originally - the thought may have been to buy two good benches from Lowe’s, but the City requires sturdier benches and they need to be affixed. You work with the grounds person to decide what gets installed, and you get all necessary approvals for that. Let’s say the plan was for $400 in cost to buy 2 benches, but the new plan costs $1500. How do you adapt your fund raising? Maybe go see the VFW leadership and the City beautification Board. You attend their meetings and get their approvals. And, you still have not put a shovel in the ground.

With the money you buy the benches and other materials. You have them delivered to a good location. You thought your home first, but can you get them to City Hall later? Can you use the Troop trailer? How do you get permission to do that? How do you get kids and adults to turn up at City Hall on the day and time? What do you fo if it rains? Will you provide lunch? Drinks? Did you budget for that? What about first aid coverage? Do you have the right tools and supplies? Have you ever used cement in a hole before? Did you practice? Can you explain the process to other scouts at the site? What other work is to be done - are you making garden beds too? What plantings have you planned and why those? How did you adapt the project when your team started digging and found that the current flag pole cement pad was laid over a cement sidewalk in one area that was just covered with 6inches of dirt and sod.

Afterwards, including clean up and meetings with City government folks to ensure they are satisfied, you do your final write up. It gets read and approved by you, the person at the City who oversaw the project, and your troop Eagle project coordinator. That report is then sent to be reviewed and approved by BSA.

Ta-dah Now you know a neighbor’s kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle.

——/

My kids have “Eagle Scout” on their resume currently in the Personal Interest part. It reads: Camping and hiking. (Eagle Scout).

The stuff they learned can be learned elsewhere of course. But, they learned it in Scouts. A couple years ago my youngest was working nights at an ice packing plant. 2 guys bagging ice and loading trucks to go out in the morning. His co-worker got his hand caught in a gear breaking 3 fingers. My kid used his first aid knowledge to stabilize the hand and arm, and control the bleeding. He shut down the plant and drove his co-worker to the ER. Didn’t panic.

Used stuff he learned in Scouts. And - both have been asked in interviews to prove they are Eagle Scouts. They carry a card in their wallet. They guys who asked then showed them their cards.

I read college applications for a large public university. This is all well and good, but if the student doesn't explain more about the process in the application, it can still read like a "kid who just stuck a couple benches and some flowers by a flag pole to get her Eagle."

+1

Also, if a kid has the motivation/interest in installing a bench/some flowers somewhere in their town, why do they need Boy Scouts to make that happen? I think it would be much more impressive if a kid went through this process on their own without having a huge organization REQUIRE it of them. It certainly eliminates the possibility that a parent or Scout leader badgered them to do it to either meet the requirement or check off that ES box.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eagle Scout is a very dated distinction. It doesn’t require anywhere near the mastery of skill that music, literary, sports or other competitive ECs require. It takes a time commitment to achieve it and the ability to impress a bunch of middle aged mediocre white men bestowing it. It’s a predominantly a white, male, Christian thing in suburban and rural areas. It used to be a way for middle class white boys to break into more elite schools.

Scouts is a pretty bigoted organization so someone dedicating their youth to achieve distinction within this organization is someone who either agrees with the bigotry or is peachy fine ignoring it because they were told the distinction would help open doors for them.

Tell me you know nothing about Scouts without saying “I know nothing about Scouts.”

So - to become an Eagle Scout a kid (boy or girl) does the following:

1. Joins a BSA troop. This can be done at any age from 11 to 17. Though if you join in your later teens you will not have time to make it to the Eagle rank.
2. Upon joining you learn some basic things and you are a “Scout”.
3. The next rank is Tenderfoot. To earn this rank a Scout needs to prep a backpack and tent for use on a camping trip and explain what you are bringing, and how it is used to a leader (explanations are typically an older Scout). Participate in an overnight camping trip. Sleep in a tent you pitched. Tell how you followed the Scout Outdoor Code during the trip. While on a camping cook you must assist in the preparation and cooking of a meal. Demonstrate and explain why it is important to properly clean all cooking materials. Demonstrate and explain when to use certain knots. Demonstrate and explain the proper care of a knife, saw and ax. Demonstrate and explain proper first aid for a specified listing of potential medical issues that could occur while camping and elsewhere. Identify poisonous plants and explain how to treat exposure. Assemble a first aid kit for yourself and explain when and how each item is to be used. Explain the use of the buddy system while hiking and use it on a troop hike. Explain what to do if you become lost on a hike. Explain the rules for safe hiking during the day and during the night. Record your best efforts in sit-ups, push ups, reach and 1 mile run. Develop and follow a fitness improvement plan that runs at least 30 days. Demonstrate and record your efforts again and note any improvements. Demonstrate how to raise, lower and fold the Flag. Participate in an approved service project. Teach another Scout how to tie a square knot using the Scout teaching methods. Have a Conference with troop leaders and explain how you tried to live the Scout requirements.

Congrats. You are now a Tenderfoot. The second of seven Scout ranks.

Let’s skip a head a bit. Past Second Class. Past First Class to earning Star Scout Rank. Those requirements are: Be a 1st Class Scout for at least 4 months (obviously can be much longer). Earn 6 merit badges, 4 must be Eagle Required Badges (these are ones that are pretty common Scout activities). Hold a troop leadership position for at least 4 months. Do at least 6 hours of approved volunteer service work. Complete the child abuse safety course, and cyber safety course. Participate in a review conference. Now you are a Star Scout. Sounds simple. However, let’s look at an Eagle Required Badge requirements. There are 18 required merit badges to make Eagle rank. The Cooking Merit Badge is one. What does it require?

There are 7 parts to the Cooking Merit badge. You can do them in any order. They will take a fair amount of time to complete - several months typically.

Part 1: Health and Safety. Learn and be able to explain the common safety issues in cooking, and explain how to treat or address them. This deals with cuts, burns, scalding, fire, how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn and practice how to properly address allergic reactions and choking with yourself and others. Learn and explain how types of food need to be safely stored and transported. Review and explain common food allergies and how to learn of potential issues from food labels.
Part 2: Nutrition. Learn and explain the food groups, serving sizes and calorie intact. Track your calorie intake and activity for 5 days. Develop a healthy 1 day meal plan for yourself. Learn and be able to discuss food nutrition terms and charts. Explain carbohydrates, calories and serving sizes. Discuss types of listed cooking methods, what pans and other equipment are used, what foods are cooked with each method. Discuss and demonstrate the use of a camp stove. Discuss the relative merits of camp stove cooking versus camp fire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Eagle Scout is a very dated distinction. It doesn’t require anywhere near the mastery of skill that music, literary, sports or other competitive ECs require. It takes a time commitment to achieve it and the ability to impress a bunch of middle aged mediocre white men bestowing it. It’s a predominantly a white, male, Christian thing in suburban and rural areas. It used to be a way for middle class white boys to break into more elite schools.

Scouts is a pretty bigoted organization so someone dedicating their youth to achieve distinction within this organization is someone who either agrees with the bigotry or is peachy fine ignoring it because they were told the distinction would help open doors for them.

Tell me you know nothing about Scouts without saying “I know nothing about Scouts.”

So - to become an Eagle Scout a kid (boy or girl) does the following:

1. Joins a BSA troop. This can be done at any age from 11 to 17. Though if you join in your later teens you will not have time to make it to the Eagle rank.
2. Upon joining you learn some basic things and you are a “Scout”.
3. The next rank is Tenderfoot. To earn this rank a Scout needs to prep a backpack and tent for use on a camping trip and explain what you are bringing, and how it is used to a leader (explanations are typically an older Scout). Participate in an overnight camping trip. Sleep in a tent you pitched. Tell how you followed the Scout Outdoor Code during the trip. While on a camping cook you must assist in the preparation and cooking of a meal. Demonstrate and explain why it is important to properly clean all cooking materials. Demonstrate and explain when to use certain knots. Demonstrate and explain the proper care of a knife, saw and ax. Demonstrate and explain proper first aid for a specified listing of potential medical issues that could occur while camping and elsewhere. Identify poisonous plants and explain how to treat exposure. Assemble a first aid kit for yourself and explain when and how each item is to be used. Explain the use of the buddy system while hiking and use it on a troop hike. Explain what to do if you become lost on a hike. Explain the rules for safe hiking during the day and during the night. Record your best efforts in sit-ups, push ups, reach and 1 mile run. Develop and follow a fitness improvement plan that runs at least 30 days. Demonstrate and record your efforts again and note any improvements. Demonstrate how to raise, lower and fold the Flag. Participate in an approved service project. Teach another Scout how to tie a square knot using the Scout teaching methods. Have a Conference with troop leaders and explain how you tried to live the Scout requirements.

Congrats. You are now a Tenderfoot. The second of seven Scout ranks.

Let’s skip a head a bit. Past Second Class. Past First Class to earning Star Scout Rank. Those requirements are: Be a 1st Class Scout for at least 4 months (obviously can be much longer). Earn 6 merit badges, 4 must be Eagle Required Badges (these are ones that are pretty common Scout activities). Hold a troop leadership position for at least 4 months. Do at least 6 hours of approved volunteer service work. Complete the child abuse safety course, and cyber safety course. Participate in a review conference. Now you are a Star Scout. Sounds simple. However, let’s look at an Eagle Required Badge requirements. There are 18 required merit badges to make Eagle rank. The Cooking Merit Badge is one. What does it require?

There are 7 parts to the Cooking Merit badge. You can do them in any order. They will take a fair amount of time to complete - several months typically.

Part 1: Health and Safety. Learn and be able to explain the common safety issues in cooking, and explain how to treat or address them. This deals with cuts, burns, scalding, fire, how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn and practice how to properly address allergic reactions and choking with yourself and others. Learn and explain how types of food need to be safely stored and transported. Review and explain common food allergies and how to learn of potential issues from food labels.
Part 2: Nutrition. Learn and explain the food groups, serving sizes and calorie intact. Track your calorie intake and activity for 5 days. Develop a healthy 1 day meal plan for yourself. Learn and be able to discuss food nutrition terms and charts. Explain carbohydrates, calories and serving sizes. Discuss types of listed cooking methods, what pans and other equipment are used, what foods are cooked with each method. Discuss and demonstrate the use of a camp stove. Discuss the relative merits of camp stove cooking versus camp fire.

Sorry hit post way too early —

Describe how time management is used so meal components are created and a meal served at one time.

Part 4 Home Cooking - prepare menus for 3 days of 3 meals a day for you and at least one other. Explain how these menus meet the nutritional requirements. Explain what equipment is needed to prepare the meals. Shop for and Prepare one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner from your list. Review and discuss any errors and changes you would make.

Part 5 Camp Cooking. Plan and prepare 5 meals including 1 breakfast, 1lunch and 1 dinner and 1 snack or dessert (and two more meals) for your patrol (5-8 kids). Explain how each meal meets RDA requirements. Shop for and explain and demonstrate proper storage and handling of the food items. Cook 3 meals on a camp stove. Cook one meal over coals or with a Dutch oven. Cook one meal on a camp fire using foil packets or skewers. Explain and lead clean up after each meal in keeping with the Outdoor Code.

Part 6 Trail cooking. Plan and prepare 1 full days meals and snacks for your patrol (5-8 kids and an adult) while trail hiking. At least One meal must be done on a backpack stove. Review and shop for all ingredients. Explain the RDA and calorie requirements. Demonstrate safe handling of the food and equipment. Plan and Lead the distribution of carrying by pack the equipment and food.

Part 7 - Explore and discuss 3 careers on food handling and preparation. Select one and research the education and training for the career and explain it to your badge counselor.

Do all that and the prior post stuff and you have qualified for your cooking merit badge. Only at least 20 more to go. (Plus all the non-badge rank advancement stuff) and, of course, the Eagle project.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eagle Scout is a very dated distinction. It doesn’t require anywhere near the mastery of skill that music, literary, sports or other competitive ECs require. It takes a time commitment to achieve it and the ability to impress a bunch of middle aged mediocre white men bestowing it. It’s a predominantly a white, male, Christian thing in suburban and rural areas. It used to be a way for middle class white boys to break into more elite schools.

Scouts is a pretty bigoted organization so someone dedicating their youth to achieve distinction within this organization is someone who either agrees with the bigotry or is peachy fine ignoring it because they were told the distinction would help open doors for them.

This is way off base. I don't have an Eagle, but I know enough about what my friends' kids have done to know that this is inaccurate on all counts. They did intense sailing/camping experiences way out in MN, had a lot of skills training, did a lot of service, and had impressive Eagle projects. My friend is a scouts leader, and her son and daughter are both Eagles. We chat often, so I've heard what they have done over the years. It's a lot.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone else feel like this topic has derailed with people hating on scouting or goading someone for their recommendation choices? The troll factor on dcum is so annoying. Hope OP was able to glean useful info anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone else feel like this topic has derailed with people hating on scouting or goading someone for their recommendation choices? The troll factor on dcum is so annoying. Hope OP was able to glean useful info anyway.

Yes. I wish they’d go away.