How much does Eagle Scouts help in college application?

[Anonymous]

I think it helped my kid with Virginia Tech Engineering. He was in the bubble and he got in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If no any other national award, will it help for selective schools? Does it count as honor or EC?

It doesn't count for much, reflects more on father's interest than child's.

Wrong. read. https://www.ivyscholars.com/eagle-scout-scholarships-college-admissions/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it helped my kid with Virginia Tech Engineering. He was in the bubble and he got in.

And you can think that and it may or may not be true. But no one really knows for sure, and it’s not like someone can say an Eagle Scout is 12 pct more likely to get in somewhere, all else fixed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

My Eagle Scout in unhooked to T10.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If no any other national award, will it help for selective schools? Does it count as honor or EC?

It doesn't count for much, reflects more on father's interest than child's.

Wrong. read. https://www.ivyscholars.com/eagle-scout-scholarships-college-admissions/

You're citing ivyscholars as your source? Mkay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

This is so mean. Have your snowflake sleep in an igloo and hike 10 miles and let me know how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

This is so mean. Have your snowflake sleep in an igloo and hike 10 miles and let me know how it goes.

So doing some moderate physical activity and sleeping in a tent in a cozy sleeping bag while sipping hot tea and making s’mores counts as an extracurricular activity for colleges! If it were that difficult you wouldn’t have so many overweight middle aged men as scout masters. Cmon, some of them use mobility scooters while shopping at Walmart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

This is so mean. Have your snowflake sleep in an igloo and hike 10 miles and let me know how it goes.

So doing some moderate physical activity and sleeping in a tent in a cozy sleeping bag while sipping hot tea and making s’mores counts as an extracurricular activity for colleges! If it were that difficult you wouldn’t have so many overweight middle aged men as scout masters. Cmon, some of them use mobility scooters while shopping at Walmart.

Wow, you all are crazy. Scouting is a great activity for the right kid.

On the common app, DS listed Eagle Scout as number 9 out of 10 activities. He had other achievements and Eagle rounded out his application, but it wasn't his main focus. He was just accepted REA to a HYPS. For his younger sibling who absolutely loves the outdoors and scouting, it will be listed higher and I imagine he'll write about it in one of the supplemental essays.

[Anonymous]

I think it is a net positive but isn't going to have a huge impact.

There is minimal Venn diagram intersection between Eagle Scouts and athletes, and I don't think it is any better than being a dedicated athlete (even a non-recruited one).

Eagle Scouts tend to be kind of nerdy and lacking in charisma (again, "tend to be," not all, so don't be defensive). It would be most valuable if combined with something that showed personality and real leadership (not the Eagle Scout type, but really motivating people). Even being a camp counselor would be a good supplement as it requires working with little kids. An Eagle Scout who played a team sport would also be good, even if they don't play at a very advanced level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

This is so mean. Have your snowflake sleep in an igloo and hike 10 miles and let me know how it goes.

So doing some moderate physical activity and sleeping in a tent in a cozy sleeping bag while sipping hot tea and making s’mores counts as an extracurricular activity for colleges! If it were that difficult you wouldn’t have so many overweight middle aged men as scout masters. Cmon, some of them use mobility scooters while shopping at Walmart.

Wow, you all are crazy. Scouting is a great activity for the right kid.

On the common app, DS listed Eagle Scout as number 9 out of 10 activities. He had other achievements and Eagle rounded out his application, but it wasn't his main focus. He was just accepted REA to a HYPS. For his younger sibling who absolutely loves the outdoors and scouting, it will be listed higher and I imagine he'll write about it in one of the supplemental essays.

Listen, nobody believes your fake stories about how the ticket to HYP or VT is the Eagle Scout badge. Or whatever made up admission stats you come up with. Great if the kid enjoys the outdoors. Also great if the next kid loves hanging at the beach and volunteers to clean up trash. He can list it as an activity and write about it in an essay. Getting a bunch of badges doesn’t make the Eagle Scout activity “better”. If anything it hides the meaningful things the kid did to get that title.

It won’t move the needle for selective colleges, which was the original question.

[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:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

This is so mean. Have your snowflake sleep in an igloo and hike 10 miles and let me know how it goes.

So doing some moderate physical activity and sleeping in a tent in a cozy sleeping bag while sipping hot tea and making s’mores counts as an extracurricular activity for colleges! If it were that difficult you wouldn’t have so many overweight middle aged men as scout masters. Cmon, some of them use mobility scooters while shopping at Walmart.

Wow, you all are crazy. Scouting is a great activity for the right kid.

On the common app, DS listed Eagle Scout as number 9 out of 10 activities. He had other achievements and Eagle rounded out his application, but it wasn't his main focus. He was just accepted REA to a HYPS. For his younger sibling who absolutely loves the outdoors and scouting, it will be listed higher and I imagine he'll write about it in one of the supplemental essays.

Listen, nobody believes your fake stories about how the ticket to HYP or VT is the Eagle Scout badge. Or whatever made up admission stats you come up with. Great if the kid enjoys the outdoors. Also great if the next kid loves hanging at the beach and volunteers to clean up trash. He can list it as an activity and write about it in an essay. Getting a bunch of badges doesn’t make the Eagle Scout activity “better”. If anything it hides the meaningful things the kid did to get that title.

It won’t move the needle for selective colleges, which was the original question.

Whoa. You need help. No one is saying Eagle moves the needle. In fact, I wrote that it was listed #9 out of 10 activity slots - toward the bottom.

I don't understand these people with such angry posts. Please go find something that brings you joy.

[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:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

This is so mean. Have your snowflake sleep in an igloo and hike 10 miles and let me know how it goes.

So doing some moderate physical activity and sleeping in a tent in a cozy sleeping bag while sipping hot tea and making s’mores counts as an extracurricular activity for colleges! If it were that difficult you wouldn’t have so many overweight middle aged men as scout masters. Cmon, some of them use mobility scooters while shopping at Walmart.

Wow, you all are crazy. Scouting is a great activity for the right kid.

On the common app, DS listed Eagle Scout as number 9 out of 10 activities. He had other achievements and Eagle rounded out his application, but it wasn't his main focus. He was just accepted REA to a HYPS. For his younger sibling who absolutely loves the outdoors and scouting, it will be listed higher and I imagine he'll write about it in one of the supplemental essays.

Listen, nobody believes your fake stories about how the ticket to HYP or VT is the Eagle Scout badge. Or whatever made up admission stats you come up with. Great if the kid enjoys the outdoors. Also great if the next kid loves hanging at the beach and volunteers to clean up trash. He can list it as an activity and write about it in an essay. Getting a bunch of badges doesn’t make the Eagle Scout activity “better”. If anything it hides the meaningful things the kid did to get that title.

It won’t move the needle for selective colleges, which was the original question.

Whoa. You need help. No one is saying Eagle moves the needle. In fact, I wrote that it was listed #9 out of 10 activity slots - toward the bottom.

I don't understand these people with such angry posts. Please go find something that brings you joy.

Getting mental health treatment for irrationally angry, childish and nasty DCUM posters would be a great Eagle Scout project!

[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:I follow a former college admissions counselor on Instagram and he just today gave his out of ten rankings for different activities- none scored a ten, but Eagle Scout was one of the few 9s he gave.

Can you share where to see this?

I follow so many of these accounts- sorry, I can’t find it or I’d link it. But Eagle Scout is super hard, shows years of dedication and work. I would agree that it’s gotta be a boost!

Its not that impressive. The projects I've seen have been things like, build a bench or put shelving into a storage shed. A lot of scouting hours and badges can be faked.

Spoken like someone who is truly clueless.

Eagle is very difficult to achieve, and it's likely AOs know that. Only 2 - 6% of those who enter Scouting achieve that rank, depending on the year. Less than 1% of the entire youth population of the country earns it. Of the 21 total merit badges needed, 13 are specifically Eagle-required, many with significant time and effort involved. Eagle projects must demonstrate meaningful leadership skills to be approved.

Regardless of impact on college admissions, it's an achievement one carries through one's life. It's not uncommon for obituaries to note the attainment of the rank.

Who cares about how difficult it is to get, that’s not how you evaluate an extracurricular activity. What does it show colleges, that you’re great at grinding useless tasks for years? Please.

Isn’t difficult grinds the type of ECs that get DCUM parents excited? Nationally placed math/science competitions, etc? And what are travel sports besides useless grinding over an entire childhood? Hell, what’s taking 15 APs, most being outside your child’s future career, than useless grinding? Parents on this board *advocate* unceasing, years-long, grind.

Is Eagle Scout going to be your silver bullet into the T10? Probably not. But for some schools, it’s a solid EC & a worthwhile accomplishment if your kid is into outdoors stuff. Additionally, I’ve yet to meet an Eagle Scout adult that doesn’t perk up meeting other Eagle Scouts. So there’s an existing Old Boys (maybe “& Girls” soon) Network too. Again, might not get you the job but might get you in the door.

You can argue that the 15 APs and competitions show academic mastery and varied academic interests. That’s better than cooking for a bbq.

Travel sports show some level of achievement as there’s some qualification or a bar to pass. Reading a pamphlet on citizenship and parroting it back to your scout master neighbor does not count as service and involvement in the community.

Frankly most of the Eagle Scout badges are just stupid. A lot of effort, but still stupid. Most high school kids loath still being involved in scouts, boys and girls alike. It mostly attracts socially awkward kids, making the networking benefits extremely doubtful, unless you value the company of maladjusted adults that like to hang out with boys in the woods.

Explain if you can why being an Eagle Scout is an achievement without relying on it being difficult to get.

This is so mean. Have your snowflake sleep in an igloo and hike 10 miles and let me know how it goes.

So doing some moderate physical activity and sleeping in a tent in a cozy sleeping bag while sipping hot tea and making s’mores counts as an extracurricular activity for colleges! If it were that difficult you wouldn’t have so many overweight middle aged men as scout masters. Cmon, some of them use mobility scooters while shopping at Walmart.

Wow, you all are crazy. Scouting is a great activity for the right kid.

On the common app, DS listed Eagle Scout as number 9 out of 10 activities. He had other achievements and Eagle rounded out his application, but it wasn't his main focus. He was just accepted REA to a HYPS. For his younger sibling who absolutely loves the outdoors and scouting, it will be listed higher and I imagine he'll write about it in one of the supplemental essays.

Listen, nobody believes your fake stories about how the ticket to HYP or VT is the Eagle Scout badge. Or whatever made up admission stats you come up with. Great if the kid enjoys the outdoors. Also great if the next kid loves hanging at the beach and volunteers to clean up trash. He can list it as an activity and write about it in an essay. Getting a bunch of badges doesn’t make the Eagle Scout activity “better”. If anything it hides the meaningful things the kid did to get that title.

It won’t move the needle for selective colleges, which was the original question.

Sure, says the mom of the non-T10 Eagle Scout. It's valued.

[Anonymous]

A lot of Eagle Scouts send their badges back because of LGBT issues. Your audience is AO’s. AO’s are young and extremely progressive. Ask yourself if they give a shit about patriotic activities.