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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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. [/quote]

Can you share where to see this?[/quote]

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![/quote]

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. [/quote]

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.  [/quote]

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.[/quote]

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. [/quote]

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.[/quote]

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