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An Eagle Scout Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose

• University: Columbia University

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Words: 686 |

Published: Feb 15, 2024

Words: 686 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, the foundation of character and leadership, the growth mindset and lifelong learning, service to others and community impact, leadership development and inspiring others, transferring scouting skills to academic excellence.

As I reflect upon my journey towards becoming an Eagle Scout, I am reminded of the transformative power of scouting in shaping my character, leadership skills, and commitment to service. This prestigious rank, the highest achievement within the Boy Scouts of America, represents not only personal growth but also a dedication to serving others. Today, I proudly stand as a college student, eager to share my story of perseverance, community engagement, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. With this essay, I aim to convey my unique experiences and demonstrate how my scouting journey has cultivated within me the skills and values necessary to thrive academically, personally, and socially.

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Scouting has instilled in me a strong foundation of values, ethics, and personal character, essential aspects that have guided me throughout my academic and personal life. From the early stages of scouting, I learned the significance of personal responsibility, integrity, and resilience. Embracing the Scout Oath and Law taught me the importance of always being prepared and trustworthy, principles that I embody in all spheres of my life. By upholding the values of scouting, I have not only gained the trust and respect of my peers and mentors but have also become a role model within my community.

Scouting is a continuous journey of personal growth and discovery, encouraging scouts to embrace challenges and pursue new skills. Through numerous merit badges, I have explored a wide range of subjects, from environmental science and first aid to communication and leadership development. This diverse exposure has fostered a growth mindset within me, enabling me to approach obstacles as opportunities for learning and improvement. By constantly pushing myself to acquire new knowledge and experiences, I have cultivated the adaptability and curiosity necessary to excel in college and beyond.

The heart of scouting lies in its commitment to service. Engaging in community service projects has allowed me to develop empathy and a deep understanding of the needs of others. Whether it was organizing food drives for local shelters, participating in environmental clean-up initiatives, or assisting with disaster relief efforts, each service project has left an indelible impact on both the community and myself. My involvement in such initiatives has not only reinforced my sense of civic responsibility but has also strengthened my ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy.

Scouting has been a catalyst for my personal growth as a leader. Through various leadership positions, such as patrol leader and senior patrol leader, I have honed my ability to guide and inspire others towards a common goal. Understanding the importance of effective communication and mentorship, I have sought to create an environment that fosters growth, empowers individuals, and sparks enthusiasm. By organizing team-building activities and facilitating leadership workshops, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of leadership in shaping individuals and strengthening the fabric of a community.

The skills and values I have acquired through scouting have seamlessly translated into my academic pursuits. The same dedication and discipline I applied to earning merit badges have been instrumental in my ability to balance rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. With my leadership and organizational skills, I have spearheaded successful group projects and initiatives, fostering collaboration and achieving shared objectives. Moreover, scouting has instilled within me a steadfast work ethic, enabling me to overcome academic challenges and consistently strive for excellence.

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Becoming an Eagle Scout is not merely a culmination of achievements, but a testament to the transformative power of scouting. Through this journey, I have grown into an individual committed to integrity, personal growth, and selfless service. My experiences in scouting have fostered within me the skills and values that have directly contributed to my academic success, leadership endeavors, and dedication to community engagement. As I embark on the next chapter of my life as a college student, I am confident that the foundation built within the Boy Scouts of America will continue to guide me, empower me, and inspire me to be an agent of positive change in the world.

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Eagle Scout College Admissions: 7 Skills That Give You An Edge Up

The hard work, dedication, and community service achievements required to earn the Scouting rank of “Eagle Scout” can make Eagles especially attractive to college admissions boards. If you’re an Eagle, knowing how to properly communicate the skills you possess can mean the difference between an accepted or rejected university application.

Does ‘Eagle Scout’ Look Good on College Applications? The skills, morals, and leadership abilities that Eagle Scouts exhibit are in high-demand by universities. If you’ve earned the rank of Eagle Scout, that fact should be featured prominently in your college admissions materials. Eagles can also highlight positive aspects from Scouting to bolster their application essays .

Making the experiences unique to Eagle Scouts shine on college admissions materials is a matter of how those skills are represented. While the rank of Eagle alone, can’t make up for poor grades, it can definitely help to set an already solid application ahead of the pack!

As an Eagle Scout and university graduate myself (UC San Diego — go Tritons!), I know that expanding upon your Scouting experiences in applications can set you apart from the competition and help your profile to stand out. In fact, the benefits of earning your Eagle can extend far beyond a stronger college application! To see how I listed Scouting on my resume to land a great job — and how you can too — check out my step-by-step guide here .

In this article, I’ll be covering the 7 skills you’ve learned on your journey to Eagle, which can give you an edge over the competition when it comes to being accepted into universities. By including any of these skills in your application essays or personal statements, you’ll stand out from the crowd and improve your odds of getting into your dream school! 🙂

Listing Eagle Scouts Skills On College Applications

From time management and troop leadership to volunteering and your Eagle Project , there’s no doubt that you’ve developed useful and valuable experiences in Scouting. These skills will make you a more attractive student to colleges — especially those with competitive admissions standards!

Colleges are looking for well-rounded and engaged students and the fact that you’ve advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout demonstrates that you’re dedicated to your endeavors. Frankly, every Eagle Scout’s college admissions essay should find some way to mention their accomplishments and what they’ve learned in attaining their commendable rank.

Most college admissions essays only allow for 650-1000 words . Therefore, it’s crucial you write concisely and with passion about your skills, experiences, and academic goals. While some admissions boards won’t be familiar with the skills it takes to become an Eagle Scout, good writing can still help to impress the reviewer with the significance of your achievement!

It’s important to showcase your Scouting skills, experiences, and achievements to convince readers of your passion to pursue a higher education. Remember, universities are looking for students who will likely succeed if accepted into their academic programs and excel as members of their campus community.

Keep in mind, you don’t want your essay to appear scattered. Pick one or two of the values if they’re your strongest points, but don’t try to include everything. With all that being said, it’s now time to jump into the first Scouting value that you can highlight on your college applications to really stand out!

1. Commitment: Your Years In Scouting

Many college students fail due to a lack of dedication and persistence. However, the commitment you’ve displayed in earning the Eagle Scout rank can be used as evidence of your ability to see your goals through to the end!

Additionally, passion is one of the main points that college admissions boards will search for in your essay. Use descriptions of your commitment to Scouting to provide evidence of your passion to pursue a higher education. Ideally, connect your Scouting experience to your desired field of study.

The following few sentences are an example of how to use your Scouting experience as an example of your passion and commitment:

“The time that it took to earn the rank of Eagle Scout was a difficult but rewarding process that instilled in me the value of hard work, service to others, and commitment. In particular, planning, organizing, and leading my capstone “Eagle Scout Service Project” presented a unique challenge that I was only able to overcome through passion and perseverance. I am excited to apply these same skills to learn and excel within a collaborative university setting.”

2. Self-Learning: Earning Merit Badges

To reach the rank of Eagle Scout, you’ve had to earn at least 21 merit badges. Each merit badge you’ve earned represents a unique field that you’ve independently studied. This is an incredibly useful skill to highlight for universities, as education is all about mastering topics you were originally unfamiliar with!

Some topics that you’ve researched include Citizenship in the World, Communication, Personal Management, and Environmental Science. Each of your badges, and the experience you’ve gained from completing them, can be used to bolster your application essays !

Consider writing statements like the following to describe the significance of those badges:

• Earning the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge taught me how important it is to be active and engaged in local, state, and national political processes.
• In the process of earning my Environmental Science merit badge, I was inspired to pursue an education and career in a field where I can contribute to building an environmentally friendly society.
• Earning the Citizenship in the World badge helped me to understand the value of diversity in society. The lessons I’ve taken from this badge help me to appreciate the differences of perspective that I encounter every day. 
• The Communication merit badge taught me to confidently articulate my thoughts and helped me to better connect with others.

If it fits the rest of your application, I’d highly recommend mentioning a merit badge you’ve completed that showcases your interest in a specific field. For example, the Environmental Science merit badge could be mentioned by Eagle Scouts pursuing a degree in biology, as it gave them a firsthand opportunity to examine an ecosystem over time.

3. Service: Community Work & Your Eagle Scout Project

Community service is one of the defining principles of Scouting. Luckily for you, college admissions also love to admit students will likely contribute to the campus community with service and volunteer work!

Competitive colleges see thousands of applications from students who meet the basic requirements for admission. However, for most high school students, having a thorough record of community service is rare. Touching on your extensive history of service is a great way to ensure that your application rises to the top.

TIP: The Common Application that allows students to apply to dozens of universities with one application has new prompts for application essays each year. When choosing a prompt to respond to, pick one that will allow you to smoothly make your service work and Eagle Scout Project a focus of the essay.

Remember how one of the requirements toward earning your Eagle was developing, and executing a community service project to benefit your community? How could you forget the good ol’ Eagle Project! When drafting your application letter, it’s a good idea to describe the service project you designed. Be sure to state your intent to continuing providing your community with similar services.

4. Time Management: Independently Completing Requirements

Along with the commitment it takes to earn the Eagle Scout rank comes the development of effective time management skills. Completing your rank requirements, merit badges, and Eagle Scout Project were all tasks that required stellar time management skills.

You might consider including a sentence about time management in your admissions essay. Acknowledge that proper time management is key to success in higher education. By recalling personal examples of project planning and juggling the time-sensitive requirements, you’ll prove that you have what it takes to succeed!

There are also ways to link time management skills to specific majors. For instance, if you’re majoring in a creative discipline, you’ll likely need to manage multiple projects with strict deadlines. As an Eagle Scout, you can highlight the fact that you’re definitely no stranger to handling complex situations and achieving your goals!

5. Leadership: Effective Troop Teamwork & Collaboration

One concept that Eagle Scouts learn early on is that good leaders lead through example, not orders. In college and Scouting alike, teamwork is the backbone of any successful group. While it may seem difficult to incorporate these ideas into your college application, college admissions officers will understand that leadership and teamwork are central for Eagle Scouts.

Eagle Scouts learn to lead by example, not through orders. They also learn to support their team by delivering on their role to the best of their abilities. A few sentences in a college admissions essay that demonstrates your understanding of these concepts could help to set your application apart.

TIP: When describing your Eagle Scout Project, you could potentially include a few lines about the leadership skills that the project helped you to develop. You might also mention the work you’ve done with your patrol, and how you grew as a leader by working to understand each scout as an individual. Try to keep your examples as specific as possible!

You might even consider linking your leadership and teamwork skills to your major. For example, business majors have to be willing to cooperate, compromise, and work in teams to create successful projects. STEM majors also work in teams to solve complex problems. Making these connections in your essay will show that you’re prepared for the realities of your future field of study!

6. Values: Lifelong Morals From The Scout Oath & Law

Above all, Eagle Scouts have impeccable morals and always strive to uphold the Scout Oath and Law. These values can translate into skills that will help you to succeed in college as well! When learning, it’s good to have an open mind and be accepting of new perspectives. As an Eagle Scout, you’ve developed the groundwork upon which your values and morals can grow. 🙂

College will inevitably challenge your values as you encounter diverse students, gain new perspectives, and learn more information. This was definitely true in my case. Striking a balance between sticking to your morals and being open to new ideas is important, and, as an Eagle Scout, the values you’ve learned should help you to maintain that balance.

As you’re writing your admissions essay, keep in mind that your tone should express enthusiasm for the new experiences that college will bring. While relaying the values of community service, teamwork, citizenship, and communication that you learned in Scouting, be sure to demonstrate your passion, and I guarantee the admissions officer will be impressed!

7. Network: Eagle Scout Programs and Scholarships

Finally, you should be aware that there are tons of scholarships that are exclusively available to Eagle Scouts , and most will require an application essay. Additionally, earning your Eagle rank unlocks countless possibilities outside of just university. By taking advantage of these experiences, you can bolster your resume and craft an even stronger application!

Now it’s time to put what you learned in this article to use as you write about your Scouting experiences! Whether it’s for college admissions or scholarship applications, the skills you’ve learned in Scouting will set you apart in any application. Now be confident on those apps. You’ve got this!

Conclusion: Will Being An Eagle Scout Give Boys and Girls An Advantage?

My research for this article has shown that most college admissions officers see thousands of applications each year. However, only around 5% of scouts have ever reached Eagle! By touching on the values we’ve covered earlier, you’ll be able to craft a unique application that’ll stand out to any college admissions committee.

Keep in mind, the rank of Eagle alone, in the absence of good grades, is not enough to convince college admissions officers that you can succeed in a university setting. For already-competitive applicants though, being an Eagle Scout will provide you with a huge advantage! 🙂

Competitive institutions like the Ivy Leagues will be looking for anything they can use to separate the metaphorical wheat from the chaff. That’s why it’s vital to frame your Scouting experience correctly. If you’re planning to mention your Scouting experience, I’d highly recommend first checking out my guide on How to Write a Killer Eagle Scout College Admissions Essay.

Awesome job reading this far! College applications may seem like a long and stressful process, but it’ll all be worthwhile once you get into your ideal school. I’m wishing you all the best in your applications and upcoming college journey!

I'm constantly writing new content because I believe in Scouts like you! Thanks so much for reading, and for making our world a better place. Until next time, I'm wishing you all the best on your journey to Eagle and beyond!

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Eagle Scout College Admissions Tips

The effort, commitment, and also social work achievements called for to earn the Scouting rank of “Eagle Scout” can make Eagles specifically eye-catching to college admissions boards.

Knowing exactly how to effectively communicate the abilities you possess can mean the distinction in between an accepted or rejected college application if you’re an Eagle. The skills, morals, and management capacities that Eagle Scouts exhibit are in high-demand by universities.

That reality should be featured prominently in your college admissions materials if you have actually gained the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagles can likewise highlight positive facets from Scouting to reinforce their application essays.

Making the experiences distinct to Eagle Scouts beam on college admissions products refers to just how those abilities are represented. While the rank of Eagle alone, can’t make up for bad qualities, it can certainly assist to establish a currently strong application ahead of the pack!

Providing Eagle Scouts Abilities On College Applications

From time administration as well as troop management to offer as well as your Eagle Task, there’s no doubt that you have actually developed valuable and valuable experiences in Scouting.

These abilities will certainly make you an extra appealing trainee to universities specifically those with competitive admissions criteria!

Universities are looking for well-shaped as well as engaged pupils and also the reality that you’ve progressed to the ranking of Eagle Scout shows that you’re devoted to your endeavors.

Honestly, every Eagle Scout’s college admissions essay must locate some method to mention their achievements as well as what they’ve discovered in achieving their extensive rank.

Tips: Many college admissions essays only permit 650-1000 words. Consequently, it’s important you write briefly and with enthusiasm concerning your abilities, experiences, and scholastic goals. While some admissions boards will not be familiar with the skills it requires to become an Eagle Scout, good writing can still assist to impress the customer with the value of your achievement!

It is essential to showcase your Scouting skills, experiences, and also accomplishments to persuade visitors of your interest to pursue higher education.

Keep in mind, universities are trying to find pupils that will likely succeed if accepted right into their academic programs and also excel as members of their school community.

Bear in mind, you don’t want your essay to show up scattered. Select a couple of the values if they’re your strongest factors, however, don’t try to consist of everything.

With all that being said, it’s currently time to delve into the initial Scouting worth that you can highlight on your college applications to really stand apart!

1. Dedication: Your Years In Scouting

Lots of university students fall short due to an absence of devotion and also determination. The commitment you have actually displayed in making the Eagle Scout ranking can be utilized as proof of your capability to see your objectives via to the end!

In addition, interest is one of the main points that college admissions boards will certainly look for in your essay. Use descriptions of your commitment to Looking to offer evidence of your passion to pursue a college. Ideally, attach your Scouting experience to your preferred discipline.

The list below few sentences are an example of exactly how to utilize your Scouting experience as an instance of your passion and dedication:

“The time that it required to make the ranking of Eagle Scout was a rewarding however difficult procedure that instilled in me the worth of effort and dedication. In particular, preparation, arranging, and leading my capstone “Eagle Scout Service Job” presented a one-of-a-kind challenge that I was just able to get over via enthusiasm and perseverance. I am excited to apply these same abilities to stand out as well as discover within a collaborative university setup.”

2. Service: Area Work & Your Eagle Scout Project

Social work is among the specifying principles of Scouting. Luckily for you, college admissions additionally love to confess students will likely contribute to the campus area with service as well as volunteer work!

Affordable universities see hundreds of applications from students that fulfill the standard requirements for admission.

However, for a lot of senior high school students, having a thorough record of social work is uncommon. Discussing your extensive background of service is a fantastic way to make sure that your application rises to the top.

Tips: The Typical Application that allows trainees to put on dozens of colleges with one application has new prompts for application essays every year. When choosing a time to reply to, choose one that will allow you to smoothly make your service job as well as Eagle Scout Task a focus of the essay.

Remember how one of the requirements towards making your Eagle was developing, and also implementing a neighborhood solution job to profit your neighborhood? Be certain to specify your intent to continuing giving your neighborhood with comparable services.

3. Self-Learning: Making Advantage Badges

To get to the rank of Eagle Scout, you have actually had to gain a minimum of 21 benefit badges. Each quality badge you have actually made represents a one-of-a-kind area that you have actually separately examined.

This is an unbelievably beneficial skill to highlight for colleges, as education and learning is all about grasping topics you were initially not familiar with!

Some topics that you’ve researched consist of the Citizenship world, Communication, Personal Management, as well as Environmental Science. Each of your badges, and the experience you have actually acquired from completing them, can be made use of to boost your application essays!

Consider writing statements like the following to explain the value of those badges:

• Making Citizenship in the Country quality badge taught me just how important it is to be active and also engaged in the neighborhood, state, and also national political processes.
• In the process of making my Environmental Science merit badge , I was inspired to seek an education and learning as well as a career in a field where I can contribute to developing an eco-friendly culture.
• Gaining Citizenship on the world badge assisted me to comprehend the worth of variety in society. The lessons I have actually extracted from this badge aid me to value the distinctions of the viewpoint that I encounter daily.
• The Interaction advantage badge showed me to confidently verbalize my ideas as well as helped me to far better get in touch with others.

If it fits the rest of your application, I’d extremely recommend pointing out a value badge you’ve finished that showcases your rate of interest in a certain area.

The Environmental Scientific research value badge could be discussed by Eagle Scouts going after a degree in biology, as it offered them a firsthand possibility to analyze an ecological community over time.

4. Time Management: Individually Completing Requirements

Together with the commitment, it requires to earn the Eagle Scout ranking comes to the growth of reliable time administration abilities. Completing your ranking requirements, advantage badges, and Eagle Scout Project were all tasks that needed excellent time management skills.

You might take into consideration consisting of a sentence regarding time administration in your admissions essay. Recognize that correct time administration is key to success in higher education.

By remembering individual examples of job preparation as well as handling the time-sensitive demands, you’ll prove that you have what it requires to be successful!

There are likewise means to link time administration skills to details majors. For example, if you’re learning innovative self-control, you’ll likely require to handle multiple jobs with stringent target dates.

As an Eagle Scout, you can highlight the fact that you’re certainly familiar with managing complicated scenarios and also attaining your goals!

5. Leadership: Reliable Troop Teamwork & Collaboration

One idea that Eagle Scouts discover early on is that good leaders lead via instance, not orders. In college as well as Searching alike, synergy is the foundation of any successful group.

While it may appear tough to include these ideas right into your college application, college admissions police officers will certainly understand that management as well as a team effort is central for Eagle Precursors.

Eagle Scouts learn to lead by instance, not via orders. They also discover to support their team by supplying on their duty to the most effective of their abilities. A couple of sentences in a college admissions essay that demonstrates your understanding of these principles could aid to establish your application apart.

SUGGESTION: When explaining your Eagle Scout Job, you might possibly consist of a couple of lines about the leadership abilities that the project helped you to create.

You might additionally discuss the job you have actually done with your patrol, and just how you grew as a leader by working to understand each scout as an individual. Attempt to keep your instances as certain as feasible!

You may even consider connecting your leadership and also team effort abilities to your major. Company majors have to be prepared to work together, endanger, as well as work in groups to develop effective tasks.

6. Values: Long-lasting Morals From The Scout Law & Oath

Above all, Eagle Scouts have impeccable precepts and constantly strive to support the Scout Oath and Law. As an Eagle Scout, you’ve created the foundation upon which your values and morals can expand.

The college will unavoidably test your worth as you come across diverse pupils, get a new point of view, and also discover more details. This was certainly real in my situation.

Striking a balance in between sticking to your morals and also being open to new ideas is very important, and also, as an Eagle Scout, the values you have actually discovered must assist you to preserve that equilibrium.

As you’re creating your admissions essay, bear in mind that your tone must share an interest for the new experiences that college will certainly bring.

While passing on the worths of community service, synergy, citizenship, and also interaction that you discovered in Scouting, be sure to show your passion, and also I assure the admissions officer will certainly be impressed!

7. Network: Eagle Scout Programs and Scholarships

You must be aware that there are lots of scholarships that are specifically readily available to Eagle Precursors, as well as most will certainly call for an application essay.

Additionally, making your Eagle rank unlocks countless possibilities beyond simply university. By making the most of these experiences, you can bolster your return to and also craft an also stronger application!

Now it’s time to put what you discovered in this article to make use of as you compose about your Scouting experiences! Whether it’s for college admissions or scholarship applications, the skills you have actually learned in Scouting will certainly set you apart in any application.

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Does Being an Eagle Scout Help with College Admissions?

Being an Eagle Scout is the highest rank you can achieve in the Scouts BSA. So, how does being an Eagle Scout help with school admissions? Is it a big deal to be an Eagle Scout? Read on to learn more about how your BSA ranks can boost your college profile! 

The college admissions process is an exciting endeavor, but it requires diligence and effort. Millions of hopeful high school students apply to a roster of colleges every year, and they all hope to be offered admissions to their top choices.

College applicants do their best to differentiate themselves from their peers to stand out in the admissions process through their academic achievements, well-written essays, and meaningful extracurricular activities. 

If you’re affiliated with Scouts BSA, you may wonder if being an Eagle Scout helps with college admissions. The answer to this is yes, colleges tend to look favorably upon Eagle Scouts. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how colleges view your Eagle Scout status, how your skills translate into the college experience, and how to include your status on applications. 

What Colleges Think About Eagle Scouts

Earning the Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank you can achieve in the Scouts BSA. The level is attainable only after a Scouts BSA member moves through six other ranks. 

Only 8% of all Scouts BSA members have earned the Eagle Scout rank, which indicates you accomplished a goal few others in the organization have. Recent data states that 17 years old is the average age to become an Eagle Scout—the approximate age of a typical high school senior. 

Being an Eagle Scout not only adds an element of interest and differentiation to your application but also demonstrates your commitment to an extracurricular activity. College is a big commitment, and admissions committees view you sticking with something you’re passionate about for so long as a predictor of your future behavior. 

When college admissions officers see “Eagle Scout” on your application, they may automatically think you’re a stand-up person with numerous positive character traits. 

The skills you’ve learned while moving through the Scouts BSA rank are also important to college admissions committees. Eagle Scouts embody positive character traits and values and are involved members in their communities and beyond. 

Your community service work and Eagle Scout project display your community involvement. Colleges hope to admit students they believe will contribute to the school’s community and culture, and touching on your community service in your application can show you wish to uphold your community involvement. 

BSA Troop 106 in New York asked 17 universities one question to learn more about the impact of being an Eagle Scout in the college admissions process: “What kind of effect does being an Eagle Scout have on a prospective student’s application to your school?”

Top national schools such as John Hopkins University, University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill (UNC) responded:

“When we review an application, we look for three things: academic character, impact and initiative, and personal contributions. Anything a student does to make a difference through service, leadership, or innovation — from participating in the Boy Scouts, to caring for family members, or participating in a school club — is considered as we try to get a sense of who they are and what impacts they’re making on the community around them.” — John Hopkins University

“We do not consider any one kind of extracurricular activity inherently ‘better’ than another. What is important is that students select activities that are truly meaningful to them and that they really get involved with them…With this in mind, students should include Eagle Scout in their application if they believe this particular extracurricular activity meets the criteria above.” — UCLA

“We appreciate the service and dedication required to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Within the extracurricular portion of the application…This is where we would hope to hear from students, in their own words, about what makes their Scouting experience meaningful to them and their community. Hearing personally from students gives us a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for any activity or award.” — UNC 

It’s important to note that while you should certainly put “Eagle Scout” on your college applications, your rank on its own won’t gain you admission to your dream college—you must still perform well on the SAT or ACT , get good grades, write impactful essays, and acquire stellar letters of recommendation . 

However, adding your Eagle Scout status to your application can add value and uniqueness to make you stand out. 

Applicable Eagle Scout Skills 

Becoming an Eagle Scout indicates you embody multiple positive traits , including “trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courteousness, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence.” 

Beyond personal characteristics, your rank means you’ve earned at least 21 merit badges, including Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Environmental Science and Sustainability, and Personal Management. These achievements showcase skills colleges want to see in their students. 

Because of your Scout background, you’re used to working in a team setting toward a common goal. Collaboration is a crucial transferable skill in college to help you connect with your peers and manage the workloads of any group project. 

Eagle Scouts are taught to have impeccable time management skills, another important aspect of college life. You’ll deal with numerous deadlines in your college career that require solid time management skills. 

Colleges want to know you can handle the rigor of undergraduate education, and having good time management skills can make your college career easier and less stressful as you navigate more challenging courses and an increased workload. 

Moving through the Scouts BSA ranks has primed you for leadership. Colleges search for leadership capabilities in your application, as it can help you have an enjoyable college experience. Don’t be afraid to get involved with causes and clubs you’re passionate about. You might be a driving force for positive change in your new community. 

Every Eagle Scout skill in your toolbox is transferable to your college experience, no matter what degree path you hope to pursue. “The skills learned during these scouting years can help a student to achieve the best outcome for years to come. Many will earn honors in their college education for their hard work,” states Unity College. 

How To Include “Eagle Scout” on Your College Application

Now you know your diverse skill set, character traits, and values are transferable to college life and make you a more competitive candidate. But how do you ensure admissions committees know the depth of your work on your college application? 

First, including a phrase such as, “Earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019” is not enough. While most college admissions officers will understand what your rank entails, you should provide more context than one phrase on your application. 

Brandie Eneks , director of freshman admissions at Texas A&M University, said, “While identifying oneself as an Eagle Scout is important, it is also critical to provide detailed information.” 

There are three places in your application where contextualizing your Eagle Scout experience makes sense: your resume, extracurricular activities list, and personal or supplemental essays. 

Contextualize your community service projects 

Eagle Scout service projects “show that the young person can manage a multifaceted project, create a budget, lead others and commit themselves to something that takes months to complete.” And that’s only what your involvement reflects on you. Your community service also undoubtedly made an impact on the community. 

You can write about your service project on your professional resume or in your essay. If your project was especially meaningful to you or helped significantly shape who you are today, it can make for a highly compelling admissions essay. 

Be sure to touch on your leadership role and how you managed to plan and execute the project, and elaborate on how that experience was meaningful to your growth, mindset, or personality. 

Emphasize Leadership Experience 

Leadership experience helps you stand out from the pool of other applicants. If you took on specific leadership roles as you moved through the Scout ranks, touch on them in your resume or extracurriculars list.

Remember, most online applications, like the Common Application , allow you to add more information. Take advantage of the space to contextualize your experience!

Explain the Significance of Select Merit Badges 

To earn Eagle Scout designation, you’ve earned at least 21 merit badges, but you’ve likely earned more badges pertaining to your interests. Colleges want to accept students who demonstrate a range of varied interests; explaining a handful of your merit badges can help show the breadth of your skills and interests. 

You’ll want to share how many badges you’ve earned, but you won’t have the space to write about all of them. Choose merit badges that are varied, not necessarily the ones you earned first or last, or the ones you think will be most impactful to admissions committees.

However, you should pick a badge or two that relates to your program, if you have them. For example, if you earned the American Business merit badge, you should share that in your application to an undergraduate business program. 

If you’re applying to a computer science program, you should spotlight your Programming badge, if you’ve earned it. Think of your badges as small insights into your interests and skills.

Eagle Scout College Scholarships

There are 65 Eagle scout college scholarships available through the National Eagle Scout Association: 

• “One national four-year $48,000 Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship
• One four-year $16,000 Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship per national service territory (“NST”)
• One $7,500 scholarship per NST
• Two $3,500 scholarships per NST”

High school seniors through their junior year of college are eligible for any of these Eagle Scout college scholarships, as long as they plan to attend or are attending a four-year college or other approved programs. Other conditions include: 

To be eligible for any of the above scholarships, Eagle Scouts must fulfill all requirements and conditions: 

• You will register, maintain and provide proof of your full-time study schedule to The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). 
• All awarded scholarship funds are paid directly to your selected institution to pay for tuition and other expenses. 
• You must maintain a GPA that places you in the upper third of your class. 
• You can’t defer a scholarship; it must be used that year. 

Applicants must use the NESA scholarship portal to apply when it opens in December. 

Not An Eagle Scout? Other Things Can Help 

If you’re not an Eagle Scout, you can still craft an impactful and competitive college application. Being affiliated with the Scouts BSA organization, in general, can still add value to your application if you explain the merit badges you’ve earned and any other impacts you’ve made in communities. 

If you’re not involved with the Scouts BSA at all, you can showcase your volunteer services in your extracurricular activities list. Think about where you’ve volunteered your time, what you did, and how your actions or involvement benefited other people. 

Remember, extracurricular activities are not limited to organizational work. Taking on a more prominent role in the home or offering to babysit neighborhood children counts toward community involvement, too. 

Whether you’re an Eagle Scout or not, your essays are a critical aspect of any college application. College admissions essays humanize your application and show who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and accomplishments. 

Essays are often the differentiation factor between applicants with similar qualifications, so ensure your narratives are vibrant and polished before you click “Submit.” 

Choose highly personal experiences that impacted your character, beliefs, or thought processes. Demonstrating growth shows admissions committees you’re an open-minded and compassionate candidate. 

Finally, do everything you can to raise your GPA and reinforce your test scores before applying to colleges. Remember, an Eagle Scout rank by itself isn’t enough to cover poor grades or other holes in your application. Boosting your GPA always bolsters your application and performing well on your tests showcases your academic aptitude and college readiness. 

Eagle Scout for College FAQs

If you still have questions about how being an Eagle Scout helps with college admissions and more, read on! 

1. How Do I Become an Eagle Scout? 

To become an Eagle Scout , you must progress through seven ranksScout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. You must earn at least 21 merit badges, serve six months in a position of responsibility, and attend a Scoutmaster conference as a Life Scout. 

Finally, you must “plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or their community.” After you’ve met all these requirements, you must complete your board of review to become an Eagle Scout. 

2. How Important Is Being an Eagle Scout to Colleges?

Being an Eagle Scout is a big deal to colleges. Many schools value Eagle Scouts because they know they’ve learned specialized skills, display positive character traits, and are capable leaders. Your Eagle Scout status is an excellent way to add more differentiation to your application. 

3. How Do I Put Eagle Scout on My Resume? 

Your Eagle Scout status should be at the top of your extracurricular activities section on your resume. Putting “Eagle Scout” on your resume means more than just writing down your rank. You should add context about your Eagle Scout project , troop leadership responsibilities, and a point that shows a character trait catering to the role you’re applying to. 

4. How Do I Write College Essays as an Eagle Scout? 

Application essays require time, effort, and likely more than a few drafts to reach a final product. Writing about the experiences leading up to your Eagle Scout rank can make a great essay if your story is creative and well-constructed. 

Remember to show your passion, critical thinking skills, and self-awareness. Don’t get caught up in just retelling a story; ensure you’re analyzing how the experience shaped you into who you are today and why it makes you an excellent candidate. 

If you’re unsure how to structure your essay, looking at Eagle Scout essay examples can help inform and inspire your writing process.

5. Which Colleges Offer Eagle Scout Scholarships? 

Some colleges offer school-specific Eagle Scout scholarships , including: 

• University of Mississippi
• Abilene Christian University
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Lipscomb University
• Hampden-Sydney College

Ensure you check whether the schools you want to apply to offer Eagle Scout scholarships.

6. I’m an Eagle Scout Who Needs Help Applying for College: Who Do I Ask?

The college application is lengthy and can be a somewhat nerve-wracking experience for Eagle Scouts, even though you’ve had experience compiling applications. An admissions consultant can help you make the most of your application and ensure your experiences and qualifications that make you unique are emphasized. 

Beyond application content, they have the know-how to tailor your application to what specific admissions committees seek most. If you want to boost your chances of acceptance (especially at top-ranked schools), an admissions expert can give you a competitive edge.

Final Thoughts 

Your Eagle Scout rank shows admissions committees your ability to commit long-term, that you possess positive character traits, and you have multiple transferable skills to help you through the college experience. 

While being an Eagle Scout won’t cover any holes in your application, it can take an already well-rounded application from good to excellent. 

Remember to contextualize your experiences and qualifications in your resume, extracurricular activities list, or essays. Your Eagle Scout rank is a fantastic accomplishment that deserves space on your college applications. 

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Does eagle scout really help in college admission?

<p>I have recently obtained my eagle scout award ( very special to me.) Some of my friends have told me that eagle scout has just became a name and nothing important. Can someone clear this up for me? Thanks.</p>

<p>It’s a very good EC that shows drive. Congrats.</p>

<p>It’s an accomplishment to be proud of, and insofar as it’s evidence of diligence, hard work, stick-to-it-iveness, and character, it’s certainly a net positive at schools that consider ECs, personal accomplishments, and character in a holistic admissions process. </p>

<p>On the other hand, since nearly 60,000 people a year become Eagle Scouts, it’s not likely to be seen as such a singular accomplishment that it will carry overriding significance; just one data point in your favor. </p>

<p>And to be perfectly candid, I’d be somewhat concerned that the Boy Scouts of America has tarnished its own brand in the eyes of some admissions officers, given that organization’s persistent policy of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. I understand that policy is now changing with respect to scouts, but not with respect to adult leaders. Since most colleges and universities that use holistic admissions are firmly committed to the values of diversity and tolerance, including diversity and tolerance on the basis of sexual orientation, and actively seek to provide a campus environment that is friendly toward GLBT students, a credential from an organization whose official policies continue to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation might be seen as a mixed blessing–probably on the whole positive for what it signals about personal accomplishments and character, but not as positive as it might be in the absence of anti-gay discrimination on the part of the credentialing organization, for fear that the organization’s views and values on the subject of sexual orientation might carry over to what the applicant brings to campus, in a negative way. That’s all just speculation on my part, of course; I don’t have actual evidence for it, but I do know several Eagle Scouts who found that the credential didn’t help them as much in college admissions as they hoped and expected it would.</p>

<p>Being an Eagle Scout means that you have developed a set of skills that will help you get into college and to do well in college, as long as you are also a good student. As noted above, there are a lot of Eagle Scouts each year, and they include plenty of people who are not great students. It is not an academic achievement. But it is an EC that suggests a lot of leadership and willingness to work. That is going to be a positive to a lot of colleges. It is not going to be a magic key, however.</p>

<p>As to bclintonk’s point about BSA’s policies, I think it is possible that some admissions personnel might have a negative impression. It may come up in an interview, and you should think about what you would say about it. Most scouts I know are delighted that BSA has made the change it just did, and hope (and expect) that more changes will be coming in the not-too-distant future.</p>

<p>I think you will find being an eagle scout will pay dividends down the road when trying to get a job more so than with college.</p>

<p>This is very good advice by Hunt. I don’t think that you have to worry about being Eagle Scout actually hurting you in the admissions process. Even on the most liberal, hyper-selective campuses, it will still be viewed as a plus, albeit not a huge one. In fact, at those places where the majority of students are left-leaning, it could work in your favor to have pursued this very mainstream, traditional activity since it will help to set you apart from the crowd. </p>

<p>Your college essay (or The Additional Information section of your applications) might be a good place to explain why being an Eagle Scout is special to you. And if you were outraged by the long-held anti-gay position, you can also say so in this statement.</p>

<p>Every positive notch on your application belt will help. The achievement will be compared to other achievements that required time, dedication, and as others said plenty of character. It will, however, not overshadow weaker parts of an application, as athletic prowess might. </p>

<p>It should also provide you a reasonable source of positive essays, especially when essays should NOT be about academic achievements but entirely about what made the individual different.</p>

<p>PS Crossposted with above regarding the essay. This said, I think that it would a HORRIBLE idea to discuss gender, religion, or political issues in your essays. The essays should be about you … and not about a “generic” cause. And, fwiw, there is always the chance that the reader happens to profoundly dislike the decision of the BSA, and look negatively on your application. Why take an undue risk?</p>

<p>And be prepared for the obvious question: if you were so “outraged” why didn’t you withdraw from Scouts?</p>

<p>I concur with xiggi. </p>

<p>If your project ties into your personal career interests, say beach clean up and your are a budding Enviro major, then by all means discuss it in your essay. Otherwise, tread carefully, and perhaps just let the EC stand by itself…</p>

The answer for many will be some combination of the following (1) while we disagreed with this policy, we felt the positives outweighed the negatives; (2) we believed that disagreement from within would eventually push BSA to change the policy—which it did; and (3) the policy was never discussed at the troop level, and nobody ever asked whether a scout or a parent was gay. The last of these would not be true for all troops, but it would be true for a lot of them. It probably would be hypocritical to claim to have been “outraged” by the policy if you stayed in, but I think it’s true of lots of people–myself included–that we thought there were lots of positives despite these negatives, and that we expressed our opinions about the need for change–and BSA listened to us. (I would also note–although probably not in an interview–that nobody seems to hold other groups to this same kind of standard, even if they show no signs at all of moderating their discriminatory policies–thus, nobody seems to suggest that a Catholic student might not get into a selective college because of his affiliation with a discriminatory organization, or that he would have to explain or defend anything in an essay.)</p>

<p>Do know that later in college, S did get an Eagle Scout merit award that helped pay for books at his U. Any merit award is helpful. Agree also that the scout can use parts of his scouting experience as subject matter for essays on leadership, planning, etc.</p>

<p>I would just like to emphasize (sermon warning) that the real value of your Eagle Scout experience is not what it will get for you in terms of college admissions, or money, or recognition, but what you learned while doing it and the skills and character traits it helped you build. Those will matter wherever you go and whatever you do. So don’t worry about people who say it’s just a name and nothing important. Don’t you already know that this isn’t true?</p>

<p>Congratualtions on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout! …I hope I said that properly :)</p>

<p>I know that some schools, such as University of Evansville, offer automatic scholarships (I think theirs is $13,000 - $18,000, depending on gpa and test scores) that can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Good luck!</p>

<p>Congratulations and by all means, put it in your application. I liken Eagle Scout to a student earning a black belt in martial arts. Sure, thousands of people do this every year, but it requires perseverance, self discipline, commitment, and a certain amount of passion maintained over years – pretty much what admissions officers say they are seeking in an applicant.</p>

<p>The following repeats something I posted years ago in a similar thread, addressing the point about the number of Eagle Scouts:</p>

<p>I think it’s possible that there are adcoms who (consciously or not) are not happy about the BSA organization as a whole and thus may subconsciously “damn” an Eagle Scout, or at least not give it the full recognition it’s due. Having said that, the same could be said for practically any activity or EC – there will always be some adcom, somewhere, who has an unconscious dislike for newspaper editors / cheerleaders / student-body presidents / football players, and the hope is that it all washes out over time anyway.</p>

<p>Congrats!</p>

<p>Don’t let anyone undermine this accomplishment. You’ve worked hard and jumped through a LOT of hoops to get there. When you are an old fart like me, people will still be impressed you earned the rank. The most liberal people I know respect the rank and work it represents. </p>

<p>As a youth, I was never a Boy Scout but, my son is very close to (two more white border badges and a BOR) earning his Eagle. </p>

<p>You don’t say what grade you are in or what your aspirations are but, for a back of the envelope picture (I know the math isnt this simple): [Fast</a> Facts](<a href=“ http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372]Fast ”> Fast Facts: Back-to-school statistics (372) )</p>

<p>According to the US Department of Education, about 3.5 million kids graduate high school each year. Let’s say 50k-60k of them have an Eagle Scout. That means less than 2% of HS graduates have attained the rank. That’s fairly rare by any standard. In fact, that’s about how many people as are recognized each year by National Merit Program and the National Achievement Program. [National</a> Merit Scholarship Corporation - Competition Steps](<a href=“ http://nationalmerit.org/faq_competition.php]National ”> http://nationalmerit.org/faq_competition.php )</p>

<p>Whether Eagle Scouts are more or less inclined to apply to elite schools is anyone’s guess. I would guess National Merit scholars apply at a much higher rate than the typical HS grad.</p>

<p>An Eagle won’t get you into Harvard by itself but’ it does demonstrate leadership in an uncommon (<2%) way. Your project can also speak volumes about your interests and abilities and open doors to demonstrate further commitment to a cause or interest. </p>

<p>If you take the right courses, get great grades and find other ways to set yourself apart, you’ll go far. If you can weave a common thread between your scout project, a school activity, volunteer hours, a part time job and your career interest - you will stand out. </p>

<p>Gongrats again and good luck.</p>

You should encourage him to get his Eagle; otherwise, one more thing he might regret later on.</p>

<p>I don’t know if it’s going be the deciding factor on whether you get in to a certain college or not. But it’s not going to hurt your chances either. Colleges look for a variety of EC’s and ask how many hours you put into each one. So having a EC that took a lot of hours shows that you didn’t just sit in your room and study all the time.</p>

<p>have you tried applying for the eagle scout scholarship? When I got mine I got a bunch of paperwork about that and other stuff, grants, blah blah.</p>

<p>Congratulations, OP! As a parent of a son currently working on his Eagle project proposal, I understand the commitment that it takes to earn this rank. You should be very proud.</p>

Scout to Scholar: How Being an Eagle Scout Prepares You for College Success

• By: Cole From ScoutSmarts
• April 18, 2023

Becoming an Eagle Scout marks the end of one journey and the beginning of many more. For countless young men and women, the next obstacle to overcome is continued education. Whether you’re taking online classes, learning a trade, or attending a top university like Harvard, the skills and mindsets we’ve gained in Scouting will continue to set any Eagle Scout up for success in college and beyond!

As a relatively recent graduate and Eagle Scout, I can tell you firsthand that your Scouting experience will prepare you to shine in college and soar to success in life. Believe it or not, the soft skills that we hone in Scouting are extremely relevant for the “real world!” Below are just 5 unexpected ways that Scouting helped me in university, and how skills learned in Scouting are likely to help you too:

• Time management: From planning and executing our Eagle projects to keeping up with school and extracurriculars, we’ve learned to prioritize, stay organized, and make the most of our time. College? Easy-peasy! Juggling classes, projects, internships, and a social life might feel new and impossible for most first-year students, but it’s just a normal challenge for us Eagle Scouts!
• Perseverance: We’ve camped in extreme conditions, completed every requirement along the advancement trail, and even survived our patrol’s horrible food. Through it all, Scouting has taught us to never give up. We’ve learned to push through challenges and setbacks, developing strength and mental resilience along the way. Bring on the tough exams, late-night study sessions, and demanding professors. Having conquered everything that’s required to reach Scouting’s highest rank, what else can shake us?
• Communication skills: As ex-SPLs and ASPLs, we’ve honed our communication skills through public speaking, presentations, and leadership experiences. We know how to clearly articulate our ideas and work within a team. In college, this skill makes us group project MVPs and incredible student-leaders who aren’t afraid to speak up, start networking, and get involved.
• Integrity and Values: College comes with its fair share of temptations. However, the Scout Oath and Law can continue to serve as our guiding light, even after earning Eagle! Successful Eagle Scouts not only do what’s right for themselves but also serve as upstanders in their community to help others stay on the moral path.
• Effective Learning: As Eagle Scouts, we’re basically experts at gaining knowledge, acquiring new skills, and earning merit badges. Plus, as troop leaders and role models, we’ve learned to grow from our mistakes and adapt to any situation. In college, no subject will have us stumped. We’ll seek out better resources, change our learning style, and do whatever’s necessary to excel in our academics!

Our journeys to Eagle have given us more than we’ll ever know. The lessons we’ve learned and the values we’ve developed in Scouting are like seeds planted, which will one day bloom and shower our lives with blessings. May we use our skills and status as Eagle Scouts to serve as upstanders in our college communities, and continue to succeed at whatever we set our minds to. Onward!

Cole From ScoutSmarts

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College & Career Prep

College Essay: 3 simple steps to writing a good essay

Evan Cohen , Journalist | April 5, 2023

The author on a college visit to WHERE, WHEN?

I began scouts in 2 nd grade when I joined cub scouts, the elementary school level of scouting. I am so happy that I could be in a group that allowed me to gain more perspectives, and learn about things they didn’t teach me in school like making bottle rockets and experimenting with various skills, something I deem very important. Jump ahead four year to when I joined my current boy scout troop. With the shift from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, I quickly realized there is more to scouting than camping and using a pocket knife. In Boy Scouts, the boys led the meetings instead of the adults and they also planned what the troop would do every year in terms of activities, campouts, and recruiting. Scouts also emphasize volunteer work, like soup kitchens and service projects which helped me to understand the importance of working as a community to help everyone else out, even if you had no idea who they were.

This notion of working for others without expecting reward is integral to becoming an eagle scout, the highest honor in scouting. Before I could face this task, I needed to master the outdoors and climb the ranks by completing badges, racking up service hours, demonstrating understanding in various topics, and serving as an elected leader in the troop. Along this journey there were times of challenge and fear such as having to speak to government officials, flip a canoe on open water and recover before it sank, and lead a group of 20 boys around my age on campouts. There were also times when there was wonder and joy such as learning basic plumbing skills, trying various shooting sports, and one of my favorite things, getting to camp in some of the coolest places. Through scouts I was able to battle white water rapids, climb in canyons, canoe in the absolute wilderness where it was pack-in pack-out, allowing me to appreciate the forces of nature.

Although it took some time, I reached the point where I was finally able to take on the task of becoming an Eagle Scout. The key part of the rank is the Eagle Project, a project planned, designed, organized, fundraised, and completed by a scout with the help of wonderful volunteers. The first step for my project was to figure out what I wanted to do. Many ideas came to mind but the one that resonated the most was building a prayer labyrinth, a winding path for meditation. My church was the prime candidate and after some emails, I was able to get them on board. Before I could actually start building, I had to complete a formal proposal stating what I would create, how I would fundraise, and what the timeline would look like. I made a couple designs in CAD software and planned to fundraise with the goal of completing the project in the fall of 2020. It was approved but unsurprisingly, not a single thing went to plan. The design I made was altered heavily, fundraising took more than just cans since the project was much more expensive than originally planned, and the pandemic made some slight alterations to my time frame.

In the end however, everything turned out great, the community loves the labyrinth, I got my Eagle Scout Rank, and I can say I learned so much along the way. Plans can change sometimes and being able to be flexible and react is so important to make decisions quickly. Learning through experimentation and being helped by others when something goes awry

“To write a college essay is one of the most stressful things that a senior faces during their last year in high school. It takes many iterations, hours of editing, and can be a discouraging, defeating experience. To combat this, I suggest using these 3 simple tips that I figured out during my essay writing process.

Below you will see 2 essays that I wrote for the Common Application. The one on the left was my first essay. The one on the right was my final essay, which has these tips implemented, as well as being the one I submitted.  

Tip #1: Make it a story. Every admissions officer sees tens of thousands of essays and reads many each year. To make your essay stand out, tell a story that is unique to you, that only you could tell. It could be an experience, a meaningful trip you took, or something as simple as the way that you perceived something that only you could see. 

Tip #2: Don’t summarize. Coming up with a story is simple enough, but making it feel like a story and not a summary is what will set it apart. For example, in my essay, I talk about my eagle project and, as opposed to the essay being in chronological order from start to finish, including details as needed, I started out of order. Beginning with the end and describing details only when necessary for the reader to understand a simple concept that might not be common knowledge is a great way to start. 

Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to scrap everything and start over. For the longest time, I tried to use brute force to finish the first essay I wrote. I put hours into revisions and got countless people to read it. I finally got tired of it and just wrote something entirely new. That essay was also bad, so I did it again, and again. In the long run, I saved time because instead of relying on edits to fix it, I reconstructed the core of the essay every time until the base was strong and just needed some finishing touches to be perfected. “

As the sun began to slip behind the clouds, everyone was relieved. It was the third day, and we had all been working in the hot sun for the last three hours but when that first drop of rain hit, I broke down. After already working for two, six hour days with a full week in between the last work day and today, work began fresh. The hard, clay-rich dirt soon crushed that spirit as we were all soon reminded of the last two days of back breaking work. The soil at the location of my Eagle Project was tougher than anticipated and after expecting to be done with digging the channels for the gravel after the last day, starting with a shovel on the third day was definitely not good for morale. These were volunteers afterall, they are kind people but they have their limits when they are working for free.

The project was simple, but labor intensive. I designed a 40ft prayer labyrinth for my Eagle Project, my final step in scouting as a youth. A prayer labyrinth is a winding path that leads to a center that is intended for the user to meditate as they walk along the path. This one required digging channels in the ground for the path, backfilling it with gravel and sand, and then a brick path was to be laid on top. This plan was not what I had envisioned when months prior, I proposed the idea for the project to the beneficiary. I planned to fundraise money quickly to purchase the materials needed to create the labyrinth and complete it in four, six hour days in the early spring of 2021. The church I volunteered to work with had agreed to this idea and it was approved. This plan quickly changed however after receiving information from landscapers and a quote on the materials.

After sorting out the new design, new budget, I was still on track to set the project underway but after much internal dispute within the church the timeline was pushed back to late spring of 2021. I had a summer job starting in two months and I needed six work days. With only a few available weekends, timing was tight. With the plan of four work days and two spare days, I initially thought this would not be a problem however when shovels hit dirt on that first day, I knew those spares were going to be needed. When that first drop of rain hit my forehead on the third day, my physical and mental strength were at their limits. Even though all my volunteers were also at their limits, they still believed in me. Their belief that I had a plan helped me understand one thing: I did have a plan. All of the skills, merit badges, campouts, and roles as a leader in my troop prepared me for this moment. So I looked at them, smiled, and started laughing. Together we could do this. Rain? Oh well, it might as well happen at this point. We all gathered under the tent and waited for the worst to pass and soon after lunch, the sun shone through the clouds and work carried on with new vigor.

Even when nothing goes right, even when things are out of control, there is always a way to make it better. Every skill I’ve grown and pursued has always given me some skill I can use to find a solution to a problem. I learned that very lesson on that day and I am glad I was able to finish the project. Now as an Eagle Scout, I understand how every single thing I did along the way has mattered to making the end goal possible. For this, I am grateful and I hope that I can pay it forward in the future both in my life, and career.

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Evan is a senior who is a news writer for The Skyline Post. He is a member of National Organization for Women club, is on the Boys Varsity Tennis and Bowling...

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8 great scholarships for Eagle Scouts

Updated Dec. 5, 2018

These days, higher education comes with a higher price tag. These scholarships for Eagle Scouts will help take out some of the sting.

If you know of a scholarship not listed here, please share the name and link in the comments.

Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship for Catholic Scouts

How much : Seven scholarships: one at $5,000 for first place, one at $4,000 for second, one at $3,000 for third, and four at $2,000. (The 2019 scholarships, totaling $20,000, represent a 67 percent increase over the 2018 award amounts.)

Who’s eligible : Catholic high school seniors who are Scouts or Venturers in any BSA program. Applicants must have earned the Eagle Scout Award, Silver Award, Summit Award or Quartermaster Award.

Deadline : March 1, 2019

What’s required : Photo and application listing service to Scouting, church and the community

Link : National Catholic Committee on Scouting scholarship

Questions : Email [email protected]

Note : Sixty-seven Boy Scouts have been awarded the Emmett J Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship since its inception in 2005.

National Jewish Committee on Scouting scholarships

How much : Ranging from $500 to $4,000

Who’s eligible : Active Eagle Scouts who have earned the Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim religious emblem and are active in their synagogue. Some of the scholarships require the applicant to demonstrate financial need.

Deadline : Jan. 31, 2019

What’s required : Application listing school and Scouting record.

Link : National Jewish Committee on Scouting scholarships

Questions : Email [email protected]

American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year

How much : $10,000 for the winner and $2,500 apiece for three runners-up

Who’s eligible : Eagle Scouts who are at least 15 and registered, active members of a Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Venturing Crew chartered to an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary unit or Sons of The American Legion squadron — or Eagle Scouts who are registered, active members of a chartered Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Venturing Crew, and the son or grandson of a Legionnaire, Sons of The American Legion or Auxiliary member,

What’s required : Application, photograph, school participation record, Scouting record, community service record, religious award record and four letters of recommendation.

Link : American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year

Questions : Email [email protected]

Veterans of Foreign Wars Scout of the Year

How much : $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place

Who’s eligible : Young people who are are least 15 and registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venturing Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award.

What’s required : Application, photograph, school participation record, Scouting record, community service record and three letters of recommendation.

Link : VFW Scout of the Year

Questions : Email [email protected]

Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship for Philadelphia-area Scouts

How much : Two scholarships at $1,000 apiece

Who’s eligible : Eagle Scouts who have been active in BSA at least five years and live in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Deadline : March 29, 2019

What’s required : Application, essay, school transcript and two letters of recommendation.

Link :  Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship   

Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting scholarships

How much : $1,000 for first place and $500 for runner-up

Who’s eligible : Eagle Scouts who are active in an Eastern Orthodox Church and have received the Alpha Omega Religious Scout Award.

Deadline : May 1, 2019

What’s required : Application and four letters of recommendation.

Link:   Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting scholarships .

Questions : Call 516-868-4050

National Eagle Scout Association scholarships

How much : At least 150 scholarships available, ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 per recipient

Who’s eligible :National Eagle Scout Association members. (Note: Eagle Scouts can apply for a NESA scholarship before you apply for a NESA membership.)

Deadline : Oct. 31 each year

What’s required : Application (though one scholarship requires a reference letter).

Link : NESA scholarships

Questions : Email [email protected]

Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout Award

Presented by the Sons of the American Revolution

How much : $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second place and $4,000 for third place

Who’s eligible : All Eagle Scouts under 19 years old

Deadline : Varies by chapter. Find your state’s SAR society contact at the link below.

What’s required : Application listing Scouting and school achievements and an essay about the Revolutionary War.

Link : Sons of the American Revolution scholarship

Questions : Email your state’s contact person at the link above.

Institution-specific scholarships

There are a number of scholarships for Scouts attending specific institutions of higher learning.

Find a nice list here and always check with your college or university to see whether they recognize Eagle Scouts in this way.

Council-specific scholarships

Check your council’s website — or give them a call or email — to see whether there are scholarship opportunities exclusive to Scouts in your council.

Service academies

Eagle Scouts have a leg up when applying to our country’s military academies, where all tuition, room and board is paid by the government.

The academy admission process puts young people in the pool for ROTC scholarships, and graduates leave with a guaranteed job.

Support the Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund

Contribute to the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarship Fund. Donations to this fund go directly to providing scholarships to deserving Eagle Scouts, allowing them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

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So.....does being an eagle scout offer any real advantages?

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