<p>Hey guys,
I'm a newbie on the forums, but I have a lot of questions.
I am an Eagle Scout, and it took me almost 10 years to obtain it. I know colleges will love seeing it on the transcript, but how does it stack up compared to all the other EC's out there? I've heard mixed reviews about it, and I want to see what you guys have to say about it.</p>
<p>its a good one, be sure to put it down</p>
<p>I think that is a huge EC. Probably comparable to going to state in a sport or other event.</p>
<p>seeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaarch feature.</p>
<p>Yes, lots of previous discussion of this. I was surprised how cynical some people were about it. My son is in the throes of his Eagle project right now, and I don't see how anyone can see it as resume filler. He's working hard. I guess some kids just let Mom and Dad do it?</p>
<p>Most people who work hard for it get it right?</p>
<p>Doesn't show any true talents, but it shows dedication and skills.</p>
<p>So I'd say it's pretty good but it's no way will it get you into HYPS alone.</p>
<p>random, I wonder what the stats are for how many kids stop at Life Scout and never earn Eagle.</p>
<p>Regardless, Eagle isn't designed to show "talent" but reflects on your leadership and perseverance. Not sure whether you know what all it involves, but more than 200 (maybe 250?) hours must go into an Eagle project and a significant portion of those hours involves directing others. And, of course, you can only begin an Eagle project after you've fulfilled the lower requirements at each Scouting level. For most Scouts, this has been a 10-plus-year journey (though some kids, including a friend of my son, take a different path. This friend just started Scouts two years ago and is working toward Eagle at warp speed; maybe that's not uncommon and that's where some of the cynicism comes from?)</p>
<p>Anyway, certainly agree with you that Eagle alone won't get you into HYPS.</p>
<p>Congrats, ckim, on the achievement!</p>
<p>There are lots of eagle scouts. It's nice, but it doesn't "stand out" as much as being a state champion in track or something. There's only 50 state champions a year. There are lots of eagle scouts.</p>
<p>Yeah, one of our local troops is an "Eagle by 14" mill....get them in, rush them out. But now, lots of the parents are making their sons wait until they are in high school to get it, so they can list it as a high school EC.</p>
<p>Is the Girl Scout Gold Award seen the same way as the Eagle?</p>
<p>I think Gold and Eagle are seen in basically the same way. Both show dedication to a lengthy process and a willingness to stand out. Taken alone, these awards might not do anything, but are significant plusses to a strong application.</p>
<p>Eagle is seen as slightly more prestigious that the Gold (one could earn the Gold in as little as 1 year, eagle is a much longer commitment).</p>
<p>A bit of Google research shows the minimum time to reach Eagle is 16 months (4 months as First Class, 6 months as Star, 6 months as Life), though practical considerations raise it to a two-year minimum (and most boys take longer). While Gold takes at least one year, required prerequisites add another year (and most girls take longer). I had many Google hits saying the awards are equivalent, and none claiming one is more prestigious.</p>
<p>I got my Gold and I know it took a year to do the prerequisites and then about 6 months to complete the project. I've been in girl scouts for 11 years. My friend's brother got his eagle award and it took about the same amount of time.</p>
<p>"random, I wonder what the stats are for how many kids stop at Life Scout and never earn Eagle."</p>
<p>I wonder how many of those kids who stopped actually had enough dedication to work towards the Eagle.... uhh probably none so I don't see why you'd bring that up when I specifically said "most who work hard for it". If you quit, you probably didn't work hard for it.</p>
<p>And the rest of your post is the same thing I said, just more boringly. I'm not being cynical when I say it doesn't take much talent to reach the Eagle Scout level. Sorry to burst your bubble.</p>
<p>i stopped at life and it was probably one of the best decisions i've ever made. it's not that i couldn't do it, i just decided that my time was better spent volunteering for organizations i believe in (special olympics mostly) than building a gazebo for a middle school in suburbia (that's what eagle scout projects around here have been reduced to). that being said, i really respect anyone who has earned eagle (assuming their parents weren't the driving force) as it does represent so much.</p>
<p>also, my dad tells me time and time again that he will almost always offer an interview to an eagle scout because he respects it so much. so in the long run it could really pay off... and i've heard of a lot of friends getting out of speeding tickets by keeping their license under the eagle scout card.</p>
<p>Eagle Scout is an incredible achievement and I would strongly urge you to include it on your application. It says volumes about who you are as a person and I personally believe that it was one of the key factors that helped me do as well as I did in the college application process. It doesn't compare well to other activities because it's pretty unique, it involves leadership, community service, and educates you on a variety of fields. Although I didn't personally enjoy every step of the way, I know that the rank confers great respect on its bearer and I am very proud that I was able to earn it. Good luck in your college search!</p>
<p>Not sure what prompts your hostility, random, but have a nice day.</p>
<p>One thing I think it does show is that you are not using it as a resume booster. Eagle Scout is something that kids start in middle school and (usually) finish towards the middle or end of high school. It's not something that a college-bound junior just picks up and does to look good for college. It certainly takes dedication.</p>
<p>On another note, the rank of eagle is far from standardized, that is to say, as meaningful for one person as it is for another. When one of the major requirements involves a 'project', it could take an entire summer or one day...Not that there's any way to fix that, but it's the truth.</p>
<p>Eagle Scout is a great EC. I know how much work and leadership goes into becoming an Eagle Scout and it is one of the top ECs. The Eagle Scout project itself it a year long process. Depending on your projects you will work with leaders in the community (getting a project and presenting), organization and planning (getting permits to build), not to mention the leadership in organizing and planning the project, leadership roles that you have to have before you obtain the title. </p>
<p>Yes, I would say this gives the commitment and leadership that attract college to look at your application.</p>