Scouts as an EC?

<p>So, I was thinking of putting scouts as an EC, and mentioning that I was an eagle scout (pending at the moment). But then my Theory of Knowledge teacher said that that wouldn't help me at all. Could you guys help me? Thank you.</p>

<p>It helps! It's obviously an extra curricular that you've put a lot of time into. I find it strange that she would tell you not to put it on an application. Scouts seems like an awesome EC to me. (Though if it's pending, I might write that in the application, unless you get it before submitting?)</p>

<p>Absolutely put it down. Many colleges look at scouting as a community service activity, as well as a sign of leadership. If you haven't received the award at the time of application, you can list it and then put the month you will receive it.
( Eagle Scout Award: Dec. 2008--Pending)
You no doubt participated in scouting the entire 4 years of high school (and then some) so it also shows that you can stick with something. While it won't be particulary unique, it certainly adds to your resume in a positive way.</p>

<p>Put it. It shows a bunch of important character traits - work ethic, ability to focus, and caring about the world around you.</p>

<p>I've known a number of Eagle Scouts at MIT.</p>

<p>A very good EC, use it.</p>

<p>Scouts is a good thing to be in, but Eagle Scout carries much less weight than it did 15-20 years ago. Don't rely on it too much.</p>

<p>Although being an Eagle Scout might not carry as much political weight as it used to, or be as popular as it used to, or whatever, that doesn't really mean anything in terms of admissions. The point isn't that you are an Eagle Scout and that's some fancy or prestigious thing, the point is that you dedicated yourself to something for many years that probably provided you with many opportunities to work on a lot of different skills, reach out to the community, etc.</p>

<p>So no, don't "rely" on it, but you should really be relying on anything when it comes to college admissions, no one thing is going to translate itself into success- it's a package deal</p>

<p>No, I'm not relying on any one of my ECs, I'm just trying to find the best 5 (out of about 8-10).</p>

<p>How about the OA (Order of the Arrow), would that hold for anything as well?</p>

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How about the OA (Order of the Arrow), would that hold for anything as well?

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<p>It's worth a mention - it speaks to your character - but you may want to include a short note about what it means. I had to look it up just now.</p>