Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Impact

2018USNA

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I have seen a number of cases where it looks like achieving the rank of Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts) or Gold Service Award (Girl Scouts) had a significant impact on appointment. These are both significant leadership achievements with a significant amount of service included. Are there any candidates waiting for an appointment who have achieved one of these milestones?
 
Yes - DS is on the waitlist. Not only received Eagle but was named American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year for the State of Ohio in 2013. He has accepted appointment from USAFA - but his dream is USNA. He was also nominated to USMA - but we have heard nothing from them.
 
I have seen a number of cases where it looks like achieving the rank of Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts) or Gold Service Award (Girl Scouts) had a significant impact on appointment. These are both significant leadership achievements with a significant amount of service included. Are there any candidates waiting for an appointment who have achieved one of these milestones?

There are some "bonus" points, but not anything considered significant - though any small amount can help. I believe Eagle Scout is actually awarded a slightly higher bonus than Gold Award simply because Boy Scouts has more of a military mind set/training. DD was a Gold Award recipient. I don't expect that gave her too much more of an advantage except for what she did -- she taught middle schoolers self defense tactics using her Taekwondo skills (she's a 2nd Degree black belt). I truly believe that fact weighed more in her favor than the Gold Award by itself.
 
There are some "bonus" points, but not anything considered significant - though any small amount can help. I believe Eagle Scout is actually awarded a slightly higher bonus than Gold Award simply because Boy Scouts has more of a military mind set/training. DD was a Gold Award recipient. I don't expect that gave her too much more of an advantage except for what she did -- she taught middle schoolers self defense tactics using her Taekwondo skills (she's a 2nd Degree black belt). I truly believe that fact weighed more in her favor than the Gold Award by itself.

I almost laughed (in a good way) when I read what your DD did for the gold award because it was almost exactly what my DD did several years ago. My DD made a self defense video about what to do in several situations. It was classic. She had some of her firends dress up as vilians and attack her in different scenarios and then she would explain options to fight back. OMG did she spend a lot of time on that project. The video was intended for the younger Scouts.
 
I almost laughed (in a good way) when I read what your DD did for the gold award because it was almost exactly what my DD did several years ago. My DD made a self defense video about what to do in several situations. It was classic. She had some of her firends dress up as vilians and attack her in different scenarios and then she would explain options to fight back. OMG did she spend a lot of time on that project. The video was intended for the younger Scouts.

Too funny! I'm sure the video was a hit! My DD must have spent a good year planning, prepping, training helpers and conducting that class. Yes, it takes tons of time! But what a great accomplishment. :thumb:
 
Scouting achievements are very respected however they do not overcome a low ACT/SAT score. Good luck.
 
If I had to guess (and don't we all?) I'd say that the NA views the Eagle/Gold less for the project and more as showing dedication to a goal. It's a known level of effort. Combine this with challenging classes, work, sports, other EC's, and it demonstrates that this candidate can keep many competing balls in the air at once - a necessary trait to succeed at USNA.

Said another way, if all the candidate has is an Eagle, almost regardless of the project needed to earn it, I don't suppose it would garner much enthusiam in admissions.
 
During a visit from our congressman to his school today, my DS got a handshake and the news that USMA would be offering him an appointment.
 
Pertaining to Eagle Scout, there is a lot more than just a service project required to earn it. It shows dedication, since it is a multiple year endeavor. There is also more required service than the Eagle Project required for ranks beneath it. Some Eagle-Required merit badges like Personal Fitness and Hiking, Swimming, or Cycling show that the boy is physically fit. Others like Personal Management show that the boy is a responsible person. Morals and ethics are also a huge part of obtaining the rank of Eagle. Leadership positions and experience are also required in order to advance to the rank of Eagle. So, I believe that Admissions would value it as more than just some service due to the physical, moral, and leadership requirements.
 
During a visit from our congressman to his school today, my DS got a handshake and the news that USMA would be offering him an appointment.

Now that's good PR for that MOC. It's nice to see them come out of the office to do something like that. Great news for you!!!
 
Yes - it was cool. He was scheduled to talk there that day and figured he could do it in person instead of a phone call. The news of the USAFA offer was given over the phone. Jim Jordan is a great congressman!
 
The rank of Eagle Scout is something that 3% of all Scouts achieve. When my son was applying for a nomination , the first question that was asked of him was.."are you an Eagle Scout"?

Obtaining the rank of Eagle proves that a kid has goals and has the drive to finish what he starts.

So yes I believe that it is a very important thing to have. And for anyone to dismiss it as such is foolish.

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