How does Boy Scouts look with colleges?Answered
Hello!
I am Boy Scout and was wondering how colleges look into it.
I am also almost an Eagle Scout and the Senior Patrol Leader of my Troop (the highest elected position).
How would I mention that I am these things?
Thanks!
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2 answers
I think it depends on how progressive the college is you are applying to. If you are applying to a very liberal school, then I would downplay the whole Boy Scout narrative because it's not seen today as a successful organization that has done a good job in protecting it's members. The more liberal schools will see your long term participation in these with a different lens than say applying to a US Military Academy like the Citadel or West Point where you would probably get bonus points for being a team leader in such an organization that fosters brotherhood and it's traditional rites of passage. I also put in this category of schools that look favorably with Boy Scouts as any sort of college with a religious affiliation such as Boston College, Georgetown, NotreDame, or smaller schools like St. Bonaventure, Siena College, Santa Clara, Wheaton College, Iona, Fordham.
I certainly would list it as an EC but if I had other ones, I might put it in the middle of the list, not at the top of my EC list.
Definitely put it as an activity on the Common App. The activities section will give you space to talk about your accomplishments. If it is a big part of your application, you will probably want to elaborate on it. I would do this by using the essays to expand on how Boy Scouts has shaped your identity/abilities/values/perspectives. You could also try to get your adult troop leader to write you a supplemental letter of recommendation.
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