eagle scout essay examples

How To Write An Eagle Scout Statement of Ambition & Life Purpose

Before you can begin Eagle Scout rank requirement 7 and hold your final board of review, you’ll be tasked with writing a comprehensive essay that discusses your long-term goals and values. This piece of writing, which must be submitted with your Eagle rank application, is called a Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose!

What is an Eagle Scout Statement of Ambitions And Life Purpose? An Eagle Scout Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose is a short essay, written by an Eagle Scout candidate, that describes their goals, values, and mindsets. Often, these statements are about 500 words in length and are broken into 4 parts: Intro, short-term goals, long-term goals, and life purpose.

PS. This article is based on the experiences and research of Eagle Scout, Kevin A and Cole  🙂

While most Eagle Scouts (myself at the time, included!) usually aren’t aware that they even need to write this essay until the last minute, it’s actually an incredibly important thing to do. Why? Well, the Chair of your final Eagle Scout Board of Review will be reading your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose and asking you questions, accordingly!

Additionally, writing a Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose gives you the chance to start thinking about your life’s vision. What do you hope to give to the world? Where do you see yourself in 3 years? These are all very important questions, and this essay might be one of the first times in your life where you’re directly asked to critically think about what you want your future to hold!

Plus, your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose is a great foundation upon which you can write an amazing Eagle Scout college application . (Click the link for my ultimate guide to getting Eagle Scout college acceptances) Kill two birds with one stone by using this statement to outline your thoughts for college and beyond! Trust me, my own Eagle Statement of Ambitions really set my sights in the right direction. I promise it’ll help you too if you put a lot of thought into it, dig deep, and keep an open mind.

With all that being said, you’re probably wondering how to write a great essay of your own. Not to fear! In this article, I’ll be using my own Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose essay as an example to get your writing juices flowing! Then, I’ll give you some questions to reflect on, so you can make your essay even better than mine was. 😉

My Example Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose Essay

First, take a second to read through my example essay. This is a bit shorter than the typical essay of 500 words (2 double-spaced pages), but it should give you a good idea of what’s required. Then, in the following sections, we’ll be reviewing each component, from the introduction to your life vision, so that you can create an incredible statement of your own!

Without further ado, here’s Kevin and my example Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose:

1. Introduction: “Reflecting back, as I’m now applying for Eagle, the highest rank in Scouting, I realize just how far I’ve come. Not only have I learned how to light a fire with a single match, tie a bowline around myself with one hand, and sell ungodly amounts of Trail’s End popcorn — no, Scouting had given me much more. Scouting has given me the core values and principles that I now carry with me through my life.”  2. Short Term Goals: “In my high school life, I am planning on taking two Advanced Placement courses: AP Environmental Science and AP English Language and Composition. These courses, though challenging, will hopefully help me expand my knowledge into areas that I may be interested in pursuing while at college.”  “My next big hurdle comes in the form of college applications. Between club responsibilities, AP classes, Scouting, and friends, I’ll be hard-pressed to find the time. However, like earning Eagle, nothing worthwhile comes easy. To achieve my short term goals I’ll set a schedule, make a plan, and check things off one requirement at a time.” 3. Long-Term Goals “Upon graduating from high school, I want to attend a four-year college within the University of California system. I have not decided what studies to pursue in college, but I am leaning towards majoring in the chemistry field.”  “In college, I hope to develop the skills and connections to land a chemical engineering job where I can directly help others. I want a comfortable salary, and the expertise to have my ideas be heard within the workforce. I won’t be satisfied simply remaining a follower in my field and intend to lead others to help bring about breakthroughs that improve human wellbeing.” 4. Life Purpose “My ultimate vision for life is to become an individual who lifts others up. Growing up an only child, I always felt best whenever I was able to contribute to the people around me. Whether it’s making scientific breakthroughs, leading a team, or even teaching scouts, my life’s purpose will always be to do good for others.” “Although my specific goals will probably change as I grow older and experience the world from a different perspective, I know that the values I learned from Scouting will forever remain in my mind and heart. Regardless of what I end up doing, while I’m doing it I’ll be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” 

If you’ve read through our essay, by now you should have a few ideas bouncing around your head about what to write in your own Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose. Write them down ASAP! Those ideas will serve as your essay’s foundations. 🙂

Now if you’re like most teens, you might instead be thinking, “I’m worried that I won’t be able to stick to my goals and ambitions that I wrote down because I’m not sure what I truly want to do with my life!” Yup, I’ve been there too. However, if this is something you’re worried about, don’t fret! 

• Firstly, your Eagle Board of Review team won’t be making you promise to fulfill every single goal you set in your essay, as they realize that most Eagle Scout applicants (and most teens in general) don’t have everything figured out in terms of their life goals.
• Secondly, in the following sections, I’ve prepared some questions for you that might give you a better idea of your actual ambitions and life purpose!

Here’s a tip: When reading the questions we pose, take your time. Try to think critically and come up with any answer. Then, ask yourself, “is my answer true, for me?” If it isn’t, question why you thought of it. Ask if it’s true in any way.

Doing this exercise will help you succeed in one of the most important areas of your life: knowing yourself . Now, it’s time to read through a detailed breakdown of our essay and answer the questions we’ve posed so that you can create an amazing statement of your own! Let’s go!

Introducing Your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose

Your introductory paragraph should go over some of the most impactful experiences you’ve had in Scouting thus far, as well as what you’ve learned from those experiences. Some experiences you can highlight are times when you acted as a leader, times where you learned an important value, or even things that you learned in Scouting that you’ve applied to a situation outside of Scouting. 

The important part here is to consider what you’ve learned from your Scouting career (Hopefully, a lot). The Eagle Rank is the highest rank in Scouting, and with it comes a wealth of experiences and wisdom that you’ve had to learn along the way. Here is how I chose to tie in what I learned from Scouting: 

“Reflecting back, as I’m now applying for Eagle, the highest rank in Scouting, I realize just how far I’ve come. Not only have I learned how to light a fire with a single match, tie a bowline around myself with one hand, and sell ungodly amounts of Trail’s End popcorn — no, Scouting had given me much more. Scouting has given me the core values and principles that I now carry with me through my life.” 

Your introduction shouldn’t be long-winded, as you’ll have many other parts of your essay to get into more detail. Keeping it brief and to the point will likely be the most effective approach to completing your introduction. When writing your intro, here are a few questions you could ask yourself:

Introductory Questions to Consider

• What part of the Scout Oath and Law means the most to you? How have you lived by it in your Scouting and non-Scouting life? 
• What is a specific Scouting experience you’ve had where you’ve learned something of great value? What did you learn? How did you end up learning it? 
• How have you most changed from when you were a new Scout?  Think back to who you were, as a person, when just entering Scouting.
• When you hear the word “Scouting,” what comes to mind? Why?

Short-Term Goals for High School 

The focus of your next section should be the goals you’d like to complete before finishing high school. These short-term goals can be academic (like getting all A’s), extracurricular (Like making varsity), or even personally-related (such as a hobby, interest, or side-business).

This section can also be used to describe how to plan to achieve these goals. Success comes from making solid plans and then executing on them, so make sure you think about how to achieve your goals. This way they won’t just be dreams! Here’s how I wrote about my high school goals:

“In my high school life, I am planning on taking two Advanced Placement courses: AP Environmental Science and AP English Language and Composition. These courses, though challenging, will hopefully help me expand my knowledge into areas that I may be interested in pursuing while at college.”  “My next big hurdle comes in the form of college applications. Between club responsibilities, AP classes, Scouting, and friends, I’ll be hard-pressed to find the time. However, like earning Eagle, nothing worthwhile comes easy. To achieve my short term goals I’ll set a schedule, make a plan, and check things off one requirement at a time.”

While I highly encourage you to talk about your extracurricular or personal goals as well, I’d highly recommend that you mention your high school academics in some way when writing this section.

Even if you don’t have plans to continue your education after high school, the main point of this part of your life is likely to become educated and graduate with your high school diploma. As such, a portion of this section should be dedicated to discussing your academics (it could even be one sentence stating that you plan on finishing high school!). 

Short-term Questions to Consider 

• Are there any classes you want to take before you graduate, such as any AP or IB classes? Why do you want to take these classes? How do you think they could help in your future?
• Do you have any goals you want to complete in your extracurricular activities? How can you take on more leadership in your teams, clubs, and community service groups?
• Are there any personal interests you’ve developed while in high school that might steer you towards a certain career?  Consider things you’re good at, love doing, and might make you money.

Long-Term Goals For After Graduation

This section focuses on your long-term plans after graduating from high school. There are many avenues you could pursue after your graduation! Will you be going to a trade school? The military? Continuing your education by attending a four-year university or a community college? Heading straight to the workforce? The possibilities are endless! 🙂

I’d recommend considering how you want your life after high school to look (especially since it’ll be happening eventually). Think not just about continued education, but also the values and jobs you’ll be taking on. Here’s how I discussed my own plans in this section of my Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose:

“Upon graduating from high school, I want to attend a four-year college within the University of California system. I have not decided what studies to pursue in college, but I am leaning towards majoring in the chemistry field.”  “In college, I hope to develop the skills and connections to land a chemical engineering job where I can directly help others. I want a comfortable salary, and the expertise to have my ideas be heard within the workforce. I won’t be satisfied simply remaining a follower in my field and intend to lead others to help bring about breakthroughs that improve human wellbeing.”

This section gives you a lot of freedom to express yourself; you can go into as much detail as you’d like when explaining your post-graduate plans. For example, if you’re sure that you want to enter a trade school, feel free to talk about the steps you’re going to take in order to get trained, certified, and hired for the trade of choice! 

Since you’ll be earning your Eagle Rank soon, it’s vital that you learn how to Properly List Eagle Scout On Your Resume . Not only does this improve your odds of landing a job and getting into a good school, it’ll also help you to more effectively describe your Scouting experiences (and learn from them, too)!

Here’s a Tip: Be realistic, but also dream big! Since in this section you can talk about your desired career, feel free to set a big, hairy, audacious goal (I call this a BHAG). Setting a huge, motivating goal for your future can spur you into action and help you to accomplish anything!

With your BHAG in mind, here are a few questions to consider that can point you in the right direction when writing this section:

Long-term Questions to Consider 

• If you’re planning on entering the workforce, what type of job are you looking for? What steps might you take to increase your chances of being hired for the position you’re interested in? 
• If you’re planning on joining the military, what branch of the military are you interested in joining? Why do you want to join this section of the military? 
• If you’re planning on going to trade school, what type of trade interests you? Do you know any schools that excel in teaching this trade? Do you want to start your own business with this trade or join an existing company? 
• If you’re planning on continuing your education, will you be going to a community college or a four-year university? What do you want to get out of your continued education, and how will you make it happen?
• If none of these options apply to you, what will you be doing? Do you have plans to do one of the previous options eventually or are you planning on sticking to your original plans for a long time? 
• In a perfect world, where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you want to (and not want to ) be doing?

Your Life’s Purpose and Values

The final section of your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose should be used to describe your ultimate life’s vision. What do you really want out of life? Good topics to consider for this section could include plans about a future family, community involvement, and bucket-list experiences.

One thing you should try to mention in this section is how you plan to use the lessons you’ve learned from Scouting when you’re older. You don’t have to promise to return to Scouting in the future (although if you do see yourself volunteering, be sure to mention it), but you should try to discuss how you’ll use what you’ve learned to better the world.

Here is how I chose to describe my life’s purpose and values: 

“My ultimate vision for life is to become an individual who lifts others up. Growing up an only child, I always felt best whenever I was able to contribute to the people around me. Whether it’s making scientific breakthroughs, leading a team, or even teaching Scouts, my life’s vision will always be to do good for others.” “Although my specific goals will probably change as I grow older and experience the world from a different perspective, I know that the values I learned from Scouting will forever remain in my mind and heart. Regardless of what I end up doing, while I’m doing it I’ll be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” 

If you’re having trouble figuring out how to write this last section, keep in mind that your goals are only half of the question. Consider what values you feel are most important to you as well. What brings purpose and meaning to your life? There’s no right or wrong answer here, so feel free to expand on these points as much as you’d like! 

You can honestly take any direction you’d like when writing about your life’s purpose, but I’d recommend asking yourself the following questions to first gain some clarity:

Life Purpose Questions to Consider 

• Think about when you’ll be 30-40 years old. What do you picture your life will be like at that age? What will you have accomplished? What part of doing that will make you happy?
• How will you stay involved with your family when you’re older? Do you have plans on eventually having a family of your own? 
• What would you most like to do in your free time? Do you plan to travel, volunteer, or maybe even do something else?
• How will you stay involved in your community when you’re older? How close do you want to be with others in your community? Do you want to be a mentor? 
• If you could assign yourself a life ‘theme,’ what would it be? Some ideas include creativity, integrity, resourcefulness, or anything else you can come up with. How will you embody this theme in your life purpose?

Conclusion 

Although the ideas you’ll cover in your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose will likely change as you get older, I really encourage you to be as detailed as possible when writing your essay. Believe me, when you’re older you’ll look back on this essay and appreciate the glimpse it gives you into your life right now!

Your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose is essentially a time capsule of your teenage self, so it’s vital to do it right. By using the structure we covered in this article, and asking yourself important questions about how you want your life to look, I’m sure you’ll create an awesome essay! 🙂

Chances are this won’t be the last essay you write. In fact, your Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose may just be the start of an awesome college application essay! To make your college goals a reality, check out my complete guide to Writing An Eagle Scout College Essay That Gets You Accepted .

Congrats on making it to the end of this article, as well as for your upcoming Eagle Rank! Hope to see you back at ScoutSmarts again soon and, until next time, be the best individual you can be!

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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How To Write The Eagle Statement of Ambitions

Home » How To Write The Eagle Statement of Ambitions

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post Don’t Forget – Most Commonly Skipped Eagle Requirement , which talked a bit about how to write the Eagle Statement of Ambitions.  I want to expound on that requirement a little bit today.

I have served as an District Eagle Coach and have sat on hundreds of boards of review and read the Statements of Ambition for those Eagle candidates over the years.  I can honestly say that all of them are very different.  This is one of the funnest things for board members to read and it gives them insight to what kind of scout and person the candidate is.  It is very obvious that some candidates have spent the minimum amount of time writing and thinking about what they put in that statement.  Some are very thoughtful.

I remember one in particular had a statement that said he wanted to be the President of the United States.  I thought, wow!  What a bold statement from a 17 year-old.  When he came in for the review, we asked him about it. He was very serious and we found out that he had plans to make that happen.

You should think of your board of review like a job interview.  You are trying to show the board that you are the right candidate for the job, which is attaining the rank of Eagle.

Your Statement of Ambitions should be a minimum of two pages. The first page should be a double-spaced typed letter of what you want to do with the rest of your life.  This should be really easy for scouts to write.  I think of the movie “A Christmas Story,” when Ralphie is in school and his teacher tells them they need to write a theme.  They all moan!  Then when she tells them the topic, “What I Want For Christmas,” they all get very excited and want to do the assignment.  Scouts should feel the same way about this “theme.”

I have seen scouts write as little as 2 sentences or as much as 3 pages.  It should be 1-2 pages.  Also, you should use the spell checker on your computer and have your mom, dad, or scout leader proofread it to polish it up to look good before it is turned in with your paperwork.

This first page is where most scouts stop. That is only half of the requirement.  It also says to include a list of any leadership positions you have held over your scouting time in anything.  This includes school, band, church, work, anywhere!

Also, you need to include any awards you received while serving in these leadership roles.  If you earned your Duty to God at church, list it.  If you won high honors in your band at school, list it.  Basically this is a “brag sheet” of all your accomplishments while you were a leader.  Most scouts either forget to add this or don’t feel comfortable bragging about themselves.

In the real world when people are interviewing for jobs, they present a resume to potential employers to show off their skills and list all the great things that they know and have done.  This distinguishes them from all the other job candidates and proves they have the necessary skills to be there and do the job.  An Eagle Board of Review is no different.  You are a candidate for the Eagle Rank at the time of your board.  Present yourself it the best possible light.

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Eagle Scout Requirement 6: Attach to this application a statement of your ambitions and life purpose and a listing of positions held in your religious institution, school, camp, community, or other organizations during which you demonstrated leadership skills. Include honors and awards received during this service. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference with your unit leader.

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Worth reading: Eagle Scout’s essay on “The Importance of Scouting in America”

In a passionate, well-thought-out essay that also serves as an excellent endorsement of Scouting, Julia Shepherd, a member of the BSA’s inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts , starts by listing a handful of famous Eagles. Then, she writes:

These people have all made their mark on the world, a path led to them through Scouting. Leaders have to make decisions, be problem solvers, face adversity, and follow their moral obligations – all principles of Scouting. … Teaching young girls and boys the values of responsibility, loyalty, leadership, and camaraderie at this age equips them for life in the reality we live in. In the ever-changing society that we are a part of, these characteristics are fundamental for children to possess and carry with them into adulthood.

The essay was part of a Central Florida Council scholarship contest. Apparently, the judges were as impressed as I was: They awarded her first place.

The importance of the uniform

Julia, from Troop 4773 in Longwood, Fla., expresses her thoughts on — among other things — the importance of the principles that kids learn in Scouting. She also uses the Scouts BSA uniform as a metaphor for everything that Scouting is about.

All of the different components of the uniform combine to form a harmonious unit, much like Scouts in America. Although there is much more to a Scout than the uniform they wear, it encapsulates everything that Scouting stands for. From the leadership to the unity to the citizenship, the uniform and the values embodied within it resemble the true importance of Scouting in America.

The uniform belt, Julia says, represents the support Scouts show to each other.

Whether it is at a troop meeting or on a camping trip, Scouts are almost always working together. Building the trust and skills to work in a team empowers everyone to continue pushing towards the goal.

The neckerchief slide holds the neckerchief in place, as Scouts must hold onto their values. The position patch signifies leadership. And the council patch represents the community to which all Scouts belong.

The importance of character

Julia interjects some personal anecdotes throughout, including the time she and some other older Scouts helped some new Scouts set up their equipment the first time they went camping. She also emphasizes the benefits of the BSA’s merit badge program.

The Personal Fitness merit badge discovered my love for tennis, the Citizenship in the Community merit badge formed my aspirations to run for city council, and the Fingerprinting merit badge intrigued my career interest in forensic science. Exploring these new subjects at a young age helps pinpoint future aspirations and goals.

Julia, who is now studying neuroscience at the University of Central Florida, concludes her essay by writing about perhaps the most important patch of them all: the U.S. flag emblem worn on the right shoulder.

America needs the youth’s generation to be endowed with the values of hard work and morals to better the future of our world and our society. … Scouts are our future, and they are equipped with a skillset that gives me confidence and faith in the future of our country.

Click here to read Julia’s essay in its entirety.

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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• November 15, 2023

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Does Being an Eagle Scout Help with College Admissions?

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

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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How to Win Eagle Scout Scholarships

Eagle scout scholarships: introduction.

Finding merit scholarships to fund your college goals can be a challenge. Therefore, in this guide to Eagle Scout Scholarships, we’ll walk you through all of the details of the National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships, including important requirements , deadlines , and more. Keep reading, and we will help you work out the ins and outs of merit-based scholarships.

Firstly, we’ll go over how to find scholarships for college, explore the National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships (aka NESA Scholarships), discuss what makes you eligible for Eagle Scout Scholarships, explore some of the top merit-based scholarships. Finally, we’ll share five tips to help you become NESA scholarship winners. Overall, this article will help make your scholarship search as painless as possible.

How to find scholarships for college?

The cost of college is growing, making an in-depth scholarship search more important. In the search for scholarships for college, you may become overwhelmed with the sheer number and variety of options. Want to apply for Financial Aid and scholarships, but not sure where to start? CollegeAdvisor has a webinar that goes over the steps to apply for each of these. In the first place, there are a few basic terms you should get familiar with. 

The Difference Between Merit-Based Scholarships and Financial Aid

Firstly, what is a merit-based scholarship, and how does it differ from student financial aid? Financial aid is money loaned to a student that they may or may not have to pay back. For example, some forms of financial aid include grants and loans. In fact, students don’t need to pay back grants. However, they must pay back loans to the lending institution with interest. In conclusion, financial aid awards are based on a student’s financial need. 

On the other hand, scholarships for college are normally gifted money for students to use toward the cost of college. These funds are granted either to the student or directly to the school the student attends. You don’t have to pay back this money to the entity that awarded you the scholarship. This is because scholarships are not necessarily tied to a student’s financial need. Specifically, schools may award merit-based scholarships based on things such as academic, athletic, artistic, or specialty merit. 

Merit Scholarships

There are countless merit scholarships available to students. So, in this article, we’ll go over some of the top merit-based scholarships for college. CollegeAdvisor is a great starting place to search for merit-based scholarships. If you don’t know where to start in your scholarship search, CollegeAdvisor has an informative webinar on how to find and apply for scholarships that can guide you on your journey. 

First thing to remember is that you’ll come across all types of scholarships in your scholarship search. Therefore, you need to identify which merit-based scholarships you can apply to. Specifically, most of the top merit-based scholarships require high academic achievement or excellence in extracurricular activities and athletics. 

There are also many merit scholarships that seek students who excel in specific fields. For example, you can find scholarships for members of specific community organizations you may already be a part of. The point is to think about your academic performance, and your extracurricular interests, and search for scholarships that you feel would best fit your specific identity. 

Once you have found a few scholarships that fit you, start creating a competitive application. Most merit-based scholarships have similar application elements.

Application components to look out for:

• Firstly, you will probably need a strong letter of recommendation from a respected adult such as a teacher or a coach. These letters don’t have to be lengthy. However, they should convey your strengths as a student and describe why the writer believes you are worthy of receiving a scholarship.
• Almost all merit scholarships include a written component . For example, a personal statement, or short answer questions, or an essay. Thus, take every opportunity to practice and improve your writing skills. Additionally, make it a habit to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. For example, Grammarly is a  free online tool that can help to strengthen your writing. 
• Keep up your grades! This may sound obvious, but high academic performance and test scores are often required for many merit-based scholarships. Form study groups with your peers, seek out tutoring when necessary, and take advantage of any free test-prep courses offered to you through your school. 
• Finally, pay attention to the various application deadlines ! Each scholarship has different deadlines, and it is easy to forget them when you are busy with school and extracurriculars. So, create a spreadsheet or make a list of all the scholarships that interest you, their application requirements, and their deadlines.

Examples of Merit Scholarships

CollegeAdvisor has a great variety of articles on how to apply to various merit-based scholarships. These articles are also strong resources if you want to learn more about some of the top merit-based scholarships in the nation. Below, for example, we’ve picked a few of these merit-based scholarships.

Vanderbilt Merit Scholarships : “Vanderbilt is one of the few private elite academic institutions that offer significant merit scholarships that are independent of a family’s financial status. As a result, the Vanderbilt merit scholarships are highly competitive, with less than 1% of applicants receiving a scholarship. 

Prospective applicants can apply to three merit scholarships: the Cornelius Vanderbilt scholarship, the Chancellor scholarship, and the Ingram scholarship.”

Coca-Cola Scholarship : “The Coca-Cola scholarship is a $20,000 scholarship awarded to 150 exceptional high school seniors that provides them with a unique and exclusive alumni network. It is one of the more prestigious scholarships for high school students and has a rigorous admission process. In their own words, the scholarship is for students ‘who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership.’”

USC Merit Scholarship : “To be applicable for a USC merit scholarship, students must submit their application earlier than the regular decision deadline. Typically, 2% of early applicants are selected to be considered for a USC merit scholarship. There are three possible USC merit scholarships students can receive: the Trustee scholarship (full-tuition), the Presidential scholarship (half-tuition), and the Dean’s Scholarship (quarter-tuition).”

Exploring National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships

In case your scholarship search has brought you to NESA, you may already be familiar with this great organization. The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is an organization specifically for those members of Scouts BSA who are Eagle Scouts . NESA “empowers Eagle Scouts to perpetuate the mission, values, and time-honored traditions of Scouting for future generations.” 

Specifically, national Eagle Scout Association Scholarships are available each year for students entering college. NESA scholarships are competitive , merit-based scholarships awarded to select students who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. For this reason, there are various forms of NESA scholarships with varying amounts of funding attached to them.

Note that the NESA scholarship application portal is only open during the months of December and January. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. CST on January 31.

This article will explore all the NESA scholarship details , and show you how to join the ranks of the NESA scholarship winners.

Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship

The Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship is the NESA scholarship for high-achieving students. Lawrence S. Cooke established this fund in memory of his wife, Mabel Cooke. In fact, the Cooke Scholarship is one of the most sought-after of the Eagle Scout scholarships. 

This scholarship is also the largest of the NESA scholarships and can help make a big difference in the cost of college.

• A $48,000 scholarship is given to one student per year (up to $12,000/year for four years of study), and a $25,000 will be awarded to four students (up to $6,250/year for four years of study)
• Each of the 16 National Service Territories (NST) will award one student a one-year $10,000 scholarship

It must be remembered that the Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship is one of the best Eagle Scout scholarships for college. Therefore, these Eagle Scout scholarship recipients must show high academic performance, demonstrate financial need, and be active participants in school and Scouting activities.

National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship

Beyond the Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarships, students may also apply to other NESA scholarships with smaller award values. 

• Each NST will award two students a one-year $5,000 scholarship
• Each NST will award one student a one-year $3,500 scholarship

All Eagle Scout scholarships are funded through endowments from the National Eagle Scout Association, the Hansen & Mary Hall Scholarship Fund, the Lester S. McElwain Eagle Scholarship Endowment, and the Robert and Rebecca Palmer Eagle Scout Scholarship Endowment.

NESA scholarship winners must show that they understand the importance of service to their community, service to Scouting, and being active participants in school, Scouting, and their community.

Additionally, Eagle Scout scholarships are for students in financial need. Thus, NESA scholarship winners should show their financial need. 

How many NESA Scholarships are offered each year?

Between the Cooke Scholarship and the other Eagle Scout Scholarships, NESA awarded scholarships to 69 Eagle Scouts in 2023 to help students offset the cost of college. 

• 5 Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarships
• 16 Cooke Scholarships—one for each NST
• Three other NESA Scholarships in each of the 16 NSTs

The National Eagle Scout Association scholarships are great merit scholarships for students to apply to. With 69 NESA scholarship winners this year, these Eagle Scout scholarships are worth applying for!

How much are the NESA Scholarships? 

Let’s break down the award amounts for each of the NESA Scholarships!

The Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship:

• $48,000 to one national recipient (up to $12,000/year for four years) and $25,000 to four national recipients (up to $6,250/year for four years)
• $10,000 (one-year) to one recipient in each of the 16 NSTs

Other National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships:

• $5,000 to two recipients in each of the 16 NSTs
• $3,500 to one recipient in each of the 16 NSTs

So, as you can see, the Eagle Scout scholarships for college are well worth applying for! They can greatly impact the cost of college for you and your family. 

What are the conditions of the NESA Scholarships?

NESA Scholarship winners must meet certain conditions to apply for these Eagle Scout scholarships for college. Here are 5 award conditions for students receiving a NESA scholarship: 

• Students must be active members of NESA and achieve Eagle Scout status during each award period. You can become a NESA member through their website. NESA offers two membership options: either 5-year or lifetime membership plans. 
• Students must attend school full-time. Students must show proof of enrollment and full-time student status.
• NESA pays all funds directly to the award recipient’s college or university for tuition, room, and board.
• Winners must submit a thank-you video at the beginning of the school year sharing the importance of the award.
• Award recipients must use funds in the year provided and cannot defer their scholarships (this is especially important for those students who are pursuing a gap year). However, students planning on taking a gap year are still eligible to apply for and receive Eagle Scout scholarships for college.

The conditions of the National Eagle Scout Association scholarships ensure the NESA scholarship winners maintain high levels of academic and personal performance during their time at college.

Are Eagle Scout Scholarships competitive?

With only 69 total National Eagle Scout Association scholarships awarded nationally this year, NESA scholarships for college are competitive . However, these merit scholarships are still worth applying for, to help offset the cost of college.

Tips for becoming an award recipient

Below are our tips for attaining scholarship funding:

• Hone your writing skills: Top merit-based scholarships all require a writing sample in their application. Some scholarships will ask for a personal statement , short answer questions , or even a full essay. 
• Maintain high academic performance: Many merit scholarships seek students who have high marks at school. But don’t fret if you’re not a “straight A” student. If a student shows an aptitude for a certain subject or maintains good grades, and take part in extracurricular activities, they have a good chance of getting a scholarship of some kind.
• Aim for high test scores: Along with working toward high academic performance, students need to study for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT exams . Some students choose to hire special tutors to teach them test strategies. If this is not possible, many high schools and libraries offer free or low-cost exam prep courses. Again, practice, practice, practice! Scoring well on a test has more to do with your test-taking stamina and strategy than with your actual knowledge of a subject. 

*Note: For Eagle Scout scholarships this year, SAT and ACT scores are not required as part of the application. 

Who is eligible for NESA Scholarships?

In your scholarship search, you have probably come across various eligibility requirements for different scholarships for college.

Let’s go over the eligibility requirements for the National Eagle Scout Association scholarships:

• Applicants must be active NESA members who earned the rank of Eagle Scout and are pursuing further study at an accredited college or university.
• Students attending any of the U.S. military academies are not eligible for Eagle Scout scholarships.
• Graduate students are ineligible for Eagle Scout scholarships—these scholarships are for undergraduate students.

How do I apply for Eagle Scout Scholarships?

Armed with all this information, you may now be wondering, “Where do I apply for a NESA scholarship?”

All National Eagle Scout Association scholarships are on the NESA webpage . There, you can read more details about Eagle Scout scholarships for college and find the online application portal to apply. Please note that the portal won’t be active until December 2023, when the application window opens. 

The application portal for the National Eagle Scout Association scholarships will only be open during the application window (December and January).

Click “New Applicant” to get started. You will not have to provide any BSA ID numbers to begin your application.

Once you create your account, you can begin to fill out the NESA scholarship application. You will receive a link to access your application and make any updates. There is no need to complete the entire application at once. You can log out and log in to complete the application later if necessary.

When can I apply for NESA Scholarships?

Now that you know about these amazing Eagle Scout scholarships for college, you’re probably itching to apply as soon as possible! The application portal opens each December, so students will complete the application in the winter of their senior year of high school. 

Students must submit their Eagle Scout scholarship applications by the end of January. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information, as NESA has not formally announced the 2022‒2023 deadline yet.

NESA scholarship winners will be announced in June, following a student’s senior year of high school. 

Eagle Scout Scholarships – Additional Questions

Now we’ll go over some more questions about Eagle Scout scholarships for college that we didn’t cover above. 

What do I need to submit to win an Eagle Scout scholarship?

You must be an official NESA member to win an Eagle Scout scholarship and submit an application through the NESA application portal on their website.

Can I apply for an Eagle Scout scholarship if I am taking a gap year?

Yes, Eagle Scout scholarships are open to students planning to take a gap year. However, students must remember to apply during their gap year.

How can I stand out from other applicants when applying for merit scholarships?

Standing out from the crowd can feel like a challenge. The key is to identify your strengths and share them when you apply for merit scholarships. Winning a merit scholarship is about showing what makes you unique and worthy. This can range from exceptional grades to a diverse and robust extracurricular routine.

Eagle Scout Scholarships vs. the National Merit Scholarship

Eagle Scout Scholarships are only one type of merit-based scholarship. Students will find other opportunities in their scholarship search, such as the National Merit Scholarship .

The National Merit Scholarship is one of the top merit-based scholarships in the nation. Both the National Merit Scholarship and the Eagle Scout scholarships are highly competitive merit scholarships. This article from CollegeAdvisor offers an excellent deep dive into the National Merit Scholarship.

Let’s briefly compare the two merit scholarships:

5 Tips to Win an Eagle Scout Scholarship

Let’s go over some tips to help you become one of the NESA scholarship winners this year! These five things will increase your chances of winning one of the Eagle Scout scholarships for college.

• Engage in Eagle Scout activities: Eagle Scout scholarships are for those students who are active in their Eagle Scout troupes. The more involved you are in scouting activities, the better your chances of getting a NESA scholarship.
• Keep your grades up: Almost all top merit-based scholarships require students to maintain high academic performance.
• Invest in your community : Eagle Scout scholarships require students to be active participants in their community. Whether that be through volunteering, community service, or community groups, NESA wants students who understand the value of community investment.
• Write strong essays : In your scholarship search, you have no doubt noticed that most scholarships have a written element. Practice writing every day! Use every opportunity to improve your writing skills. You’d be surprised how much your writing will progress with dedicated practice. If in doubt, many high schools or public libraries offer tutors or help for writing. Look into your local resources.
• Meet your deadlines : Organization is key for managing multiple projects. Right now, students have full plates with testing, school, extracurricular activities, and applying for scholarships and financial aid on top of it all. In your scholarship search, keep an organized list of which applications are due and when. Set calendar reminders in advance of the due date to give yourself some cushion with deadlines.

How to win the National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships – Final Thoughts

Eagle Scout scholarships for college are great, competitive merit-based scholarships. NESA scholarship winners will be those students who are 1) Eagle Scouts, 2) active in their communities, 3) maintain high academic performance, and 4) can show financial need.

Eligible students must be attending an accredited four-year college, excluding U.S. military academies. Students taking a gap year can still apply for Eagle Scout scholarships for college but must apply during their gap year . You cannot defer the scholarships. 

NESA awards 69 scholarships each year:

• (1) $48,000 award and (4) $25,000 awards through the Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship
• (16) $10,000 awards; one award per NST
• (32) $5,000 awards; two awards per NST
• (16) $3,500 awards; one award per NST

Students must apply through the application portal on the NESA website. The portal opens on December 1st and closes on January 31st. 

Award winners will be announced in June, after graduation.

Additional CollegeAdvisor Resources to help your scholarship search!

Throughout your college application process, keep in mind that CollegeAdvisor.com is here to support you throughout your college and scholarship journey. Whether it’s a strategy to win a Vanderbilt , Coca-Cola , or USC Merit Scholarship, or sharing other resources like essay guides , application help , or tuition information , CollegeAdvisor.com has what you’ll need to reach your maximum potential. Good luck!

This article was written by Ciara Ayala. If you want to get help with your college applications from  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts ,  register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.  Also, check out our other guides to  Merit-Based Scholarships  as you embark on your college application journey!

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