How to Pass The Eagle Scout Board of Review

You've already accomplished the first step in preparing for your Eagle Board of Review- You're here! Because you are reading this site I know you want to pass your board with flying colors. Let's discuss some other tips for preparation:

1. Review the basics: Although the Eagle board of review is meant to be a review of your accomplishments to date, sometimes they will ask you to review your scouting skills. Since you joined the scouts when you were ten, you have been working towards becoming an Eagle Scout. You've had a whole books worth of information crammed into your head. Some of this information you've used. Some of it you have not thought about since you passed that ranks' board of review. Make sure you go back and review some of the basics. Of course, the Scout Oath and Law are critical, but you should know those like you know your birthday. Other key things to review are: The Scout Motto (Be Prepared) and slogan (Do a good turn daily). Also review the parts of the scout badge, the proper way to perform the scout handshake, and the history of the Boy Scouts (found in the back of the book).

2. Rehearse some answers: While taking part in the Eagle Board of Review, you want to sound confident. You also want to say the right things. First, read the list of possible questions, and try to pick out some that you may not know the answer to off the top of your head. Think for awhile about these questions and come up with a strong answer. It's best not to sit at the board saying "um, uh, I don't know". By having an answer to some of the tougher questions you can show confidence and impress the members of the Board. If you are not typically a confident public speaker, or have trouble thinking under pressure, you may want to practice your answers with a friend. Verbally speaking your answers will not only help you remember what you want to say, it will help you flesh out whether the answer makes sense and is impactful or not.

3. Have a story ready to go: In my conversations with leaders who have sat on Eagle Boards, I have discovered one key that will lead to the success of an Eagle Candidate. There will undoubtedly be a question asked of your leadership experience. Instead of a short answer, you should "show" them your leadership ability through a story. The story should effctively show how you are a leader, how scouts has made you a leader,or how you've applied what you've learned in scouts to the outside world. I would also recommend that the topic of the story does not involve your Eagle project. Your project will be discussed in full at some point. This story can be as long or short as you want, though I would recommend keeping it under 5 minutes. Lastly, make sure the story is completely true (Remember- a scout is Trustworthy), and the chances are that a leader on your board will be able to recognize the events of the story and verify it to the other members of the board.

Questions will be based on a variety of topics from the Scout's experiences.

Regarding the Oath and Law:

What is the hardest point of the Scout Law for you to live by - why?
What point of the Scout Law is the most important to you - why?
What does "Scouting Spirit" mean to you - why?
What do the various points of the Scout Law mean to you?
What values has Scouting taught you that you think others see in you - at home, in your unit, at school and/or in the community?
How do you live by the Scout Law and Oath?
What do the different points of the Scout Oath mean to you?
What does "duty to God" mean to you?
What does "duty to Country" mean to you?
How do you "help others at all times"?
How do you feel about wearing your uniform in public?

Regarding Scouting Experiences:

What leadership positions have you held?
What were your responsibilities in each position?
What leadership position do you hold now?
What you would do if a scout refused to comply and/or ignored a valid request you made in the performance of his duties.
How might you handle "hurry-up" first aid cases.
Have you earned any merit badges that will help you in your choice of occupation?
What merit badge did you enjoy working on the most - why?
Conversely, which one did you enjoy working on the least - why?
What changes would you make in the unit?
If you earn your Eagle rank tonight, what do you intend to do to repay Scouting, your unit and its leaders?
Who has been the most influential person in your Scouting career?
Is there anything Scouting did not give you that you feel could be beneficial to the program to help other young men develop?

Regarding the Eagle Project:
What group benefited from your project?
How did you find out about the need?
Walk the Board through the project from beginning to end i. The planning phase ii. The organization of personnel iii. Directing the project to completion
Did you have to contact any city, county or state officials for permits or to find out about ordinances, etc. - did the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge help - how?
Once your project was approved, did you have to modify it - what did you learn from that experience?
Who did you get involved in helping with your project - scouts, adults from the troop, members of the benefiting organization....?
Did you have any problems directing adults in their work - how did you feel about that?
In what ways do you feel you demonstrated leadership in this project?
Every scouts feels his project was "special" - how is this project "special"?
Thirty years from now when someone else asks you what you did for you Eagle project, what will stand out in your mind - how will you answer that question?

Regarding Your Future:
What plans do you have for the future? - college, Armed Forces, trade school..?
How do you feel earning Eagle will help you in those plans?
What should an Eagle Scout be expected to do and what responsibilities do you think come with the rank?
What do you plan to do in scouting in the immediate and long range future?

These questions were put together with help from www.eaglescout.org

A scout who is confident and knowledgeable is a scout who will pass their Eagle Board of Review. Some people though, still get nervous. If you do find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Stay calm. Remember that these scouters are not here to quiz you but to review the progress of your scouting career. If you know yourself, know your abilities, and have a great story to tell, you will pass with flying colors. Good luck on your Eagle Board of Review, and please come back and let me know how it goes!