Reaching the Eagle Scout Board of Review is a milestone that only about 5 percent of all Scouts achieve. The process is both an honor and a challenge, representing years of growth, service, and leadership. If you are preparing for your Eagle Board, understanding the types of questions you might face—and how to answer them thoughtfully—can help you approach the experience with confidence.
This guide breaks down the most common Eagle Board of Review questions, provides example answers, and offers practical strategies to help you reflect on your Scouting journey. Whether you are a Scout, parent, or leader, you will find insights here to help make the Board of Review a meaningful and successful experience.
What Is the Eagle Board of Review?
The Eagle Board of Review represents the final step in a Scout’s journey to earning the highest rank in Scouting America. This formal interview serves three critical functions: assessing your readiness for the Eagle rank, reviewing your leadership service project and overall Scouting experience, and confirming your alignment with Scouting values and principles.
The board exists to determine the quality of your Scouting experience and decide whether you’ve truly fulfilled all requirements for Eagle Scout. According to the BSA’s Guide to Advancement, board members evaluate not just your completion of requirements, but your attitudes, accomplishments, and acceptance of Scouting’s ideals.
Board Composition and Standards
Your Eagle Board of Review consists of three to six members from your troop committee. These adults cannot be related to you and must maintain complete confidentiality about your board discussion. The BSA requires this specific composition to ensure fairness and thoroughness in the review process.
Board members bring different perspectives to evaluate your readiness. Some may focus on your leadership development, while others might ask about specific merit badges or your service project. The variety of viewpoints helps create a comprehensive assessment of your Scouting journey.
The board operates under strict confidentiality rules. What you discuss during your review stays within that room. This confidentiality allows you to speak honestly about challenges you’ve faced and lessons you’ve learned without concern about judgment from others in your troop.
The Review Process
The board follows a structured approach that covers three main areas. First, members review your documentation including your Eagle Scout Rank Application, service project workbook, and reference letters. They verify that all requirements have been completed and properly documented.
Next, the board conducts a formal interview. This isn’t a test with right or wrong answers. Instead, board members ask questions to understand your Scouting experience, personal growth, and commitment to Scouting’s values. They want to hear your stories, challenges overcome, and how Scouting has shaped your character.
The interview typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Board members might ask about specific merit badges, your leadership service project, times you demonstrated Scout spirit, or how you’ve lived the Scout Oath and Law. They’re looking for authentic responses that show genuine understanding and personal growth.
Your project workbook receives special attention. Board members want to understand your project’s impact, the leadership skills you developed, and how you managed challenges that arose. They may ask detailed questions about planning, execution, and what you learned from the experience.
Preparing for the Board: Mindset and Logistics
Essential Items to Bring
The Eagle Board of Review requires specific documentation that proves your readiness for the rank. Bring your completed Eagle Scout Rank Application, project workbook, and reference letters in a well-organized three-ring binder. Your uniform should be in full Class A dress—clean, pressed, and properly adorned with current badges and insignia.
Include supporting materials like project photos, newspaper clippings, or thank-you letters from beneficiaries. These items help board members understand the full scope of your project’s impact. A statement of your ambitions and life purpose is also required—prepare this thoughtfully as it often sparks meaningful discussion during your review.
Scheduling Logistics
Coordinate with your Scoutmaster and council advancement chair to schedule your board at least 30 days before your 18th birthday. Many councils require even more lead time, especially during busy seasons. Contact board members early to confirm their availability and provide them with advance copies of your application materials.
Remember that the board consists of three to six members from the community and Scouting—none of whom can be your relatives or direct unit leaders. This ensures an impartial evaluation of your readiness for Eagle rank.
The Right Mental Approach
Honest self-reflection forms the foundation of effective board preparation. Think through your Scouting journey with genuine introspection—what challenges tested you most? Which experiences changed how you see leadership or service? These authentic reflections create the raw material for compelling responses during your review.
Designing an enjoyable preparation process makes this reflection sustainable and prevents pre-board burnout. Instead of cramming facts about merit badges, create a system you actually like—whether that’s journaling about favorite camping trips, organizing photos with friends, or discussing Scouting stories with family. When you enjoy the process of preparing, you’ll naturally develop more authentic and memorable responses.
Keep a simple log of your Scouting experiences, noting both significant achievements and smaller victories along the way. Document moments when you applied Scout Oath and Law principles, times you helped other Scouts, or instances when you overcame personal challenges. Reviewing this personal record before your board will help you recall specific stories that demonstrate your growth and character development.
This video from ScouterStan provides an inside look at the Eagle Board of Review process, including who serves on boards and what types of questions to expect. Key timestamps include 0:45-3:13 for understanding board composition requirements, 6:43-8:18 for learning how boards focus on Scout Oath and Law application rather than skill retesting, and 10:50-12:01 for the confidential deliberation process that follows your interview.
Practice Makes Confidence
Run through common questions with trusted adults who can provide honest feedback about your responses. Practice explaining your project’s impact, describing your leadership style, and connecting specific experiences to Scout values. The goal isn’t memorizing perfect answers—it’s becoming comfortable discussing your growth as a Scout and leader.
Arrive 15 minutes early on the day of your board. Use this time to review your materials one final time and settle your nerves. Remember that board members want you to succeed—they’re there to confirm you’re ready for Eagle rank, not to create obstacles.
Leadership and the Eagle Project: Key Questions and Example Answers
Your Eagle Scout Service Project represents the culmination of your leadership development in Scouting. The board members will focus heavily on how you planned, managed, and led others through this significant undertaking. They want to understand not just what you accomplished, but how you grew as a leader through the process.
Common Leadership-Focused Questions
The board will ask specific questions about your leadership approach and decision-making process. “Describe how you led your project. What was your leadership style?” requires you to articulate your specific methods for guiding your team. Think about whether you were more directive or collaborative, how you communicated expectations, and what approach worked best for different situations.
“How did you involve other Scouts and adults?” tests your understanding of delegation and team building. The board wants to see that you actively engaged others rather than doing everything yourself. This question also reveals whether you understand the difference between managing Scouts your age versus working with adult volunteers who brought their own expertise.
“What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?” gives you the opportunity to demonstrate problem-solving skills and resilience. The board expects you to have faced real obstacles—weather delays, supply issues, scheduling conflicts, or team dynamics. Your response should show systematic thinking and adaptability rather than just pushing through problems.
After completing your Eagle project, develop a habit of conducting a “post-action audit” by asking yourself “Did I act well? How could I have acted better?” This systematic reflection turns your project experience into lasting wisdom about leadership. Run through specific moments: How did you handle that supply shortage? Could you have communicated the schedule change more clearly? This structured self-assessment creates the feedback loop essential for continued growth as a leader.
Example Answers Table
| Question | Example Answer |
|---|---|
| How did you lead your team? | I set clear expectations at our first meeting, assigned specific roles based on each person’s strengths, and held brief check-ins every Saturday morning. When we encountered the drainage problem, I gathered input from everyone before deciding on our solution. |
| What was your biggest challenge? | Coordinating 15 volunteers across three different weekends was complex. I created a shared calendar and sent detailed emails two weeks before each work session, then followed up with personal calls three days prior to confirm attendance. |
| How did you handle directing adults? | I learned to be specific and respectful when giving instructions. Instead of saying “we need to move dirt,” I’d say “Mr. Johnson, could you help me measure out the garden bed dimensions while Sarah and I start removing the sod?” I also listened when adults offered suggestions about better techniques. |
| How did you motivate your team? | I made sure everyone understood how their work connected to helping the elementary school students. When energy dropped on hot afternoons, I reminded volunteers that we were creating a space where kids would learn about nature for years to come. |
Project Impact and Reflection
Beyond the mechanics of project management, the board wants to understand your broader perspective on service and leadership impact. “Who benefited from your project, and how did you identify their need?” requires you to demonstrate that you conducted genuine research rather than just picking something convenient. Explain your process for connecting with the beneficiary organization, how you learned about their specific needs, and why your solution addressed a real problem.
“What makes your project unique?” allows you to highlight creative problem-solving or innovative approaches. Perhaps you designed a new layout for the community garden, developed a maintenance system that previous projects lacked, or found a creative way to source materials. The board appreciates candidates who brought original thinking to their service work.
“How do you think your project will have a lasting impact?” tests whether you considered sustainability and long-term value. Strong answers address maintenance plans, training you provided to the beneficiary organization, or systems you put in place to ensure continued success. The best Eagle projects create value that extends far beyond the initial work sessions.
When preparing for these questions, review your project workbook and reflect on specific moments when you had to make leadership decisions. The board wants concrete examples, not general statements about teamwork. Think about times when you had to redirect someone who was off-task, handle a disagreement between volunteers, or adapt your plan when something wasn’t working. These real situations demonstrate authentic leadership growth better than any theoretical answer about leadership qualities.
Scouting Journey and Personal Growth
Your Eagle Scout Board of Review will spend significant time exploring your personal growth throughout Scouting. These questions help the board understand how Scouting shaped your character, what you learned from challenges, and which experiences had the greatest impact on your development.
The board wants to hear authentic stories about your journey, not memorized answers. They’re looking for evidence that you’ve grown as a person and leader through your Scouting experiences. Your responses should demonstrate self-reflection and show how specific moments or people influenced your path to Eagle.
Questions About Your Scouting Experience
“What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you?” This foundational question appears in nearly every Eagle board. The board wants to understand your personal connection to the Eagle rank beyond just completing requirements. Consider what values you’ve internalized and how you plan to live them out.
“Which merit badges did you enjoy or find most challenging, and why?” This question reveals your learning process and growth mindset. Boards appreciate hearing about both successful and difficult badge experiences. Your answer shows how you handle challenges and what subjects genuinely interest you.
“Who influenced you most during your time in Scouting?” Think beyond just your Scoutmaster. Consider patrol leaders, fellow Scouts, merit badge counselors, or adult volunteers who made a difference. The board wants to see that you recognize the community aspect of Scouting and value mentorship.
“What was a defining moment in your Scouting career?” This question helps identify pivotal experiences that shaped your character. It might be overcoming fear on a high adventure trip, stepping up as a leader during a difficult situation, or learning an important lesson through failure.
Example Answers That Work
Strong board responses share specific details and show genuine reflection. Here’s how successful Eagle candidates approach these common questions:
| Question | Example Answer |
|---|---|
| What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you? | It means living by the Scout Oath and Law every day, and using what I have learned to help others in my community and workplace. |
| Which badge was most challenging? | The Citizenship in the Community badge taught me about local government and pushed me to attend city council meetings, which was uncomfortable at first but really opened my eyes. |
| Who influenced you most? | My Scoutmaster always encouraged me to try new things and supported me when I made mistakes, showing me that leadership means helping others grow. |
| What was a defining moment? | During a winter camping trip, our patrol got lost and I had to step up to navigate us back safely. It taught me that leadership sometimes means making tough decisions under pressure. |
Preparing Your Personal Stories
Before your board, write down 3-4 specific stories that illustrate your growth through Scouting. Include details about what happened, what you learned, and how it changed you. The board wants to hear about real experiences, not generic statements about Scouting values.
Practice telling these stories aloud, but don’t memorize scripted answers. The board can tell when responses sound rehearsed. Instead, focus on the key points you want to convey and let the conversation flow naturally.
Remember that struggle and failure often make better stories than easy successes. Boards appreciate hearing how you overcame challenges or learned from mistakes. These experiences show genuine growth and resilience.
Your Scouting journey is unique to you. The board wants to understand your specific path to Eagle, not hear what you think they want to hear. Be honest about both your accomplishments and areas where you’ve grown, and you’ll have a much stronger board experience.
Character, Ethics, and the Scout Law
The Eagle Scout board of review will spend significant time testing your understanding of the Scout Law and how you apply it beyond troop meetings. Board members want to see that you view the twelve points as practical guidelines, not just words you memorized years ago.
How you apply the Scout Law matters more than how well you recite it. When asked “How do you apply the Scout Law in your daily life?”, avoid generic answers like “I try to be trustworthy.” Instead, describe specific situations where you chose the harder right over the easier wrong. Maybe you returned extra change at a store (trustworthy), helped a struggling classmate with homework (helpful), or spoke up when friends were making inappropriate jokes (clean).
Board members especially appreciate stories that show your growth. Talk about times when living by the Scout Law was difficult or when you failed to meet your own standards. This demonstrates maturity and self-reflection.
Common Character and Ethics Questions
The question “What does society expect from Eagle Scouts?” tests whether you understand the responsibility that comes with the rank. Society expects Eagle Scouts to be reliable leaders who act ethically even when no one is watching. People assume you’ll volunteer for difficult tasks, help others without being asked, and maintain high standards in your personal conduct.
This expectation extends to your future career, family, and community involvement. Employers often view Eagle Scout as shorthand for dependability and leadership skills. Your neighbors might ask you to organize community projects or represent local interests.
When describing “a time you had to make an ethical decision,” focus on situations where you had competing interests or pressure to compromise your values. Strong examples include choosing honesty over convenience, helping someone who couldn’t help you in return, or standing up for what was right despite social pressure.
The key is showing your decision-making process. Walk through how you identified the ethical issue, considered your options, applied Scout principles, and dealt with the consequences.
| Question Type | What Boards Want to Hear | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Scout Law Application | Specific examples with context and outcomes | Generic statements or theoretical answers |
| Ethical Decisions | Your thought process and how you handled consequences | Perfect scenarios where doing right was easy |
| Society’s Expectations | Understanding of lifelong responsibility and leadership | Focusing only on Scouting activities |
Improving the Scouting Program
When asked “How would you improve the Scouting program?”, board members want to see that you’ve thought critically about your experience. This isn’t about criticizing leaders or complaining about policies. Instead, focus on constructive ideas based on what you’ve learned.
Strong answers might include better integration of older and younger Scouts, more hands-on leadership opportunities for younger members, or ways to make outdoor activities more accessible. Support your suggestions with specific observations from your troop experience.
The follow-up question “If you could add a merit badge to the required list, what would it be and why?” tests your understanding of what skills matter most. Consider badges that address modern challenges like digital citizenship, financial literacy, or emergency preparedness. Explain how this badge would prepare Scouts for adult responsibilities.
Preparing Your Scout Law Examples
Before your board review, work through each point of the Scout Law and identify a real-life example where you demonstrated that characteristic. This preparation helps you avoid awkward pauses during the interview.
Trustworthy: When did you keep a promise that was difficult to keep?
Loyal: How did you support a friend, family member, or organization during a challenging time?
Helpful: Describe helping someone who couldn’t return the favor.
Friendly: When did you reach out to someone who was left out or new?
Courteous: How do you show respect to people you disagree with?
Kind: Share an example of showing compassion to someone or something weaker.
Obedient: When did you follow rules even though you disagreed with them?
Cheerful: How do you maintain a positive attitude during difficult situations?
Thrifty: Describe managing resources responsibly or helping others do the same.
Brave: When did you do the right thing despite being afraid?
Clean: How do you maintain high standards in your language, thoughts, or actions?
Reverent: How do you show respect for your beliefs and the beliefs of others?
Your board will appreciate concrete stories over general statements. They want to see that the Scout Law has shaped your character through real experiences, not just good intentions.
The Eagle Project in Detail: Planning, Permits, and Lessons Learned
Your Eagle Scout Service Project represents the most challenging leadership test you’ll face in Scouting. The project must demonstrate your ability to plan, develop, and lead others while providing significant benefit to a religious institution, school, or community organization. According to the BSA Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, the project proposal must be approved before you begin any work, and this approval process teaches you how real-world projects actually function.
Walking Through Project Planning Process
Effective project planning starts with identifying multiple potential projects before committing to one. Mac Guzman, an Eagle Scout mentor, emphasizes keeping several backup ideas because projects can get rejected or face unexpected barriers. This approach mirrors how professional project managers handle uncertainty.
Your planning process should follow these core steps:
- Research potential beneficiaries and understand their actual needs
- Calculate realistic time and budget estimates for materials and labor
- Identify required permissions, permits, or safety approvals early in the process
- Plan for contingencies when weather, materials, or volunteers create challenges
The Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook requires detailed planning documentation including project timeline, budget, safety considerations, and leadership structure. This paperwork isn’t busy work—it forces you to think through problems before they happen.
Navigating Permits and Permissions
Many Eagle Projects require permits or special permissions, particularly those involving construction, electrical work, or activities on public property. The Scout identifies these requirements during planning, but the beneficiary organization remains responsible for obtaining and paying for all permits.
Common permit situations include:
- Building permits for structures like benches, signs, or pavilions
- Environmental permits for projects affecting water drainage or protected areas
- Safety inspections for playground equipment or structural improvements
- Zoning approvals for permanent installations
Work directly with your beneficiary’s facilities manager or administrator to understand permit requirements. They know the local codes and approval processes better than you do. Document all permit requirements in your project proposal to show the review board you’ve considered regulatory compliance.
Making Changes and Learning From Setbacks
Real-world projects rarely go exactly as planned. Weather delays construction, materials arrive damaged, or volunteers cancel at the last minute. These challenges test your leadership more than perfect execution would.
When project changes become necessary, follow this process:
- Document what happened and why the original plan won’t work
- Identify alternative solutions that still meet your project goals
- Get approval from your Scoutmaster and beneficiary before implementing changes
- Communicate clearly with all volunteers about revised plans and schedules
The most common changes involve timeline adjustments, material substitutions, or safety modifications. Handle these professionally by focusing on solutions rather than problems. Your Board of Review will ask about these challenges because they want to see how you adapted under pressure.
Ensuring Team Safety Throughout Your Project
As project leader, you’re responsible for everyone’s safety during work sessions. This means conducting safety briefings, providing proper protective equipment, and maintaining situational awareness throughout each work day.
Your safety responsibilities include:
- Conducting tool safety training for all volunteers before they begin work
- Maintaining a fully stocked first aid kit and knowing how to use it
- Monitoring weather conditions and stopping work when conditions become unsafe
- Ensuring proper supervision ratios between adults and youth volunteers
- Providing adequate water, shade, and rest breaks during physical work
Document your safety procedures in the project workbook and review them with your Scoutmaster before beginning work. The BSA requires adult supervision for all Eagle Project work sessions, so coordinate with parents and leaders to ensure proper coverage.
This video from Eagle Scout Mac Guzman covers essential project planning steps including approval processes, contingency planning, and safety management. Key timestamps include project timing requirements (1:41), the importance of having backup plans (5:06), and comprehensive safety considerations (10:01). Guzman emphasizes that proper organization prevents most project problems before they occur.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Your Eagle Board of Review will likely end with forward-looking questions about your commitment to Scouting and the lessons you’ll carry into adulthood. These questions help the board understand whether you truly grasp the long-term impact of the Eagle rank.
When asked how you plan to give back to Scouting in the future, think beyond generic volunteer promises. Consider specific ways you can contribute based on your skills and interests. Maybe you’ll return as an assistant Scoutmaster to help with outdoor skills, or volunteer at summer camp to teach climbing. Perhaps you’ll serve on Eagle boards to help other candidates through the same process you’re experiencing. Research shows that Eagle Scouts who stay connected through mentoring create stronger troops and help younger Scouts overcome obstacles more effectively.
Your advice to younger Scouts should be practical and honest. Share what you wish you’d known earlier. Many Eagle Scouts recommend starting merit badges early, keeping better records, and finding a mentor who pushes you to grow. Talk about the importance of taking leadership roles seriously, even when they’re difficult or thankless. Address the mental challenges too—how to stay motivated during long advancement periods or when projects don’t go as planned.
The question about using Eagle Scout lessons in adult life often catches candidates off-guard because it requires connecting Scouting skills to real-world applications. Think about concrete examples: project management skills from your Eagle project translating to workplace leadership, outdoor skills building confidence in unfamiliar situations, or the Scout Law guiding ethical decisions in college or career settings.
Focus on specific cause-and-effect relationships between Scouting activities and the skills they developed. If you learned persistence through merit badge requirements, explain how that translates to finishing difficult college courses. If leading a patrol taught you to manage different personalities, connect that to future team leadership. The board wants to see that you understand how Scouting shaped your character and abilities.
One recent Eagle Scout shared this perspective: “The board asked me what I’d tell a Scout who was struggling with advancement. I realized the best advice isn’t to work harder—it’s to change how you work. If memorizing Scout skills isn’t clicking, try teaching them to someone else. If leadership feels overwhelming, start with small responsibilities and build up.”
These questions also test your understanding of Scouting’s broader purpose. You’re not just earning a rank—you’re joining a community of leaders committed to developing character in young people. Your answers should reflect this responsibility and show you’re ready to carry it forward in whatever capacity fits your life and circumstances.
Common Board of Review Questions by Category
The Eagle Board of Review questions typically fall into five main categories, each designed to assess different aspects of your Scouting journey and character development. Understanding these categories helps you prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your growth as a Scout and leader.
| Category | Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Leadership | • “How did you lead your Eagle project team?” • “What was your biggest leadership challenge in Scouting?” • “Describe a time when you had to motivate others.” • “What leadership positions have you held?” |
| Project | • “Who benefited from your Eagle project?” • “What makes your project unique?” • “How did you handle setbacks during planning?” • “What would you do differently?” |
| Scouting Experience | • “What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you?” • “Which merit badge was most challenging?” • “How has Scouting changed you?” • “What was your favorite camping experience?” |
| Character | • “How do you apply the Scout Law daily?” • “Describe an ethical decision you made.” • “How do you show Scout spirit?” • “Which point of the Scout Law is hardest to live by?” |
| Future Plans | • “How will you give back to Scouting?” • “What advice would you give younger Scouts?” • “How will you use Eagle Scout skills in adulthood?” • “What are your goals after Eagle?” |
Each category serves a specific purpose in the review process. Leadership questions assess your ability to guide others and handle responsibility. Project questions examine your planning skills and impact on the community. Scouting experience questions measure your personal growth and program knowledge. Character questions test your understanding of Scout values. Future plans questions gauge your commitment to continued service and leadership.
The board typically asks 8-12 questions total, drawing from multiple categories. They want to hear specific examples from your Scouting career, not generic answers. Practice connecting each response to real situations you’ve faced as a Scout.
Quick Takeaways
The Eagle Board of Review is a confidential, structured interview focused on your growth, leadership, and character. The board members want to understand how your Scouting journey has shaped you as a person. This isn’t a test where you’ll demonstrate skills like tying knots or reading maps—it’s a conversation about who you’ve become through your experiences.
Most questions are open-ended and reflective; there are no “trick” questions. Board members typically ask about your leadership style, what you learned from challenging situations, and how you’ve applied Scouting values in your daily life. They’re genuinely interested in your personal growth story, not trying to catch you off guard with obscure facts.
Practice answering questions aloud and use real examples from your Scouting journey. The most effective preparation comes from rehearsing your responses out loud rather than just thinking through them. When board members ask about leadership challenges, have specific stories ready—the campout where you had to manage a difficult patrol member, or the service project where plans fell through and you adapted.
Review your project documentation, the Scout Law, and your merit badge experiences. Your Eagle project workbook contains the details board members want to hear about—who benefited, what obstacles you overcame, and how you managed resources and people. Be ready to recite the Scout Law and explain how specific points have influenced your decisions.
Boards value honesty, humility, and thoughtful self-reflection. If you don’t know an answer, it’s better to say so honestly than to make something up. Board members appreciate candidates who can admit mistakes, discuss what they learned from failures, and show genuine reflection on their growth. They’re looking for character, not perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Eagle Board of Review usually last?
Most Eagle Scout Boards of Review last between 30 and 60 minutes. The length depends on how detailed your discussions become and how many board members ask follow-up questions. According to the BSA Guide to Advancement, boards typically include 3-6 adults, and each member usually asks 2-4 questions during the session.
Can parents or Scoutmasters attend the Board?
No, only board members and the candidate are present during an Eagle Scout Board of Review. The BSA Guide to Advancement specifically states that parents or guardians should not attend, as their presence can change how candidates address questions and respond to board members. This confidentiality ensures fairness and allows you to speak openly about your growth and challenges.
What happens if I do not know the answer to a question?
Boards appreciate honesty above all else. If you’re unsure about an answer, say so directly and then share your thought process or what you would do to find the information. Board members want to see how you think through problems, not just whether you have perfect recall of every detail from your Scouting career.
The key is changing your approach when you encounter something you don’t know. Instead of guessing or trying to sound knowledgeable, demonstrate your problem-solving process. This shows maturity and the kind of leadership thinking that Eagle Scouts need.
Do I need to bring anything to the Board?
Bring your completed Eagle Scout project workbook, copies of your reference letters, and wear your complete Scout uniform. Some councils may request additional documentation, but these three items are standard requirements. Your project workbook serves as the primary discussion point for questions about leadership and service.
Will I be asked to repeat the Scout Oath or Law?
You may be asked to recite the Scout Oath and Law, but more importantly, board members often ask how these principles have shaped your actions and decisions. Practice explaining specific examples of how you’ve applied these values in real situations, whether during your Eagle project, in school, or in your community.
What if I am nervous?
Nervousness is completely normal, and board members understand this. Most candidates feel some anxiety before their review. The best preparation is practicing your answers out loud with family members or friends. Focus on telling your story clearly rather than trying to impress the board with perfect responses.
Remember that board members want you to succeed. They’re not trying to trip you up or find reasons to reject you. They’re genuinely interested in hearing about your growth as a Scout and leader.
Can I be failed at the Board of Review?
While rare, boards may ask you to clarify or expand on your answers before making their final decision. According to BSA guidelines, most candidates who reach the board level pass when they demonstrate honesty, preparation, and genuine reflection on their Scouting experience. The board is evaluating your character and growth, not testing your memory of handbook facts.
How soon will I know the result?
Usually, you’ll learn the outcome immediately after the board concludes their discussion. Board members will ask you to step outside briefly while they deliberate, then invite you back to hear their decision. If approved, they’ll explain the next steps in your Eagle Scout recognition process. If they need additional information, they’ll clearly explain what’s required and when you can return.
