Extracurricular Activities
Former US Director of Defense, Dr. Robert Gates received the Eagle Scout rank August 16, 1958 through the Boy Scouts of America. While he admits the requirements were easier in 1958 (no service project), "the award's significance hasn't changed."
Having previously served as the President of Texas A&M University and is currently the Chancellor of the College of William and Mary (where he earned his bachelor's degree), he understands what colleges are looking for in prospective students. "College admissions officers are now looking at the Eagle award as a leading indicator - and perhaps the most significant indicator - of likely success in college. It shows that at age 12 or 13 or 14, this young man has the discipline and the long-term perspective of accomplishing a goal that is two or three years off. They look at that and say, 'That kid is likely to be successful."
- Eagle's Call, Page 13, Fall 2016
Having previously served as the President of Texas A&M University and is currently the Chancellor of the College of William and Mary (where he earned his bachelor's degree), he understands what colleges are looking for in prospective students. "College admissions officers are now looking at the Eagle award as a leading indicator - and perhaps the most significant indicator - of likely success in college. It shows that at age 12 or 13 or 14, this young man has the discipline and the long-term perspective of accomplishing a goal that is two or three years off. They look at that and say, 'That kid is likely to be successful."
- Eagle's Call, Page 13, Fall 2016