As you get close to finishing all your requirements for the Eagle Rank, you should start the process of filing the Eagle Scout Rank Application.  The formal application is an electronic form that is submitted by the Council office to the National office with the click of a mouse.  As of January 11, 2003, the National BSA office no longer will process paper applications for normal Eagle Scout applications.  The process of getting this electronic application filled out and submitted is a multi-step process.  Follow the directions below carefully to make the process go smoothly.

1) Complete all your merit badges, your project, and the other requirements.  Advancement reports must be filed with the Council office for all merit badges before requesting an application.

2) About 4 weeks before your Scoutmaster Conference, request your references to write the references.  The reference form is included in the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook available from the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Process page of this web site or as a PDF file by clicking here.  You will need to print 6 copies of this reference form.  Print the form front and back on a single piece of paper, or take the two pages to a copy center and have them copy the pages double sided.  Prepare 6 envelopes:

• Addressed to your Scoutmaster, you are not allowed to handle the completed references.
• With a stamp, don't ask the people you ask to write the reference for you to pay for the stamp.
• With the return address of the person you are going to ask to write the reference.
• With "Confidential reference for" and your name on the outside.  

Keep a record of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the reference writers.  You will need this information for the application form.  The 6 references should be written by:

• One of your Parents or guardians.
• A religious leader (not necessarily ordained clergy) or someone who will attest to the fact that you are reverent (12th point of the Scout Law) and that you do your "Duty to God" (Scout Oath).
• An educational reference, a teacher or other educator.
• An employer.  If you have not had a paying job, some adult for whom you have done work, such as a neighbor or volunteer project leader.
• Two other references of your selection.  

3) Get a copy of the "Request for an Eagle Scout Rank Application" form.  If you have Microsoft Word download the intelligent form here.  This form should be filled out using your computer.  When you open the document you may have to click on Enable Macros.  If you get a message about the macros being disabled, click Tools/Macro/Security and change to Medium security.  Then close the request form and reopen it clicking Enable Macros.  This form will verify the data entered to minimize problems as the request is processed.  A sample of a completed form is available by clicking here.  If you have another word processor, or want to fill out a paper version, you will need to download a printable form and fill it out manually.  This is a PDF file.  If you do not have Adobe AcroBat Reader to open a PDF file, you can download it by clicking on the icon below.  Each form includes a page of instructions on how to fill out the form and what to do with it.  If you have problems or questions, click here to send an e-mail question.  Please describe your computer, internet provider, connection (dial up, DSL, cable modem, fiber) and what word processor you are using.

NOTE: The above form was specifically developed for Chester County Council, BSA.  If you are not in Chester COunty Council, do not use this form.  Check with your Council, District, or Troop for instructions on how to submit your paperwork.

4) Fill out the "Request For An Eagle Scout Rank Application".  Follow the instructions on the form carefully.  Include the date your Scoutmaster Conference is scheduled.  Collect all the items that need to be attached, as listed in the instructions.  If your workbook ends with the "Eagle Project Summary" page instead of the newer "Eagle Project Summary and Yearbook Information" page, download the newer form here and attach it to your Request form.  When the Request form is complete, print out the 1 page form and take it to your Scoutmaster Conference.  At this conference you should also give your completed Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook to your Scoutmaster.  At the end of your Scoutmaster Conference your Scoutmaster will sign the bottom of the form.  Follow the instructions and submit the form and attachments to the Council Office.

5) The Council Office will enter the information you provide, along with the information already in the ScoutNet computer.  When all the information is verified, the Verified Application will be created.  The Verified Application will be mailed to you.  

6) On the first page of the application, you will need to fill out the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the 6 people who wrote your reference letters.  You sign the second page under CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT.  Then you need to get the UNIT APPROVAL signatures from your unit leader and unit committee chair.  This is their recommendations for your application. 

7) Give the signed application to your Scoutmaster.  Your Scoutmaster already has your Workbook and the 6 references.  The Scoutmaster will deliver the application, Workbook, and 6 references to the person who will chair your board of review.  Only after all these documents are in the hands of the board chair can the Eagle board of review be scheduled.