What's the limit on the number of awards you can list on the Common App, and how do you choose the best ones?

I've been involved in a lot of competitions and activities, and thankfully have a few awards under my belt. But I heard there's a cap to how many you can include on the Common App. How do you decide which ones to put down and what’s the limit?

It's fantastic to hear about your achievements! On the Common App, you can list up to 5 awards or honors. When selecting which ones to include, prioritize those that align closely with your intended field of study or demonstrate a high level of achievement or leadership.

Recognitions at the national or international level should certainly be included, as they will stand out to admissions officers. For instance, if you've placed in a national science fair and have also received an award for being the best AP Chemistry student in your class, both are impressive, but the national science fair placement is likely to have more weight.

Also, consider the 'tier' of your recognitions: Tier 1 and Tier 2 awards often carry more weight than Tier 3 and Tier 4. Tier 1 awards include national recognitions like placing in a national competition, while Tier 2 may include being a leader in a significant local organization. For more on the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities/

Aim to showcase a balance of awards that reflect both your depth of involvement in your area of interest and the breadth of your accomplishments. If you’re having trouble deciding, I would be happy to go over your awards with you to help choose the ones that will best represent your accomplishments.