Hello! I'm a high school junior trying to plan my senior year. Could anyone tell me about some of the more prestigious awards high school students might aim for during their high school career?
Absolutely, there are many prestigious awards that high school students can aim for. Many of these are gained through competitions, academic or otherwise, both on the national and international level. Here are few examples:
1. Regeneron Science Talent Search: This is one of the oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competitions for high school seniors in the US. Finalists have the opportunity to compete for significant scholarships.
2. U.S. Presidential Scholars Program: One of the nation's highest honors for high school students, it recognizes students on the basis of outstanding achievements in academics, the arts, career and technical education fields.
3. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): This is considered the largest pre-college scientific research event in the world, with students worldwide competing to attend.
4. Google Science Fair: This is a worldwide online science competition open to students from 13 to 18 years old.
5. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: With a history dating back to 1923, this program recognizes creative teenagers in visual and literary arts.
6. Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology: This competition seeks to promote excellence by encouraging students to undertake individual or team research projects.
7. Davidson Fellows Scholarship: This is a scholarship for prodigiously gifted students. It offers scholarships to students 18 or younger who have completed a significant piece of work in Mathematics, Science, Literature, Music, Technology, Philosophy, and Outside the Box.
Remember, while these awards are prestigious, an application should not be built around trying to win them. They are highly competitive and only a small number of students can win. Colleges don't necessarily prefer students with high-profile awards over others who have demonstrated exceptional skills and talents in other ways, such as through consistent leadership, service, or other achievements. So, pursue what you're passionately interested in and aim to excel in that area!
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