High Honors vs Highest Honors: What's the Difference?

I've seen some schools use the terms 'high honors' and 'highest honors', and I'm not sure if there's a significant difference between the two. Can someone please explain their meanings and how they might impact college admissions?

High honors and highest honors are academic distinctions awarded to students who have achieved exemplary academic performance during their high school careers. While the exact criteria for each can vary between schools, high honors generally refers to the second-highest distinction, while highest honors is the top distinction awarded to students with the best academic records.

High honors often recognizes students who have maintained a certain GPA (e.g., 3.75 or higher) throughout high school, while highest honors may be reserved for those who have met an even higher threshold (e.g., 4.0 or higher) or have ranked within the top percentage of their graduating class.

In some cases, highest honors could also be synonymous with being a valedictorian or salutatorian. It's essential to understand, however, that these distinctions might be awarded differently depending on an individual school's grading system and ranking criteria. If you're curious about how things work at your particular school, ask a teacher, or someone in the administration, for clarification.

Regarding college admissions, earning high honors or highest honors can definitely positively impact a student's application by reflecting their dedication to academic excellence. However, colleges will also consider other factors, such as standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. So while having high honors or highest honors can be beneficial, they're just one aspect of a student's application in the holistic admissions process, and unfortunately don't guarantee acceptance.

Also keep in mind that colleges are aware of variations in grading systems and criteria across high schools, so they're unlikely to compare you directly to an applicant from another school. Rather, they'll evaluate each of your performances in full context. If necessary, make sure to include any relevant descriptions or explanations about your school's grading system in your application, to be sure admissions officers have a complete picture of your achievements.

In summary, high honors and highest honors are academic distinctions that can positively impact a student's college application, but they're not the sole determining factor for college admissions. Continue to focus on maintaining a strong academic performance while also engaging in other meaningful experiences that can contribute to a strong overall application. Best of luck!