What are some cool awards and honors to aim for in high school?

Hi everyone! I want to boost my college applications by earning some awards and honors. What are some notable awards and honors that high school students typically try to achieve? Are there any that might align with my interests in STEM?

Hi there! It's great that you're looking to strengthen your college applications with some awards and honors. There are plenty of options available to high school students, especially in the STEM field. Here are some notable awards and honors that you might consider aiming for:

1. Science Olympiad: This is a team-based competition in which students compete in various STEM events. By participating and excelling in this, you can earn awards and recognition at the regional, state, and national levels.

2. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): This is a prestigious pre-college science competition where you can showcase your independent research project and compete for awards at regional, state, and international levels.

3. USA Science Olympiad Exams (USABO, USACO, USAPhO, etc.): These are a series of rigorous exams in various STEM disciplines, such as biology (USABO), computer science (USACO), and physics (USAPhO). Top performers can qualify for national and international levels, and may even have the opportunity to represent the United States at international competitions.

4. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS): This is one of the most prestigious pre-college research competitions in the United States. High school seniors submit original research projects, and the top 300 scholars are recognized, with 40 finalists chosen to present their work in Washington, D.C., and compete for significant monetary awards.

5. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC): This competition is an opportunity for students to collaborate with professionals to design, build, and test robots. Teams can compete at regional and national levels, earning various awards for robot performance, creativity, and more.

6. Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology: This research-based competition recognizes students for their outstanding work in the areas of math, science, and technology. Both individuals and teams can participate, and regional and national finalists receive monetary awards.

Remember that while awards and honors demonstrate your abilities and achievements, what's most important is your genuine passion for and engagement with your chosen field. High-quality participation in STEM-related extracurriculars and research projects will also contribute significantly to your college applications. Best of luck in your pursuit of awards, and enjoy exploring your STEM interests!