What's the difference between awards and honors when it comes to college applications? Is one considered more prestigious than the other? Trying to understand what I should focus on. Thanks!
The distinction between awards and honors on college applications primarily lies in how they're earned and recognized, but they both hold value as accomplishments showcasing your achievements.
Awards typically refer to recognitions or prizes you've won for a specific competition, event, or program. Awards can be given based on academic excellence, talent in a particular area (e.g., music, athletics, etc.), leadership, or community service, to name a few. Examples of awards include winning a science fair, placing in a debate tournament, or receiving an art competition prize. Generally, awards imply a comparison to other participants or a set standard and often involve a certain level of competition.
Honors, on the other hand, are more directly related to your academic performance or an affiliation with an organization. Honors can be granted by your high school, college, or an extracurricular organization. Examples of honors include being on the honor roll, earning a high GPA, being a National Merit Scholar, or being inducted into an honor society like the National Honor Society (NHS).
Both awards and honors can be important in college applications, but their relative prestige depends on the specific award or honor in question. Generally, highly competitive awards with a national or international scope are considered more prestigious because they demonstrate your exceptional achievements, leadership, or commitment. However, school-related honors reflecting strong academic performance can also be valuable and showcase your dedication to your studies.
Ultimately, it's essential to focus on the activities and goals that genuinely interest you and align with your passions. This way, any awards or honors you receive will be a reflection of your authentic dedication and success in those areas. Remember, colleges are more interested in the depth and quality of your achievements, rather than simply counting the number of awards or honors you've collected.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.