Academic honors in high school

What are some examples of academic honors that high school students can earn or be recognized for? I want to make sure I'm aware of all the opportunities to build my college application.

There are numerous academic honors available to high school students that can showcase their achievements and boost their college applications. Some examples include:

1. National Merit Scholar Program: High school students who earn top scores on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) have the opportunity to be named National Merit Semifinalists/Finalists and compete for scholarships.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) Awards: Students who demonstrate outstanding performance on AP exams may receive distinctions like the AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, AP Scholar with Distinction, State AP Scholar, or National AP Scholar.

3. Honor Societies: Schools often host chapters of national honor societies such as National Honor Society (NHS), Mu Alpha Theta (Math), National English Honor Society (NEHS), and National Art Honor Society (NAHS). Membership typically requires a high GPA and demonstration of character, leadership, and service.

4. Departmental Awards: High schools often give awards for exceptional performance in specific subjects (e.g., English, Math, Science, Foreign Language). These awards can be school-based or part of larger competitions or organizations.

5. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: This national competition recognizes students for their creative writing and artistic talents, with different categories and levels of recognition.

6. Science, Math, and Engineering Competitions: High-achieving students can participate in competitions such as the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS), and Science Olympiad to showcase their talents in STEM fields.

7. History and Government Competitions: Well-regarded contests in this area include National History Day and the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution competition, which allow students to engage in historical research and demonstrate their understanding of government and civics.

8. Speech and Debate: Participation and achievements in speech, debate, or Model United Nations teams can be considered academic honors. Achievements may include local, regional, or national awards.

9. Language Competitions: Many states and language associations hold language-specific competitions, such as the National Spanish Exam (NSE), where students can earn awards or recognition for their linguistic talents.

10. School-Based Honors: High schools often have their own annual awards for academic achievement, such as valedictorian, salutatorian, or inclusion on the honor roll.

This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a good overview of the types of academic honors that high school students can earn. As you continue exploring these and other opportunities, remember that quality is more important than quantity, so focus on the ones that align with your interests and strengths.