Hey everyone! I've been working on my college applications and was wondering what specific examples of honors or awards I could include on the Common App? Is there anything that I might not have thought about, or do colleges only want really prestigious awards? Thanks!
Hello! It's great that you're thinking about the honors and awards section of your college applications. Here are some examples of honors you can include on the Common App, ranging from the most prestigious to local or school-based awards:
1. National or international awards: Examples include Presidential Scholar, National Merit Scholarship, Regeneron Science Talent Search, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, or other national/international recognitions.
2. State or regional awards: These could be awards like state science fair winners, All-State Musician, state debate champion, or Governor’s Honors Program participant.
3. School-based awards: This category includes being valedictorian or salutatorian, receiving a "Most Outstanding" award in a particular subject, or being the recipient of an award for contribution to a school club or organization.
4. Community or external organization honors: These might be recognitions from local organizations, such as being named a local Rotary Club's Student of the Month or receiving an award for excellence from a scouting organization.
5. Other recognitions: Don't forget about any additional achievements or public performances that might be worth mentioning, such as being a published author, having your artwork showcased at an exhibit, delivering a TEDx talk, or participating in regional/state/national-level events in sports or art competitions.
Remember that it's not only about the prestige of an award but also the relevance and significance of the honor in showcasing your individual strengths and interests. Colleges are interested in understanding your achievements within the context of your experiences, so don't be afraid to include less prestigious awards if they are meaningful and demonstrate your accomplishments. Good luck with your applications!
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