What are the Common College Superlatives?

So, I'm wondering, what are some common superlatives given out in colleges? Things like 'most likely to succeed,' 'class clown,' etc. How are these usually decided or are there any interesting traditions associated with them?

In my experience, college superlatives can greatly vary depending on the university's culture and traditions. Typically, you're more likely to see these kinds of superlatives in smaller colleges or within specific departments, clubs, fraternities or sororities, or residence halls, rather than across an entire university.

Let's talk about some examples of what you might encounter:

1. Residence Hall Superlatives: These are often given out towards the end of the academic year, and they can range from fun and humorous titles like "Best Door Decorations" and "Loudest Snorer," to more meaningful ones like "Most Involved" or "Best Community Builder."

2. Department/Program Superlatives: Within academic departments, superlatives might be given based on academic achievement or involvement. These could include "Highest GPA," "Most Research Published," or "Best Poster Presentation."

3. Fraternities/Sororities: Greek letter organizations often hand out superlatives to their members. These might be related to the service or philanthropy events they organize, like "Most Active Participant" or "Biggest Fundraiser."

4. Social Clubs and Organizations: Clubs on campus might award superlatives to their members for their contributions or unique characteristics. These could be titles like "Most Creative," "Most Resourceful," or "Most Dedicated."

5. Athletics: Athletic teams also commonly give out superlatives. Some examples might include "Most Improved," "Best Team Player," or "Biggest Risk Taker."

The specific process for deciding superlatives differs by institution or organization. Some might vote on them democratically, either through a physical ballot or an online submission system, while others might have a committee that decides the winners.

In terms of traditions associated with it, it's not uncommon for these superlatives to be announced at a year-end banquet or gathering. There might also be humorous or symbolic awards for each superlative, ranging from certificates to little trophies or gag gifts.

Remember, not all colleges have these traditions of superlatives, but you might find similar recognitions of students' contributions and unique characteristics.