Hello everyone! I'm trying to understand the recognition landscape better. Could anyone educate me on the most prestigious awards a high school student could earn?
Absolutely! One way of organizing these types of awards is by using a "tier" method. At the top tier are national and international-level recognitions. These highly prestigious awards are known for their selectivity and the level of achievement they represent.
1. United States Presidential Scholars Program: This is one of the highest honors a high school student can receive from the U.S. Department of Education. Each year, up to 161 students are recognized for their accomplishments in academics and/or the arts.
2. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF): This competition gives students the opportunity to present their research at a professional level. The winners receive scholarships for their projects.
3. Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS): This is considered the country’s most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Finalists receive substantial awards, with the overall winner receiving $250,000.
4. Davidson Fellows Scholarship: This program offers $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to students who have completed a significant piece of work in various fields, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, and Philosophy.
5. Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology: This competition awards scholarship money to winners in individual and team research projects.
Other high-tier awards include those given by the National Merit Scholarship Program, Coca-Cola Scholars Program, and Gates Scholarship Program.
Remember, while these awards can certainly enhance a college application, they're not the only measure of an applicant's worth. Many competitive applicants might not have any top-tiered awards, but they still demonstrate high academic achievement and a strong commitment to their extracurriculars.
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