Academic Achievements to Highlight on Scholarship Apps?

When applying for scholarships, what academic achievements should I definitely include on my applications? I want to make sure I’m showcasing everything important that committees might be looking for. Advice from those who have successfully gotten scholarships would be great!

Sure, emphasizing academic achievements is a crucial part of impressing scholarship committees. Here are some particular achievements you might consider highlighting:

1. High GPA: If you've maintained a high GPA throughout high school, that's something to tout. This shows your consistent dedication to your studies and strong work ethic.

2. Advanced Courses: Taking and excelling in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, as well as dual-enrollment courses can demonstrate your initiative and ability to handle college-level coursework.

3. Academic Competitions: If you've participated in any academic competitions like math olympiads, debate teams, science bees and have placed high in these events, definitely include these.

4. Research Projects: If you completed any major research projects, especially ones involving an extensive process or experimental design, those show high-level thinking and problem-solving skills.

5. Awards and Recognition: Honor society memberships, Departmental Awards, or any other kind of recognition for academic excellence is worth mentioning.

6. Test Scores: Though not all scholarships consider test scores, if you've scored well on your SATs or ACTs, they can be included to show standardized academic capability.

Remember to highlight not just the achievement but also what the achievement indicates about you, such as perseverance, creativity, diligence, leadership, etc. The key is to provide a comprehensive view of who you are as an individual and a scholar. Committees aren't just looking for smart students; they're looking for students who will utilize their scholarships to make a difference in their fields of interest.