Do colleges know what Governor's School is?

I'm applying to schools and I've been to a state Governor's School program. Do admissions folks actually understand what it is and recognize its value? I want to make sure it helps my app.

Sure, admissions officers at most U.S. colleges are usually familiar with Governor's School programs as they're a regularly occurring aspect of many high school students' applications. These programs are notably selective and rigorous, usually focusing on a specific area like the arts, humanities, or sciences, and can run from a couple of weeks to the entire summer.

Involvement in a Governor's School program can indeed add value to your application because it highlights you've been able to manage an academically challenging curriculum, demonstrating your aptitude in a particular subject area. It shows initiative, curiosity, and the ability to excel in an immersive learning environment.

When writing about your experience at Governor's School in your application, ensure you highlight not just your attendance, but also what you accomplished or learned there. It's through these accomplishments and learning experiences that the admissions officers can understand the value of attending such a program. For example, you may have had the opportunity to conduct in-depth research, engage in challenging coursework, collaborate on projects, or gain exposure to real-world applications of theory, all of which you can mention in your application.

Remember, it's not the program itself that's valuable, but the experience you gain from it and how you choose to share it with your selected colleges. In other words, it's about how you let this experience shed light on who you are as a student and person.