As a high school junior, I'm curious about any awards or recognitions commonly sought after by students. It'd be great if you could provide examples of ones you've applied for or received, especially if they're less well-known but still impressive. Thanks!
There are quite a few notable awards and recognitions that high school students can pursue to show their exceptional skills and achievements. While some are more common and well-known, others might be less familiar but are still impressive in the eyes of college admissions officers. Here's a list of some awards you might consider applying for:
1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Recognizing exceptional artistic and literary talent in students across the country, these awards offer a range of categories to showcase your skills, from poetry to digital art.
2. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): A prestigious international science competition in which students showcase independent research projects and compete for significant monetary awards.
3. Regeneron Science Talent Search: This competition rewards promising high school scientists with monetary prizes, and is highly valued by colleges for its rigor and prestige.
4. Congressional Award: A public service-focused program in which you work on setting and achieving goals in the areas of volunteerism, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition.
5. National History Day: A competition that encourages students to engage in historical research and present their findings in various formats such as exhibits, papers, websites, or documentaries.
6. Model United Nations (MUN): A simulation of the United Nations in which students represent different countries in various committees and debate global issues. Many high schools have MUN clubs, but there are also regional, national, and international conferences that offer awards.
7. National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) tournaments: Competing in speech and debate events throughout the year and accumulating points can lead to recognition at the national level.
8. US Presidential Scholars Program: A prestigious recognition program that honors outstanding high school seniors and offers the opportunity to attend a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
9. National Merit Scholarship Program: Based on PSAT scores and other criteria, students can qualify for National Merit recognition and potential scholarship opportunities.
10. State-level Governor's Honors Programs or similar programs: These often multidisciplinary programs typically take place in the summer and recognize high-achieving students based on nominations, applications, and interviews.
When considering awards and recognitions to apply for, focus on those that align with your interests and strengths. Not only will this help you excel in the associated activities, but it will demonstrate your genuine passion for your chosen pursuits to college admissions officers. Good luck!
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