Examples of Awards for High School Students?

Hi there, I'm a high school junior and I was wondering what awards I should aim for to help with the college admissions process. Could you guys give some ideas on the types of awards that would look good on applications?

There are a variety of awards you can pursue in high school that will strengthen your college application. Keep in mind that it's most important to focus on areas in which you have a genuine interest and passion, as this will increase your likelihood of success and make the experience more enjoyable. Here are some examples of awards across different fields:

1. Academics:

- National Merit Scholarship Program: Based on PSAT scores, being a National Merit Scholar or Semifinalist shows strong academic achievement.

- National Honor Society (NHS): Recognizes students who excel in academics, leadership, and community service.

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM):

- Regeneron Science Talent Search: One of the most prestigious science research competitions for high school seniors.

- Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): Large international science fair with multiple categories.

- USA Computing Olympiad (USACO): A prestigious programming competition.

3. Arts:

- Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: National competition recognizing students for their creative work in various art and writing categories.

- YoungArts: A national competition that awards and supports talented artists in various disciplines such as visual arts, theater, and music.

4. Leadership and Service:

- Presidential Volunteer Service Award: Recognizes students who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service.

- Girl Scout Gold and Boy Scout Eagle Awards: Highest achievements in scouting, highlighting leadership and community service projects.

5. Subject-specific Competitions and Awards:

- American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)/Math Olympiad (AMO): Highly respected math competitions.

- Model United Nations (MUN): Recognizes top delegates in conferences, showcasing exceptional diplomacy and debate skills.

- National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Tournaments: Awards for excellence in speech and debate competitions.

These are just a few examples of the many awards and competitions available to high school students. Think about your interests, strengths, and long-term goals as you consider which awards to pursue. Remember that winning prestigious awards can be a valuable addition to your college application, but being deeply engaged and passionate in a few key areas can also make a strong impression on admissions committees.