What qualifies as an academic award?

Hey everyone, just wondering what counts as an academic award for college applications? Are they just for national competitions, or can smaller achievements count too?

An academic award can come in various forms and levels of recognition. They are not limited to national competitions, as there are many regional, state, and local competitions as well. Awards can also be given within your individual school for your achievements in specific subjects or overall academic performance. Generally, an academic award is any recognition for scholarly success or excellence that is granted by a school, district, organization, or competition.

Here are some examples of academic awards that you can include in your college application:

1. National awards: These are prestigious awards given at the national or international level. Examples include National Merit Scholarships, Presidential Scholar awards, or winning a highly prestigious competition such as the Intel Science Talent Search or Math Olympiad.

2. State and regional awards: These awards are often based on performances in state or regional competitions. Examples include winning a state science fair, a state or regional spelling bee, or being a state finalist in the National History Day competition. Similarly, you might receive recognition for being a top performer on a state-specific standardized test.

3. School-level awards: These are achievements recognized within your individual school, such as being on the honor roll, earning a departmental award for excellence in a particular subject, or receiving the "Student of the Year" award.

4. Other academic recognition: You may also receive recognition for your participation in academic clubs, organizations, or competitions, such as being a member of your school's Quiz Bowl team, participating in the Model United Nations, being inducted into the National Honor Society, or contributing to a school's academic journal.

Remember to list your academic awards in the order of their significance, starting with national or international awards, then state and regional awards, and finally school-level awards. Including a combination of awards showcases your academic skills and dedication to scholarship, which can be valued by college admissions officers.