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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
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SAT: 720 math
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What are some awards high school students can aim for?

I'm trying to boost my application with achievements and awards that colleges look out for. Can anyone share some examples of awards that high school students can earn? Anything along the lines of academics, sports, arts, community service would be really helpful.

a year ago

Certainly, there are numerous awards across various domains that high school students can target to boost their applications. Here are a few examples across different fields:

1. Academic awards: These are particularly impactful as they directly showcase your intellectual prowess. Look out for competitions such as the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO), USA Biology Olympiad (USABO), or Regeneron Science Talent Search. They are prestigious and can significantly differentiate your application.

2. Artistic awards: Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a prestigious nationwide art competition. You can showcase your talents in various categories including drawing, painting, and photography. Another notable one is YoungArts, which recognizes achievements in cinematic arts, design arts, dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and writing.

3. Community service awards: The President's Volunteer Service Award and the Congressional Award Gold Medal honor students who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work.

4. Sports awards: State or National Athletic Championships and awards in various sports can be highly noteworthy. For instance, qualifying for state championships or receiving All-State honors can be significant achievements.

Remember, achievements that set you apart are often those that align with your interests or intended field of study. It showcases your commitment and ability in that particular domain while indicating that you'll contribute significantly to that arena in college. Always aim for awards that coincide with your spikes or main areas of interest.

a year ago

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