Quick question peeps: how much do awards from high school really matter in the whole college admissions process? How can I leverage these recognitions especially if they are not strictly academic? Hoping for some enlightenment! Thanks!
Absolutely, high school awards can make a meaningful impact on your application, no matter what type of award it is.
Awards show that you're able to excel in a certain area, whether that's academics, a hobby, or community service. This shows colleges that you are capable of leadership, commitment, and hard work. They illustrate your passions and skills, and help to make your application stand out.
Colleges sort extracurriculars and awards into four tiers. Tier 1 includes exceptional achievements like national or international awards. Tier 2 includes regional or state level recognitions. Tier 3 includes achievements on a school level and Tier 4 includes general participation.
Even if your awards aren't strictly academic, they can still elevate your college application. If you've won an art contest or a regional soccer tournament, it proves you have particular talents and have worked hard to develop them.
How to include them on your application? Be specific on your applications and use descriptive language to make the award come alive. It helps to bring context about the significance of the award, whether it's regional, national or international. Include your role, if it was an individual or a team award, the level of competition, and what skills or qualities the award recognized.
Remember, admissions officers appreciate a diverse range of talents, so do include them with the application, even if they're not directly related to academics.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.