<p>Are accomplishments like National/School wide awards too long ago if they are in freshman/sophomore year of high school?</p>
<p>Everything starting from beginning of freshman year counts…especially major awards/accomplishments/performances at major venues…</p>
<p>…moreover, some students MAY have to somehow show connection/dedication to a MAJOR extracurricular activity that they started at a very young age in one of their essays…for example, many of the TOP athletes who are nationally/internationally ranked started their sport at a very young age…similar to the TOP musicians and artists…similar to the STEM wizards…similar to the TOP writers…most of these TOP students did not start their “extracurricular activity” in high school…but when they were 5-6 years old…</p>
<p>…so, even though it is strongly recommended not to list things “outside” of the high school years in the Common APP…the admissions committee UNDERSTANDS that most, if not all, TOP candidates achieved their level of accomplishment from YEARS and YEARS of dedication, persistence, sacrifice, and passion…</p>
<p>…hope this helps.</p>
<p>Absolutely! One of my Stanford classmates was the Ballroom Dancing National Champion during his freshman year of high school.</p>
<p>Thank you! This makes me happy!</p>