Our twins are entering high school next year, and they’ve already met with a guidance counselor who is promoting the Congressional Awards program, which requires hours of service, personal growth, fitness, and expedition. The counselor seems to be convinced that this is a great thing to show colleges during the application process. But in perusing the comments and lists of extracurricular activities on this website, I haven’t come across one mention of this yet. Is it worth the trouble? Thanks!
Does it require money being spent by you? If so, steer clear.
If your twins got a Congressional Medal of Honor, they could go to any college they wanted to regardless of grades or test scores! On the other hand, a Congressional Award for Youth is a solid way to recognize good high school students. The program does not cost anything. Members of Congress love to give them out and it is a great way to get an honor for the things your students might already be doing. For example, a boy working toward Eagle Scout could use many of the Boy Scout activities for the Congressional Award requirements. If they are interested in public service, these are great door openers for internships with your local Congressmen. If your twins are looking at the most selective colleges (Ivy+), the awards don’t really provide much advantage in an incredibly tough applicant pool.