Do awards matter for top 20 schools

tsbna44
Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:42:10 +0000

Thank you for your example.

This is a perfect case where - the OP can’t change the past and perhaps those activities he does does not merit an award.

My daughter helped a refugee family for two years integrate into society.

That has a lot of meaning to her - and hopefully to the colleges she applied to.

There is no award given for that.

She applied to a few top 20 schools and a top 3 or 10 - depending on the ranker - LAC.

Her awards she listed were all non-essential to me - AP Scholar with Distinction, etc.

I would not say - don’t apply because you don’t have an award.

Everyone’s interests are different. Some are in academic competitions so maybe winning says something.

Others may be the basketball team manager or work to tutor kids or have a job.

Not every activity garners an award and I highly doubt that the majority of kids out there have these superlative awards.

In fact @MWolf gave some stats in message 16. Not sure where they came from but knowing M Wolfs other posts I’m sure very well researched.

So I personally disagree with those who say the OP shouldn’t waste his money - because if his academics and extracurriculars are strong, not having an award will not be why he won’t get in.

Again - my opinion. If kids only did activities to get an award, then 80% of extracurriculars - the helping at the homeless shelter, walking pets, helping at a hospital, etc - all this stuff would be non-existent.

Colleges want to see passion, accomplishment and commitment. At least, right or wrong, that’s what I believe.

Thanks