<p>I suppose that certain awards are more well known than others and I trust you explained what that award was to adcoms, because if you are outside of NJ (ok I’ll give you NY as well), I am thinking people wouldnt have a clue what the Ed Bloustein award is.</p>
<p>As to the response from Dan, I really appreciate the reference to first semester grades in that thread about weighted grades (linked above). Especially the case since my son’s school doesn’t weight or rank, nor do they graduate 4.0 students. The thinking falls directly in line with what Dan is suggesting - that adcoms will look at the actual transcripts. My son is not a straight A student, although he gets his fair share. But there is no doubt his teachers say he is a really great student who truly engages in learning. He takes what would be considered the most rigorous curriculum offered and most importantly to his dad and me is that as his plate has become more full and far more challenging, he not only rises to the challenge but seems to revel in it. We know how well prepared he is for college. He’s going to LOVE it, wherever he gets in!</p>