How do I write this award/EC down?

Applying to College
1

Hey everyone! This year I participated in the USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad. Just like the other science Olympiads, there are two rounds. The first is to see who qualifies for the second round/national competition. The second is to determine the top 5 participants who will go on to represent the US at the IOAA.

I got past the first round, which qualified me to take the second round exam. Unfortunately, the second round was extremely competitive, so I was not in the top 5. However, my physics teacher told me that it’s significant that I qualified for the second round exam, but I’m not particularly sure how to list that on my application. I definitely do NOT want to embellish anything, but I want to make sure it stands out and represents my achievements. Could anyone help with the phrasing?

2

Put it in awards/honors section and write usaao (us astronomy and astrophysics olympiad) quarterfinalist/semifinalist/whatever applies to your honor

3

@debate4ever Unfortunately USAAAO doesn’t have those specific titles like the other olympiads. Technically I’d be a semifinalist, but am I allowed to write that?

4

What do they describe you as on the list? You could also put Top 300/whatever you are to clarify

5

According to the website, they select the “top half of the participants to move on to the second round,” so you can simply say that you were in the top half to specify your accomplishment.

6

I’d say “qualified for second round to compete for final 5 spots”.

7

I second the idea of “Qualified for 2nd round” don’t think listing the number of spots is necessary.