national awards

eunjilee90
Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:35:18 +0000

hi everyone,
i have a question regarding EC and awards.
I want to know how much difference it makes if i have the following.

Gold medal in a state programming competition. I was the first female to win this in thirteen years, which is the first time ever since the beginning of this competition. (OMIJAL)

First place in a national artificial intelligence competition, meaning robotics. (OMI)

Finalist in national programming competition. (OMI)

Best delegate in an international mun simulation. (IMMUNS)

Finalist in national NASA symposium competition where we programmed a software that explained about the noctilucent clouds. (I could either say finalist or 4th place. Which do you think sounds better?)

Second place nationally in Microsoft Imagine Cup, Project Hoshimi

17, 11, 6th place in state math competition. I am going for the top three this year which is before apps are due. (Should I omit this? Does this sound bad?)

I think I have some more, but my question is this. Someone told me that winning something nationally is a big deal when applying to colleges. Is this true?
By the way, I am currently living in Mexico.
And one more question. Are these awards worth more than those given at the end of the school year that says who got the highest grade in a class? Like the “Best student” awards?

I tried to focus on programming and technology competitions.
Please tell me your honest opinions.
Thank you!