<p>my D is going to nationals of National History Day (1st place in NYS)–and I’ve been wondering how colleges view that?? anyone have any idea?</p>
<p>Bridie, I honestly think it is more about how the accomplishments are presented than what they are. My daughter didn’t have awards or the type of elected positions that are amazing, but she did a very good job of presenting what she did have in an interesting manner. </p>
<p>I think you would want to do some research into the National History Day competition – how many competitors? What does it take to get to nationals? etc. – and if it truly is a significant accomplishment, then make sure that it is expressed that way. </p>
<p>I say that it’s important to do research because many of our kids receive “awards” or invitations by mail that are really vanity things - my son had Who’s Who and some sort of national Math award, but whatever he had was no big deal - just things that some teachers “nominated” him for. </p>
<p>Also, some awards and competitions just have more widespread recognition and prestige than others. My daughter used to participate in dance competitions, and there are a handful of competitions that are very prestigious, but most of them are just commercial endeavors that the kids participate in for fun, but are not taken very seriously in the dance world. So even if the competition is legit, you need to scout out to get a sense of how others view it. </p>
<p>Also, it’s valuable to combine achievements in a way that looks impressive. It may turn out that National History Day by itself is not that big of a deal, but in conjunction with other activities or awards that show your daughter’s interest in history or national affairs, it starts looking like a true passion.</p>
<p>This is helpful, Calmom. Could you say a bit more about presenting awards in an interesting way?</p>
<p>Thanks Calmom for the input…and it’s making me think about how best to “present” the achievement. Since my D does not have a great interest or ability in history, I think perhaps it can be used more to show her interest and aptitude in research and in group work. She’s only a soph now but these are areas she can possibly develop as she goes through high school.</p>
<p>bridie – tell your D congrats on History Day – and it is a big deal!</p>
<p>My youngest did History day for the first time this year (6th grade) and really enjoyed it. He was 1st place in regionals, but did not place in state (he was very disappointed). Which category did your daughter win in? My son is already making plans for next year!</p>
<p>Thanks for the helpful information, calmom. I’m a History Day kid, too, 1st place in state with senior historical paper. I’ve been interested in history all my life, and I’m sure I can figure out some way to work the award into the “presentation” of being a history nut.</p>
<p>thanks hsmomstef! She was pretty excited (shocked actually). She won in the senior group performance category.</p>
<p>bridie – yep, my son was shocked also! He was up against 7th and 8th graders and we told him that 6th graders usually didn’t win because they were just learning what to do. He was so surprised when they called his name he could barely walk up to the stage – it was definitely a motivator for next year! He did individual exhibit and really wants to go to nationals sometime.</p>