What's considered a spike?

rshortsma
Mon, 19 Dec 2016 06:14:33 +0000

What exactly is considered a spike?

I have a few achievements/academic accomplishments: US Computing Olympiad Silver, 9 AP Exams (5 self-studied) all 5’s, taking undergrad math at a local university, National Merit Semifinalist, US Physics Olympiad Semifinalist Bronze.

Please don’t take this the wrong way, I’m not trying to be arrogant or insecure, trying to get some form of affirmation. I know that there are so many talented, highly motivated individuals out there that have accomplished so much more, and I really don’t know if these stand out at all in the big scheme for highly selective universities.

The big question is:
Which of these would be considered spikes (or small humps that I can emphasize in my application?