The Common Application provides a dedicated section for applicants to list academic and extracurricular distinctions received throughout their high school career. This section encompasses various forms of recognition, including awards, scholarships, and any other form of commendation for exceptional performance. Examples include but are not limited to, honor roll distinctions, National Merit Scholar recognition, Advanced Placement Scholar awards, subject-specific accolades (e.g., science olympiad medals, debate awards), and community service awards.
Listing such achievements allows admissions committees to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an applicant’s strengths and areas of excellence beyond academic transcripts and standardized test scores. Highlighting these accomplishments showcases initiative, dedication, and a commitment to achieving significant goals. Historically, this section provides a space for students to differentiate themselves and provides context to other achievements listed within the application.
The subsequent sections will delve further into the specific types of commendations students commonly include, strategies for presenting these honors effectively, and considerations for ensuring the information submitted is accurate and representative of the applicant’s achievements.
1. Academic Achievements
Academic achievements constitute a significant portion of commendations listed in the Common Application’s honors section. These accomplishments underscore an applicant’s dedication to intellectual pursuits and aptitude for mastering complex concepts, providing admissions committees with tangible evidence of academic prowess.
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Honor Roll/Dean’s List
Consistent placement on the honor roll or Dean’s List signifies sustained high academic performance throughout a semester or academic year. These distinctions demonstrate a student’s ability to consistently meet or exceed established academic standards. Listing these achievements provides verifiable evidence of an applicant’s commitment to academic excellence.
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National Merit Scholar Recognition
Recognition as a National Merit Scholar, whether as a Semifinalist, Finalist, or Winner, denotes exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and fulfillment of rigorous academic criteria. This nationally recognized achievement indicates superior academic aptitude and potential for success in higher education, making it a highly valued commendation on the Common Application.
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Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards
The College Board’s AP Scholar Awards recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement on AP Exams. These awards, ranging from AP Scholar to National AP Scholar, signify a student’s ability to master college-level material while still in high school. Inclusion of these awards showcases an applicant’s preparedness for the academic rigor of university studies.
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Subject-Specific Awards
Awards received for exceptional performance in specific subjects, such as mathematics, science, or English, highlight an applicant’s specialized knowledge and skills. Examples include winning a science olympiad medal, achieving high scores in math competitions, or receiving recognition for outstanding writing. These awards provide targeted evidence of an applicant’s strengths in particular academic areas.
Inclusion of these academic achievements within the dedicated section allows students to present a holistic view of their academic capabilities. These achievements serve as quantifiable metrics, further solidifying the applicant’s overall academic profile, making it more competitive for admission.
2. Extracurricular Awards
Extracurricular awards, as a component of “what are considered honors on the common app,” represent recognition attained through participation and achievement in activities outside the standard academic curriculum. These awards showcase an applicant’s dedication, skills, and leadership qualities in fields such as athletics, arts, debate, volunteer work, and club activities. Their inclusion demonstrates a well-rounded profile, supplementing academic achievements with evidence of broader engagement and personal development. For example, winning a state-level debate tournament, receiving an award for outstanding artistic merit, or being recognized for exceptional volunteer service all constitute verifiable honors that augment an applicant’s candidacy.
The significance of these distinctions lies in their capacity to illustrate an applicant’s ability to excel beyond the classroom. They offer insight into a students passion, perseverance, and capacity to make meaningful contributions to their community. An award for outstanding leadership in a school club, for instance, suggests an individual’s capacity to motivate others and manage complex initiatives. Similarly, athletic awards may highlight dedication, discipline, and teamwork. These attributes, while difficult to quantify through academic metrics alone, are highly valued by admissions committees seeking students who will actively contribute to their university community.
Therefore, accurate and thoughtful presentation of extracurricular awards within the Common Application is crucial. It provides admissions committees with a holistic understanding of an applicant’s capabilities, revealing aspects of character and commitment not readily apparent through academic transcripts alone. These accomplishments, when presented effectively, strengthen the overall application and significantly improve an applicant’s chances of admission by showcasing a balance of academic excellence and personal achievement.
3. Scholarship recognition
Scholarship recognition, as it pertains to the Common Application’s honors section, signifies financial awards granted based on merit, need, or a combination thereof. These acknowledgments demonstrate not only financial acumen but also academic or extracurricular achievements that distinguish an applicant from their peers.
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Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships acknowledge superior academic performance, leadership qualities, or talent in a specific field. Examples include the National Merit Scholarship, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, and university-specific merit awards. Listing these scholarships highlights an applicant’s exceptional abilities and commitment to excellence, corroborating other accolades presented in the application.
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Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships provide financial assistance to students demonstrating financial hardship, facilitating access to higher education. While primarily indicative of financial circumstances, these scholarships often require a minimum academic standard for eligibility. Inclusion of need-based awards can contextualize an applicant’s academic journey, demonstrating perseverance in the face of adversity. The Pell Grant, for example, can be included.
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Specialized Scholarships
Specialized scholarships target students with specific backgrounds, interests, or career goals. Examples encompass scholarships for students pursuing STEM fields, those belonging to underrepresented minority groups, or those demonstrating a commitment to community service. Recognition through these scholarships signifies alignment with the values and priorities of the awarding organization, supplementing an applicant’s personal narrative.
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Full Tuition Scholarships
Full tuition scholarships cover the entire cost of attendance at an institution, signifying exceptional achievement and potential. These highly competitive awards, such as the Morehead-Cain Scholarship or the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, often involve a rigorous selection process that assesses academic excellence, leadership skills, and character. Receipt of a full tuition scholarship represents a significant honor, underscoring an applicant’s overall strength and suitability for higher education.
The inclusion of scholarship recognition within the Common Application’s honors section provides a multifaceted view of an applicant’s qualifications. These awards not only demonstrate financial support but also serve as validation of an applicant’s academic achievements, leadership capabilities, and commitment to specific fields or communities. They enhance the application by providing tangible evidence of an applicant’s potential to excel in higher education and beyond.
4. Leadership positions
Leadership positions, while not honors in the strictest sense, constitute a crucial aspect of what is considered an honor on the Common Application. These roles denote a significant level of responsibility, initiative, and influence within an organization or community, providing admissions committees with insight into an applicant’s character and potential.
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Elected Office
Elected offices within student government, clubs, or community organizations signify peer recognition and a mandate to represent constituents’ interests. Holding positions such as president, vice president, or treasurer demonstrates an ability to win support, manage resources, and advocate for collective goals. The significance of such roles extends beyond mere participation, highlighting an applicant’s capacity for governance and ethical decision-making.
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Team Captaincy
Serving as a team captain in athletics or academic competitions underscores leadership qualities, motivational skills, and the ability to foster teamwork. This role necessitates strategic thinking, effective communication, and the capacity to inspire others to achieve a common objective. Captaincy indicates a willingness to assume responsibility and guide a group toward success, even under pressure. The respect of peers is integral to this position.
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Project Leadership
Leading a significant project, whether in a school club, community service initiative, or independent endeavor, demonstrates initiative, organizational skills, and the ability to manage complexity. This role requires defining goals, coordinating resources, and overcoming obstacles to achieve a tangible outcome. Successful project leadership showcases an applicant’s capacity for innovation, problem-solving, and effective execution.
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Mentorship Roles
Serving as a mentor or tutor to younger students, peers, or community members indicates a commitment to helping others and a willingness to share knowledge and experience. Mentorship demonstrates empathy, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively across different skill levels. This role highlights an applicant’s capacity for compassion and dedication to fostering the growth of others.
While the titles themselves hold weight, the Common Application provides space to elaborate on the specific responsibilities and accomplishments associated with these leadership positions. Detailing the impact of one’s actions, quantifiable achievements, and lessons learned further enhances the significance of these roles. Leadership positions, when effectively presented, complement academic achievements and provide a comprehensive portrait of an applicant’s character and potential contributions to a university community.
5. Community service accolades
Community service accolades, in the context of accomplishments listed on the Common Application, denote recognitions awarded for exceptional contributions to a community through voluntary work. These awards serve to highlight an applicant’s commitment to altruism, social responsibility, and the betterment of society, providing admissions committees with valuable insights beyond academic performance.
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Presidential Volunteer Service Award
The Presidential Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated a significant number of hours to volunteer service within a 12-month period. Awarded at varying levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) based on the hours accrued, this commendation indicates a sustained commitment to volunteerism and community engagement. Recipients of this award demonstrate dedication and a willingness to contribute meaningfully to society, which are qualities highly valued by admissions committees.
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Local Community Awards
Many communities offer awards for outstanding volunteer contributions. These awards may be presented by local government, non-profit organizations, or community groups to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact on the local area. Examples include awards for environmental stewardship, community development, or assisting vulnerable populations. These recognitions often reflect a deep understanding of local needs and a proactive approach to addressing them, offering admissions committees a nuanced perspective on an applicant’s commitment to their community.
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Organization-Specific Awards
Non-profit organizations frequently present awards to volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication or made significant contributions to their mission. These awards may recognize fundraising efforts, program leadership, or innovative approaches to addressing social issues. Receipt of such an award indicates alignment with the organization’s values and a capacity to make a tangible difference, providing compelling evidence of an applicant’s passion and commitment to a specific cause.
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National Recognition for Service
Certain national organizations, such as AmeriCorps or the Red Cross, offer awards to volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership. These recognitions signify a commitment to national service initiatives and a capacity to contribute to large-scale projects addressing critical social needs. Such awards often involve a rigorous selection process, indicating that the recipient possesses outstanding qualities and a demonstrated capacity for leadership and impact.
In summary, community service accolades provide a compelling narrative of an applicant’s commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on the world. When accurately and thoughtfully presented on the Common Application, these awards supplement academic achievements, offering admissions committees a comprehensive understanding of an applicant’s character, values, and potential to contribute meaningfully to a university community.
6. National/International distinctions
National and international distinctions represent a prominent category of accomplishments considered honors on the Common Application. These recognitions, by virtue of their scope and selectivity, carry significant weight in the admissions process. They often signify exceptional talent, dedication, and achievement within a competitive landscape, demonstrating to admissions committees that an applicant has excelled on a broader scale than regional or local contexts. For instance, winning a medal at the International Science Olympiad, being selected as a National YoungArts Winner, or receiving recognition from a globally recognized organization like the United Nations for a specific initiative signals a high level of competence and impact. These distinctions provide external validation of an applicant’s abilities, reinforcing the claims made within the application regarding their skills and potential.
The impact of including these distinctions is multi-faceted. Firstly, they showcase an applicant’s ability to compete and succeed on a national or international stage. This demonstrates not only talent but also the resilience and determination required to navigate rigorous selection processes. Secondly, these recognitions often involve interaction with diverse groups and perspectives, providing evidence of an applicant’s intercultural competence and adaptability. Thirdly, such distinctions may open doors to unique opportunities, such as research collaborations, scholarships, or mentorship programs, further enhancing an applicant’s academic and professional trajectory. For example, recognition at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) can lead to research opportunities at prestigious institutions. The selective nature of these honors means that their inclusion can differentiate an applicant from a pool of otherwise highly qualified candidates.
In conclusion, national and international distinctions serve as powerful indicators of an applicant’s capabilities and potential. Their inclusion on the Common Application not only highlights exceptional achievements but also provides evidence of an applicant’s capacity to thrive in diverse and competitive environments. The significance of these honors lies in their ability to validate an applicant’s claims and provide admissions committees with tangible evidence of their readiness for the challenges and opportunities of higher education. Careful and thoughtful presentation of these distinctions is crucial to maximizing their impact and conveying a comprehensive picture of the applicant’s strengths.
7. Subject-specific commendations
Subject-specific commendations, a subset of achievements listed on the Common Application, represent recognition for exceptional performance or talent within a particular academic discipline or skill. These distinctions serve to highlight an applicant’s specialized knowledge, aptitude, and dedication to a specific area of study, providing admissions committees with granular insights into their academic strengths.
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Science Olympiad Medals
Earning medals in Science Olympiad competitions demonstrates a mastery of scientific principles and the ability to apply those principles in practical problem-solving scenarios. These medals indicate a high level of scientific literacy and a capacity for critical thinking, providing verifiable evidence of an applicant’s aptitude for STEM fields. The competitive nature of Science Olympiad underscores the recipient’s dedication and perseverance.
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Math Competition Awards
Recognition in math competitions, such as the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) or the Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT), showcases exceptional mathematical reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities. These awards signify a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and the capacity to apply them to complex challenges. High scores and awards in these competitions are indicative of an applicant’s potential for success in mathematically intensive fields of study.
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Debate and Forensics Awards
Awards earned in debate and forensics competitions demonstrate exceptional communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to articulate persuasive arguments. These recognitions indicate a mastery of rhetoric, research, and public speaking, providing evidence of an applicant’s ability to engage in intellectual discourse and defend their ideas effectively. Debate and forensics awards highlight an applicant’s preparedness for fields requiring strong communication and analytical skills.
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Writing Awards
Recognition for exceptional writing, such as winning a Scholastic Art & Writing Award or being published in a reputable literary magazine, showcases creative talent, command of language, and the ability to craft compelling narratives. These awards signify a mastery of grammar, style, and storytelling, providing evidence of an applicant’s aptitude for fields requiring strong writing and communication skills. These commendations often reflect a commitment to refining one’s craft and pursuing creative expression.
Subject-specific commendations, as exemplified by these recognitions, provide a focused perspective on an applicant’s strengths and aptitudes. Their inclusion in the Common Application allows students to demonstrate expertise and passion in specific areas of study, complementing broader academic achievements and providing admissions committees with a comprehensive understanding of their qualifications and potential contributions.
8. Consistent high performance
Consistent high performance serves as a foundational element in the evaluation of what constitutes an honor worthy of inclusion on the Common Application. It contextualizes isolated achievements, providing a narrative of sustained effort and commitment across various academic and extracurricular domains.
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Sustained Academic Excellence
Consistent high grades, year after year, demonstrate an applicants ability to maintain a strong academic record. This consistency is often reflected in repeated Honor Roll or Dean’s List appearances. While a single high grade may be attributed to chance, a pattern of academic excellence speaks to intellectual aptitude, discipline, and a proactive approach to learning. In the Common Application, this sustained excellence reinforces the credibility of any academic awards or scholarships listed, demonstrating that these accolades are not isolated events but rather the result of ongoing dedication.
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Long-Term Extracurricular Involvement
Consistent participation and advancement within an extracurricular activity, spanning multiple years, indicates dedication and a genuine interest beyond fulfilling basic requirements. For example, remaining an active member of a debate team from freshman year to senior year, progressing from novice to leadership roles, demonstrates commitment. This longevity enhances the significance of any awards or recognitions earned within that activity, highlighting the applicants sustained contribution and growth. Admissions committees often perceive this as a sign of future engagement and potential leadership within the university community.
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Commitment to Community Service
Consistent volunteer work, undertaken regularly over an extended period, demonstrates a genuine commitment to serving the community. For instance, volunteering at a local soup kitchen every weekend for several years reflects empathy and a desire to make a tangible difference. While a single large-scale service project may be impressive, consistent engagement underscores a long-term commitment to social responsibility. When listing community service awards on the Common Application, this consistent involvement provides context, demonstrating that the recognition is a culmination of ongoing effort rather than a one-time occurrence.
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Progressive Skill Development
Consistent improvement in a particular skill or area of expertise, evident over time, showcases an applicant’s capacity for growth and learning. This might involve a steady increase in scores on standardized tests, consistent advancement in musical proficiency, or improvement in athletic performance. When listing awards related to these skills on the Common Application, demonstrating this progressive development provides evidence of the applicant’s commitment to self-improvement and their ability to overcome challenges.
Consistent high performance amplifies the impact of honors listed on the Common Application. It shifts the focus from isolated achievements to a narrative of sustained effort, dedication, and growth, providing admissions committees with a more comprehensive and compelling picture of the applicant’s capabilities and potential.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Acceptable Distinctions on the Common Application
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the honors section of the Common Application, clarifying which achievements merit inclusion.
Question 1: Does inclusion of every award received throughout high school enhance an application?
No. Selective presentation is preferred. Prioritize commendations that demonstrate significant achievement and align with stated interests or goals. Listing excessive minor awards may dilute the impact of more substantial accolades.
Question 2: Is it appropriate to include club memberships as honors?
Mere membership in a club does not constitute an honor. Leadership positions or significant contributions within a club, resulting in formal recognition, may be considered.
Question 3: How are academic awards from middle school regarded?
The Common Application primarily focuses on high school achievements. Middle school awards generally hold less weight and are typically not included unless they represent exceptional accomplishments with continued relevance to an applicant’s high school trajectory.
Question 4: If an award was received as part of a group, can it still be listed individually?
Yes, provided the individual’s contribution to the group’s success was significant and clearly demonstrable. The application should explicitly outline the specific role and responsibilities of the applicant within the group’s achievement.
Question 5: Should scholarships covering only a small portion of tuition be included?
Yes, including smaller scholarships is acceptable, especially if they are merit-based or tied to a specific academic discipline. These awards demonstrate external validation of an applicant’s abilities and potential.
Question 6: Is it advisable to list awards that were later revoked due to unforeseen circumstances?
Generally, it is not advisable to list awards that have been formally revoked. Disclosing the revocation may raise unnecessary concerns. Exceptions may exist if the circumstances surrounding the revocation can be clearly and positively framed, demonstrating resilience or ethical conduct.
The Common Application’s honors section offers an opportunity to showcase achievements, supplementing academic transcripts and test scores. Careful consideration should be given to selecting commendations that effectively highlight an applicant’s strengths and potential.
The next section will explore strategies for effectively presenting these commendations within the application.
Tips for Effectively Presenting Commendations
The following tips aim to guide applicants in presenting their accomplishments within the Common Applications honors section, maximizing the impact of these distinctions.
Tip 1: Prioritize Significance: Emphasize distinctions reflecting considerable achievement or unique accomplishments. Focus on those demonstrably linked to an applicant’s stated goals or interests, rather than including every minor accolade received throughout high school.
Tip 2: Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, provide quantifiable metrics to demonstrate the impact of a commendation. For example, specify the number of participants in a competition, the amount of money raised for a charitable cause, or the percentage improvement achieved through a tutoring program.
Tip 3: Provide Context: Offer a concise explanation of the award’s criteria and selection process. Indicate the awarding organization, the scope of the competition (e.g., local, regional, national), and the number of recipients. This provides admissions committees with a clear understanding of the award’s significance.
Tip 4: Highlight Leadership Roles: Explicitly detail any leadership roles held within organizations or projects recognized with an award. Outline the specific responsibilities undertaken and the positive impact achieved through these leadership positions.
Tip 5: Align with Overall Narrative: Ensure that the commendations listed complement the applicant’s overall narrative and reinforce their stated interests and goals. Each achievement should contribute to a cohesive picture of the applicant’s strengths, passions, and potential contributions to the university community.
Tip 6: Maintain Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of all information presented, including award names, dates, and descriptions. Inaccurate or exaggerated claims can undermine the applicant’s credibility. If confirmation from the awarding organization is feasible, pursue it.
Tip 7: Adhere to Word Limits: Respect the character or word limits imposed by the Common Application for each entry. Concisely and effectively convey the necessary information without exceeding these constraints. Practice editing skills to convey information effectively.
The consistent application of these guidelines enhances the presentation of distinctions within the Common Application, maximizing their impact and providing a compelling demonstration of an applicants capabilities.
The following concludes the exploration of effectively presenting commendations, transitioning towards the final considerations for a successful Common Application submission.
Considerations for Commendations on the Common Application
This exploration of “what are considered honors on the common app” reveals the nuanced nature of this section. It encompasses academic and extracurricular distinctions, leadership roles, and community contributions. Strategic selection and accurate, contextualized presentation are paramount. The objective is to provide admissions committees with a comprehensive and substantiated understanding of an applicant’s strengths, achievements, and potential.
A thoughtful and well-crafted presentation of commendations elevates the Common Application, strengthening an applicant’s candidacy. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure this section accurately reflects their accomplishments and contributions. The effective utilization of this section aids the admissions committee in assessing the comprehensive profile of the application submitted.
