Applying to college can feel like juggling a dozen flaming torches. The Common Application, or Common App, simplifies some of the process, but it still comes with its quirks. One area that trips up many students? The Awards and Honors section. You might wonder: Can you use the Common App Awards section effectively to stand out? The answer is yes, and we’re diving into the hows and whys right here.
- Understanding the Common App Awards Section
- Where to Put Awards on the Common App
- Can You Use the Common App Awards Section for Ivy League Admissions?
- Common Mistakes When Filling Out the Common App Awards Section
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Understanding the Common App Awards Section
The Awards and Honors section of the Common App is your chance to show admissions officers what you’ve accomplished outside the classroom. This isn’t just a box to fill. It’s a way to prove that you’re a go-getter. Ivy League schools, in particular, value students who excel in multiple areas. If you use this section well, it can strengthen your entire application.
What are honors on the Common App?
Honors are accolades you’ve earned during high school that showcase your abilities and dedication. These could range from academic awards to extracurricular achievements. Think of this as a highlight reel of your high school career.
Here are some examples of honors that you can include in your Common Application:
- Academic achievements. National Merit Scholar, Honor Roll, AP Scholar.
- Competitions. Science Olympiad medals, math competition placements, or Model UN awards.
- Artistic recognitions. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards or music competition prizes.
- Leadership awards. Student government recognition or leadership camps.
- Community service honors. Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
When listing these, stick to formal honors that can be verified. Admissions officers want specifics, so “Mathlete of the Month” might not carry the same weight as a regional math competition win.
Where to Put Awards on the Common App
Your awards belong in the Honors section of the Common App, which you’ll find under the “Activities” tab. This section lets you showcase up to five honors, so making every entry count is important.
Here’s how to make the most of it with ten simple tips:
1. Be specific and precise.
Instead of something generic like “Won a writing award,” go for “Gold Key Award in Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (Regional Level, 2024).” The more detail you include, the easier it is for admissions to see how awesome your accomplishment is.
2. Prioritize by prestige.
Start with your most impressive awards, especially those that are national or international. Admissions officers look for top-tier accomplishments, so make sure the most impactful ones stand out.
3. Highlight the level of achievement.
Always include whether the award is at the school, regional, national, or international level. For example, “First Place in State Science Fair” tells way more of a story than just “Science Fair Winner.”
4. Align awards with your goals.
Pick awards that show off your passion for your intended major or career path. If you’re aiming for a STEM program, list those math or science honors first to reinforce your skills and interests.
5. Explain lesser-known awards.
Not every award name is self-explanatory, so add a quick explanation. For instance, “John Doe Leadership Award (recognizing outstanding school and community leadership)” gives admissions a clear picture of why it’s important.
6. Maximize the character limit.
Remember, this section lets you list up to 5 Honors and Awards, with 100 characters to describe each one.
Don’t waste the space! Use all the characters allowed to include details like selection criteria, competition level, or how many participants you were up against. Something like “Chosen out of 5,000 applicants for leadership and academic excellence” makes a big impact.
7. Avoid redundancy.
If you’ve already mentioned an award in your Activities section, don’t just repeat the same info here. Focus on different aspects of the honor to add more depth to your application.
8. Show progress over time.
Highlight awards that show growth or improvement. For example, listing a regional award one year and a national one the next proves you’re on an upward trajectory.
9. Include academic and extracurricular honors.
Mix it up! Don’t just stick to academic awards—include sports, music, or leadership honors too. This shows you’re a well-rounded applicant.
10. Check for accuracy and clarity.
Proofread for typos and make sure everything is easy to understand. Bonus points if you get a teacher or counselor to take a quick look and help polish it up!
With these tips, your Common App Honors section will shine and help you stand out to admissions officers. You’ve got this!
Can You Use the Common App Awards Section for Ivy League Admissions?
Absolutely! In fact, this section can be a game-changer in your application. Ivy League schools like Brown and Princeton receive thousands of applications from students with perfect GPAs and stellar test scores. The key to standing out is showcasing your ability to excel beyond academics.
The Awards section is your chance to demonstrate your unique strengths, achievements, and the value you’ll bring to their campus. Here are a few examples of how you can effectively highlight your accomplishments:
Academic superstar
Start strong by listing your most prestigious award first, like a National Merit Finalist title, to immediately set the tone for your academic excellence.
Follow up with recognitions such as an AP Scholar with Distinction award, a regional science fair victory, or your school’s valedictorian honor. Together, these achievements highlight your intellectual ability and consistency in excelling at the highest level—qualities that Ivy League schools value.
Athletic and academic balance
If you’ve achieved recognition in sports, like making an All-State Soccer Team, pair it with an academic honor such as membership in the National Honor Society.
To round it out, include something like a Presidential Volunteer Service Award to demonstrate your commitment to community service. This combination showcases your versatility as a candidate who excels academically, athletically, and socially.
Creative standout
Combine achievements in the arts, like winning a Gold Medal in Scholastic Writing, with leadership roles, such as taking the lead in a state-winning theater production. This approach underscores your creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills. Ivy League schools love candidates who show passion, drive, and the ability to excel in their craft.
The main strategy
The key to making the Awards section shine is to choose honors that align with your personal brand and future goals. For instance, if you’re applying as a STEM major, emphasize awards in science, technology, or math. If you’re an artist or writer, lean into those creative achievements.
Also, clear and specific descriptions should give admissions officers a full picture of what each award represents.
By carefully curating and presenting your honors, you can use this section to show admissions officers what makes you uniquely qualified to join their prestigious university. It’s not just about what you’ve achieved—it’s about how your achievements reflect your character, drive, and potential to make an impact.
Common Mistakes When Filling Out the Common App Awards Section
Applying to college is a big deal, and filling out the Common App Awards section can be tricky. It’s easy to make mistakes, but avoiding these common problems will help you create a polished and impactful application. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to watch out for and how to get it right:
1. Vagueness
Don’t just write something generic like “Outstanding Student Award.” Admissions officers won’t know what it means or why it’s impressive. Be specific about the award, what it recognizes, and why it matters.
For example, say, “Outstanding Student Award for Leadership and Academic Excellence, chosen among 500 students.” Adding details makes your accomplishments clear and impactful.
2. Overloading with minor awards
It might be tempting to fill up all five slots with every award you’ve ever won, but quality beats quantity. Focus on the most significant honors that show depth and achievement.
For instance, a national science fair award or a Gold Key in Scholastic Writing will carry more weight than a perfect attendance certificate. Admissions officers value the importance of your achievements, not just their number.
3. Forgetting verifiability
Stick to awards that admissions officers can confirm through official documentation or your school counselor. Avoid listing informal recognitions or awards with no official standing. This ensures your application maintains credibility and avoids unnecessary skepticism.
4. Repetition across sections
While it’s okay to reference an award in both the Honors and Activities sections, don’t simply duplicate the same information. Use the Honors section to highlight the recognition itself and the Activities section to expand on your involvement.
For example, if you won “Best Delegate” at Model UN, describe the award in the Honors section and your role in the conference in the Activities section.
5. Ignoring context
An award’s name doesn’t always explain its significance. If you list the “Outstanding Volunteer Award,” admissions officers might not know what it represents. Add a brief explanation, like “Awarded by XYZ National Organization for completing 200+ hours of community service.” Providing context helps admissions officers understand the value of your achievement.
6. Missing connections
Each award should tie back to your overall narrative as an applicant. Highlight how an honor connects to your academic or extracurricular interests. For example, if you’re applying for an engineering program, mentioning a STEM-related competition award strengthens your case. Use this section to reinforce your unique story.
7. Skipping formatting opportunities
Take advantage of concise and impactful phrasing. Use action verbs and structure entries clearly to make a strong impression. For example, instead of “Science Award,” write, “First Place, Regional Science Fair (2023). Developed an AI-powered solution for energy efficiency.” Well-crafted descriptions grab attention and convey your achievements effectively.
8. Ignoring timing
Always include the year of each award to give admissions officers a clear sense of when you earned it. This shows a timeline of your achievements and demonstrates consistent growth and excellence. For instance, listing “2021-2023” for a recurring award highlights your sustained dedication.
9. Listing participation as awards
An award should signify a recognition of excellence, not just involvement. For example, being part of the National Honor Society isn’t an award by itself—it’s an activity. If you’re recognized as an “Outstanding Member” or for a specific contribution within the organization, that’s an award worth listing.
10. Overlooking lesser-known awards
If an award isn’t widely recognized, don’t leave it unexplained. For example, if you mention the “ABC Scholar Award,” briefly clarify it: “ABC Scholar Award (2023): Merit-based scholarship for top 5% of state students.” This helps admissions officers understand its significance and gives it proper weight in your application.
11. Leaving unexplained acronyms
Spell out any acronyms that aren’t universally known. While “AP Scholar” is clear, something like “WXYZ Award” might leave admissions officers scratching their heads. For instance, write, “WXYZ (Women in STEM Excellence Award): Recognized for an innovative project in environmental engineering.”
12. Failing to highlight leadership
If any of your awards are tied to leadership roles, make sure to emphasize that. For example, if you earned “Student Leader of the Year,” describe what the award signifies and the impact of your leadership. Admissions officers love to see evidence of initiative, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others.
By thoughtfully avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll create an Honors section that complements your application and helps you stand out. Remember, every detail in this section is a chance to shine—so make it count!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of awards should I prioritize in the Common App Awards section?
Focus on significant awards that showcase your strengths and align with your narrative. These could include academic accolades like National Merit Scholar, extracurricular achievements like All-State Orchestra, or community service honors like the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Always prioritize national or international awards over school-level recognitions.
2. Can I list participation-based honors in the Awards section?
No, the Awards section is meant to recognize excellence, not just participation. For instance, being a member of the National Honor Society is an activity, but being named “Outstanding Member” for contributions within the organization qualifies as an award.
3. Should I include the same award in both the Honors and Activities sections?
It’s okay to reference an award in both sections but avoid redundancy. Use the Honors section to highlight the award itself and the Activities section to describe your involvement. For example, if you earned “Best Delegate” at Model UN, detail the award in Honors and explain your role in the conference in Activities.
4. How do I make lesser-known awards stand out to admissions officers?
Add brief explanations to clarify their significance. For example, instead of listing “ABC Scholar Award,” write “ABC Scholar Award (2023): Merit-based scholarship awarded to the top 5% of state students.” Providing context ensures that your achievements are properly understood and valued.
5. Can I use the Common App Awards section to stand out for Ivy League admissions?
Absolutely! The Awards section can set you apart by showcasing achievements that reflect your strengths, passions, and potential. Highlight awards that align with your intended major or career goals, and ensure your descriptions emphasize the award’s prestige and relevance to your overall application narrative.
Takeaways
- When filling out the Common App Awards section, use detailed descriptions highlighting the significance of your achievements, including the level of recognition (school, regional, national, or international) and the criteria for selection.
- You only have five slots, so focus on the most impactful awards that align with your academic goals and personal narrative. Prioritize prestigious or unique recognitions that demonstrate your excellence and commitment.
- Provide context for awards that may not be widely recognized. A brief explanation can help admissions officers understand their significance and how they reflect your strengths and passions.
- Steer clear of vagueness, redundancy, and unverifiable awards. Make sure your entries are error-free, concise, and connected to your overall application story to leave a strong impression.
- Still have questions? Consider working with a college admissions consultant for a polished and standout application.
Author
