<p>Hi,
I was just wondering if you can put things from before High School as EC's/ Achievements.
For example, I placed 1st in a statewide math championship in 5th and 6th grade. </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>In general, no. Because it’s wonderful and all if you did lots when you were young, but things from 5th grade don’t really say much as to how good of a college student you will be.</p>
<p>What if someone won a state award for science fair in April of their 8th grade year? Any way to include this one without looking ridiculous?</p>
<p>I’m kind of in a similar position as you. I won my state’s spelling bee and advanced to the National Spelling Bee in May of 8th grade. I didn’t put it on my application or anything, but I do mention it in my interviews if there is an opportunity to. I just hope that my interviewers will talk about it in their interview report.</p>
<p>I went on a month long spanish language/mission trip the summer before 9th grade and I put that on my applications.</p>
<p>Don’t rest on your laurels; list more current achievements, if possible.</p>
<p>I agree that, in general, more current achievements should be listed. Are there any cases that would be exceptions? I would be interested in hearing comments about the following items:</p>
<p>In the case of the National Spelling Bee, it is quite an accomplishment to win the state competition, students are ineligible after 8th grade (and therefore can’t include spelling bee achievements past that time), and I think the national competition occurs in the summer between 8th and 9th grades. In my opinion, it is acceptable to include winning the state competition, after listing more recent accomplishments.</p>
<p>My son’s USTA Jr. Team Tennis team won its division in the city competition when he was in 8th grade, won the state competition over the summer, and competed in the sectional competition at the beginning of 9th grade; I think it is acceptable to include that on college applications.</p>
<p>When she was in 8th grade, my daughter was captain of her middle school math team, which placed third in a weekend-long competition in Munich among international schools from across Europe and North Africa. She has many more recent accomplishments, but her high school in America doesn’t have a math team, so none relate to that type of competition. What do you think about listing that (again, after listing more current accomplishments)?</p>
<p>If you achieved something really noteworthy and quirky, like state rep at the national spelling bee (child actor, published author, etc…), I’d find a way to work it into my essays: It probably has influenced you, so I’d mention it in that context. Math team captain? Most high schools have one so it’s not especially noteworthy as a middle school achievement-unless the international aspect of it has had a lasting impact-again, something to work into your essays rather than cite as an EC or award. </p>
<p>The problem with citing middle school accomplishments is that it suggests that you haven’t achieved anything as noteworthy since.</p>
<p>I once got first place at the science fair!</p>
<p>…In kindergarten. They ask you to list stuff grades 9-12 for a reason.</p>