I realize that on most application forms for summer programs and presumably colleges, they only ask you to list academic awards or honors recieved during the high school years. However, what do you do if you recieved a major award while in middle school? Should you just throw it in there and specify what grade it was recieved in? I can’t imagine they’d be so strict with that.
Specifically, I placed second in the state level of the National Geographic Bee while I was an eighth grader.
<p>As far as I've heard, those things don't really count.</p>
<p>i dont think it counts, colleges are just looking for 9-12. </p>
<p>however, you can make mention of it by incorporating it into an essay topic.</p>
<p>I agree with kfc4u in that if an es or ms award or experience led directly to some hs success, then you may want to mention it in an essay.</p>
<p>In a rec letter that I wrote for a current 10th grader, I mention how she was our organization's MS Chapter President and is currently our HS Chapter Vice President, because I felt is an important leadership experience.</p>
<p>BTW, what is your ms award?</p>
<p>As I said above, I came in 2nd Place in the State Level of the National Geographic Bee.</p>
<p>What impact has the National Geographic Bee experience had on your hs career? </p>
<p>How did it change your life? </p>
<p>What contribution to society are you making as a result of your NGB experience? </p>
<p>What about your NGB experience will make any difference to a college adcom?</p>
<p>9-12 are the most crucial years and I don't think colleges are going to weigh what you did in 8th grade. I think you are better off not putting the National Geographic Bee experience on your application. Rather,bring it up when you talk to admissions representatives.</p>
<p>I think maybe if you got 1st at nationals in 8th grade you could put it on. It should be really really huge if it's from 8th grade.</p>
<p>I agree -- you should mention stuff from before high school only if it's truly gigantic -- national junior figure skating gold medal or something like that.</p>