<p>What are some really good awards and competitions that colleges think highly of?</p>
<p>Check out the stats of people who have gotten into the schools you are looking at. See what awards they have listed. (Start with the "Master List of Acceptances thread in the Parents Forum and then find stats by searching posts of the users who are accepted at the schools you are looking at.)</p>
<p>I think however that you'd be better off spending your time and energy on something you're passionate about even if it doesn't involve prestigious awards. Those prestigious contests and awards are competitive.</p>
<p>Don't think about getting awards or recognition simply for grabbing the adcom's attention. Go for awards in fields in matter to you.</p>
<p>If you're a pianist, composer, writer/poet/playwright, actor...go for the NFAA ARTS awards.</p>
<p>If you're a emerging scientist, enter the Intel competition.</p>
<p>If all you're trying to do is rack up awards to impress...its pointless.</p>
<p>I will say, though, that the Intel STS is very prestigious. But don't try it unless you love it, because it's quite a committment.</p>
<p>^ I knew somwone would say this.</p>
<p>College admissions teams have a system. You have to understand it if you want a chance!</p>
<p>Well...lets just say this...I'd rather go to college with people who are TRUELY passionate about something. If they won an award...great..
I really dont care for someone who wins a prestigious award simply for winning it....and anyway...forcing yourself unnaturally probably wont get you awards anyway.</p>
<p>And dude...not everyone who gets into HYPS have these awards. So thinking its JUST a system is complete bs.</p>
<p>go to boys state...i hear thats pretty prestigious...i went :) hehe</p>
<p>I am not trying to force an award or a competition. There may be many competitions and such that I have never heard about that my interest me.</p>
<p>excel, you might want to posts your interests so people could tell you about awards or competitions that you'd be interested in.</p>
<p>Anything Business related...</p>
<p>FBLA ... States, Nationals</p>
<p>I'm going for the Intel STS for composition. The deadline is completely unrealistic for kids who have commitments like, uh... I dunno: say SCHOOL and FINALS and SAT IIs, and the ACT. But it's not like we 'need' those to get into college.</p>