<p>On this</a> section of the Common Application I am confused as to what exactly could be put down. Any award I have gotten, except Letters?</p>
<p>Also, if this area is left blank, do I have my chances of admission substantially reduced?</p>
<p>Well, first and foremost, awards you’ve received from your school or from, say, Collegeboard (AP Scholar, National Merit, etc.). Then, awards or honors received from EC’s (Gold Award/Eagle Scout, All State Orchestra/Band, Theater awards, etc.). Finally, I put down an honor society induction (National Honor Society).
I wouldn’t sweat too much about this section really. Don’t feel the need to fill in every space. Colleges understand that not every school gives awards outside of Valedictorian and not every EC affords the opportunity for one to be recognized.</p>
<p>And because of the above reasons, I’m pretty sure colleges don’t really care about this section. If you have been recognized, that’s great. If not, I don’t really see how that could work against you.</p>
<p>Also note that Columbia does not accept the Common Application.</p>
<p>^ I lol’ed.</p>