Commonapp academic distinctions or honours

<p>Hi all!
I'm an international student, and the country where I come from, there are no academic distinctions or honours at the national level or regional level even. All I have are some high achievement stuff in school and things.
My 'Honors' section in the Commonapp looks pretty pathetic compared to everyone else talking of national level maths competitions and such.
Will this bring me down? Do I have to explain somewhere why I don't have any such distinctions?</p>

<p>I was also wondering if any national level speech or debate contests would count as academic distinctions... my guess is probably no though?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for the help!</p>