So, I am going to be getting a gold medal congressional award soon and was wondering how much it would help with college apps next year. This list (http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/302001-list-of-top-prestigious-awards-p73.html), though I know isn’t entirely accurate, but still makes sense as a general reference, puts it as a 7 which also includes USACO platinum and ISEF finalist. etc. Is it that important/useful in college apps? If not, where would you put it instead?
It’s a solid award. Congrats. Should you list it on you application? Sure. Will it make-or-break? Probably not. It will be viewed in context with the rest of your application, but will not likely make up for any shortfalls elsewhere.
That thread is a 73 page thread that 17-year olds have been debating for the better part of 12 years. Putting on my moderator hat, we’ll devote no part of this thread debating if it’s a 7, or higher/lower. 
Thanks so much for the reply!
Anything that counts hours as a basic requirement, not impact around you, will depend on what you did. It is not a tip into a top college.
Congratulations on your pending gold medal! I am a fan of the Congressional Award.
While there is no golden ticket into a top college (other than perhaps a very, very large donation), this award is like the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” on many of the experiences (in the generic sense) and character traits colleges are looking for in an applicant.
Have fun in Washington!