Hi, I’m a junior in HS. I am an academically strong student with a rigorous schedule (All APs and honors) I have all As and A+s. My ACT score was good (35). I am involved in different ECs that I’m passionate about and have leadership in (commitment ranging from 4-1 years). Also I have research and volunteer work. However, I am lacking in the awards area. I have an award for French from a National French organization (Alliance Francais), but like that’s it. I tend to take all the opportunities available to me, and since I moved around multiple times in the past few years, I am not exceptional. I want to go to really selective schools (some Ivys included). Do you guys think I still have a chance of getting in (without any big awards like a lot of kids do)? Thanks for the help!
You do not need major awards. You do need to get some understanding of what your targets do want to see, including the traits.
OP wrote: “My ACT score was good (35).”
Should be: “My ACT score is outstanding (35).”
You do not need major awards. You do need excellent standardized test scores, top grades in the school’s most challenging curriculum or courses, high class rank, intellectual curiosity, an open mind, and demonstrated interest in an EC or two.
And show, not just tell. Eg, if you’ve got intellectual curiosity, it needs to show in your record.
Big awards don’t make the candidate. Top scores are no guarantee. But you can create an interesting picture, if you get a better understanding, from what the colleges say and show, not an anon forum or the various blogs out there.
Thank you for the advice everyone!
“Intellectual curiosity” can be shown in one’s application essays as well.