Does being a State Scholar mean anything, really??

<p>I was notified a while ago that I've been named a State Scholar (Illinois). Is this meaningful, or is it something "everyone" gets?</p>

<p>31 views and no replies? C'mon now</p>

<p>If this came out of the blue, find out how official it is and how you came to qualify. It may be an honor from your state's Dept. of Education or it may have something to do with the College Boards. I know there's a Presidential Scholar award, but you don't get invited until January. Investigate a little and post some more information.</p>

<p>Students ranking in the top ten percent of the state’s 137,000 high school graduating seniors have been named Illinois State Scholars. Selection is based on SAT I and/or ACT test score results and/or the students’ class rank at the end of the junior year of high school. While the program does not provide a monetary award, qualified students are encouraged to list the honor on applications for college admissions and scholarships.</p>

<p>So no, pretty much. 10%.</p>

<p>It's always good to be top 10%. Whenever they ask, list it.</p>

<p>That makes some sense, but wouldn't my scores speak for themselves? I got a 2360 and a 36; if these scores are pretty much the only basis for this distinction, it's fairly obvious I'm in the top 10%. That sounds really big-headed, I realize, but I'm just trying to figure this out :P</p>

<p>well you could and should list it on your awards but for top colleges, i guess the already expect you to be in the top 10% anyway. you have nothing to loose by listing it though!</p>

<p>You don't tell them that you are in the top 10%, you say that you are Illinois State Scholar. Do not assume that anybody knows anything just because it is obvious and you know it. You'd be amazed at how little the clerical help knows and many times the information has to go thru their hands before it gets to the person that actually has to make a decision. What is obvious and self-explanatory to you (2360 SAT/36 ACT) is not obvious to a lot of people. However, don't confuse ignorance with dumbness.</p>

<p>By the way the 36 in the ACT should qualify you for Presidential Scholar (from the US govt). Look it up. Invitations go out in January.</p>