<p>I am pretty well qualified for some top 25 schools, I hope, based on scores, grades, and ECs, etc. Like many of us, I'm a pretty smart kid. I'm interested in science and business. But I have VERY FEW official "scholastic distinctions"- awards. I won a few school writing contests, and stuff ilke that, but nothing big. I only took 2 AP tests this year (5 next year...) so I'm not even an AP scholar. So I am really really trying to find some way to get some kind of academic awards or distinctions. my school puts out very few. Where on earth can I find such things? Ones, such as scholarships, that offer $ would be particularly helpful, but I am, frankly, just looking for a few awards that I can list on my college applications. What can I do? I would really appreciate some kind of advice on how to find, apply for, and get some awards! :(</p>
<p>____<strong><em>bump</em></strong>_______</p>
<p>Nat'l Merit is the easiest one to get/list...just do well on the PSAT.</p>
<p>Go online and do a search for some high school essay contests. There are some that are really well known that receive a lot of entries, but others where the competition is not so steep.</p>
<p>Cogito</a> - Programs - Competitions</p>
<p>The Cogito website lists a lot of competitions. Fastweb also has a lot. They call them scholarships but many are essay contests.</p>
<p>You're not going to be admitted/rejected based on awards. The most distinguishing part of your profile will be your in class achievement (grades and rigor of coursework). Also important will be personal statement, teacher recs, standardized scores. Awards? Somewhat but not really. If you have them or you otherwise are recognized: it helps and is confirming outside recognition of some of your strengths -- but don't obsess over them.</p>
<p>I don't think I had a single one (besides the ubiquitous Honor Roll). I was just too busy w/my classes. Didn't do the NHS thing either -- just too busy. Didn't affect me one bit: I was accepted at all schools applied -- eventually matriculating at a HYP college. </p>
<p>Don't worry about being a trophy hound. Just learn to "love to learn" -- that'll distinguish you more than any one line award on your college app.</p>