<p>I’ve already earned mine. And people have told me that it’s the equivalent to the Eagle Scout and that it’s extremely beneficial when applying to colleges.</p>
<p>Is it beneficial?
Do colleges, especially women’s colleges, give preference to those who earn the Award?</p>
<p>Thanks :)</p>
<p>Congratulations!</p>
<p>I think that the Barnard ad com is probably more interested in the details of the things that you’ve done, rather than the awards that you won. </p>
<p>So an award, per se, is not something that will get you “preference” for any college – but if an award represents a significant level of dedication and accomplishment, then you might have a lot to share about yourself in your essays & activity list.</p>
<p>The “Gold Award” (I received mine back in 2005) isn’t an “award” in the tradition sense, calmom. It’s the equivalent of an Eagle Scout, with an intensive, self-directed project (In fact, I believe the hour requirements for the project are more stringent for the Gold Award). Unfortunately, the Gold Award isn’t as recognized as the Eagle Scout (probably at least in part because they’ve kept changing the name), but I imagine Barnard adcoms and those at other top schools would be familiar with it entails. If the applications allows, you may want to include a brief description of your project when you list the award. It’s not a “hook” in and of itself, but it may help, especially if the project ties in with your other interests/ECs.</p>
<p>Congrats! :)</p>