I received the Harvard book award this year for my class. I have learned that the recipient is picked by faculty and it is an award donated by Harvard’s Alumni association. I am happy to have received this honor even though I know it may not have that much weight obviously in admissions. I’m just wondering (since it is picked by faculty) is it worth reporting on the common app? I also received some other leadership achievement and student character awards at my school that I was nominated for by my teachers. Not all schools have awards ceremonies, but are top school awards worth reporting on the CA? Or would an application be stronger without them? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
You are right that these awards don’t carry a lot of weight, however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mention them either. They can reflect you in context of your school, along with your LOR…etc.
You should report some of your school awards. The ones that you feel are the biggest honors, and the most important.
If the Harvard book award means something at your school, then by all means, report it.
on the other hand, the student who won the Harvard book award in my class was rejected from Penn. I didn’t win any book awards what so ever. It is a popularity contest for the teachers, so it means little to nothing.
While the Harvard Book Award is not an important award, what it signifies is important, so I would definitely report the award. The reason: Most book awards are given by alumni associations (after consulting with the guidance office at your high school) to the student with the highest GPA or the student who the high school feels has the “most promise.” If your high school doesn’t rank, or doesn’t provide ranking to colleges, this will let Harvard Admissions – and the Admissions offices at other colleges – know that you are ranked as one of the top student’s at your high school. As @oxoxhawja3xoxo indicated, It might not help you get admitted to colleges, but it’s an indicator that you have done well at your high school.
Good to know! Thank you for your replies @rubberfall @oxoxhawja3xoxo @gibby! I will mention it then on my app to add some info about my academics in context of my school.