I was recently having a discussion with my mom about the topic of winning major awards during high school and how that affects your stats, and I’ve seen a lot of CC students with some. I’m slightly curious; how important are these awards during the admissions process at top tier and ivy league schools? (I’m not necessarily applying to these.)
It is sort of a self-fulfilling thing… Great students get awards and great students get into good colleges…so it isn’t the award but being a great student.
@bopper So the awards are just like extra evidence that someone is an excellent student? That makes sense, and I guess it could also help set applicants apart at the top levels when deciding who to admit gets to be like splitting hairs.
But what about the students who don’t compete much or the humanities students who don’t have as many opportunities to compete and/or obtain awards like, say, STEM students. (I consider myself in this category 
)
What exactly do you mean by “awards”? Like “Best Math Student” at your HS or winning the Regeron Science Talent Search?
I assure you there are colleges, good colleges for people like you.
If we’re taking about awards like Seimons or Intel Science Fair then there are definitely awards and competitions for humanities students. Off the top of my head I can think of:
National History Day
History Bowl
Lots of Music and Art Competitions and showcases
Speech and Debate (so many tournaments and events here)
Moot Court
Future Buisiness Leaders of America
National Economics Challenge
General essay competitions
Spelling Bee
…
As has been established, winning these awards isn’t really necessary for most schools, but at the elusive 15% and less admission rate schools they can really help distinguish you from the pack of near 4.0/2400 applicants. However even if you haven’t won anything like this research (yes that exists for humanities), internships, writing for a professional publication (not your personal blog), publishing a book, political work (volunteering at a congressman or senator or assemblyman’s office), etc will have a similar effect.
Sometimes, the awards just show a kid entered the competition and placed. Not “extra evidence” that a kid is excellent. You’re judged on your whole app, not the line with stats or the section with awards. It matters what you went after- and that’s more than an “award.”
But there are some that require time and effort to reach the top. Or some which have high standards. That’s different. But not a shoo-in. Not a hook.
the most selective schools are looking for accomplishment and achievement, not necessarily awards. As Stanford says
You don’t have to receive awards to show this.
@bopper Yes, I was referring to the more prestigious awards. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement though I have a tendency toward narrow vision when it comes to colleges and stats, so thanks for pulling me out and making my day!
@saif235 Wow, I’ve honestly never heard of anything on that list! Except FBLA, of course. Thank you.
@lookingforward I don’t know; I guess I see so many people around here with these types of awards that in my mind they’ve become one of those “recommended but actually kinda sorta required things.” Thanks for clearing up my perception of these things!
@mikemac I see! I already knew about quality v. quantity in terms of ECs, but everywhere else can be kind of hazy for me. Thank you!
So (and sorry if I still seem really naïve about this whole thing), depth and commitment without anything particularly outstanding is okay? I just… ah. I’m a little anxious is all. I’m not currently planning apply to any top tier colleges or ivies, but…
I’m sure y’all on CC know how this goes.
I should also mention that I’m a rising senior, so there’s probably not any time to change anything.
With the concession that I’ve never been an adcom at Stanford or anywhere else, my interpretation of the Stanford FAQ is that it sets a pretty high bar for competitive ECs. You don’t have to receive an award, but they do use the words “exceptional” and “impact”.
@mikemac I see. Thank you!
Not just “exceptional,” as CC defines it (often confused with major awards and/or “unusual.”) But taking on responsibilities meaningful to your interests, school, and community. Responsibilities are what can lead to impact on others, even small- which is very different than just leadership titles or running the pep rally or a few hours volunteering here and there. Take a look at a sample Common App and some supps, see what the format is that for presenting yourself.
Make sure you don’t fall into the CC trap of:
If I don’t have the top national awards I won’t get into a top national college.
If I don’t get into a top national college, my life is ruined.
There are 3000 colleges in the US…you WILL find one that matches your academic needs.
@lookingforward Thanks for the suggestion! I know I should be looking at the common app right now, but I keep putting it off because I’m scared 
@bopper Really, thank you for the reassurance. I’m only just now trying to pull myself out of that mindset after years of anxiety about my future, which (as you guessed) I’ve always tied with going to a really good school.
Just recently discussed here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19759013
@T26E4 That thread directly answers my question, and I didn’t even notice it :)) Thank you for sending me over there!
If anything, participation and achievement in regional and national contests (YoungArts for example), shows a student’s passion for what they’re doing. They’re just supplements, at most. That being said, achievements may give you an edge when AdComs are looking for admitted students to give institutional scholarships to.
Do as much as you can either way.