I studied for about 3 years for the exam but was never able to qualify for the national exam since there were 2 excellent students in the grade level above me at my school. I simply could never beat on the local exam and they both went on to receive high honors awards in the national exam. So it seems that I really have nothing to show for my efforts in Chemistry Olympiad these past few years.
Would it really have helped me out that much in admissions if I was able to qualify for the national exam and be a semifinalist? Is there any way I could list my time studying for the exam in my extracurriculars? Would simply taking the local exam for USNCO count for anything?
It is an impressive award, but there is no golden ticket into any super selective college. I suppose your study time could count as an EC, but, depending on what colleges you’re applying to, results matter. If studying for the USNCO was really the most personally meaningful thing you did in HS, I suppose you could find a way to spin it properly. On the other hand, top schools generally prefer students who seek and explore knowledge for its own sake rather than someone who would spend three years chasing one award. Take a step back and do some research on the personal qualities colleges want and carefully consider how to match yourself.
I think it would be a nice accomplishment, but it is in no way an EC. It will just be listed as one of your awards.
I have about 4 other major EC’s and a couple of other awards on my app, but it’s just a bit disappointing to see the work I put in for this exam go to waste. Thank you all for the feedback anyway.