How impressive is getting published in a school lit mag?

So I’m a sophomore and for the first time this year I decided to actively try to get recognition for my writing. I submitted 2 works to scholastic awards and got a regional gold medal, and I submitted another 2 works to my school literary magazine. I got word back today that both were accepted to be published. Is the latter something I could put on my college app as “recognition” for my writing? Is it at all impressive? Also does anyone have any recommendations for writing contests I could enter? Preferably short story but can be other genre.
Thanks!

Yes!

Note that when you put this on your app, you will want to report it accurately. When I participated in Scholastic, the regional awards were “keys” while the national awards were “medals.” If it’s still structured like that, word your description of your accomplishments appropriately.

Congrats and good luck!

@bodangles Oops, my bad! Yeah, the system is still keys and medals - I meant to say I got a regional gold key. Thank you!

Well, every school that has a lit mag publishes student work. It’s a good start.

But if you want writing as a major, see what else you can do besides enter contests. Many great writing candidates never got a key.

@lookingforward Writing is definitely not going to be my major, but I’m pursuing it as one of my main extracurricular activities to put on my college app. Is there any other way to gain recognition for my skills without submitting to contests and lit mags, though…? I can’t really think of any.

There are umpteen writing contests. Just google. Just so you know, many writing contests will wrap up around Feb so hurry if you want to enter.

The Scholastic awards are well recognized, those are more important than the school lit magazine, (but certainly refer to that if you have room in the activities section.

Check out Teen Ink. They publish all kinds of stuff, and it’s pretty well known.