<p>I see people on here with a big list of awards they've won, how important is that to a university? I live in small town and go to a public high school which doesn't compete in anything really... I play volleyball but our team isn't good enough to win any state or national awards or anything.</p>
<p>How important are awards outside of the really small ones like Honor Roll or a Varsity letter?</p>
<p>Depends on the university. Most of the top schools evaluate you in accordance with your environment. If you go to a podunk school with little chance to get involved in the big groups/competitions, they will understand.</p>
<p>Most schools use awards only for merit aid consideration. </p>
<p>The few colleges that factor awards into admission are some of the country’s most competitive colleges – ones that have an overabundance outstanding applicants that other colleges would snap up in a heartbeat. Such colleges also evaluate students in light of the opportunities in the students’ area.</p>
<p>awards matter at the top 20 colleges. It all comes down to scarcity, like how wage allocation is down in US. Why are cardiologists and investment bankers paid so much even though theoretically farmers are SOOO much more important to society (no food, no people)? Its because the cardiologists or the ibankers are scarce. </p>
<p>Similarly, the average applicant will be demolished by those who distinguish themselves through awards. The Intel Finalist, the USAMO squad member, or the young published author will shine in the pool of applicants because they are rare.</p>
<p>I know kids who had Varsity Awards and awards for this and that and then I knew kids who were dedicated to one area (theatre, science etc) and had few awards because they were focused on one area. I had few awards and was accepted into a top tier school, am finishing my M.A. at another top tier school and applyng to doctoral programs right now. I think that for undergrad your SATs/GPA/Class Rank/Essay and Recommendations are of primary importance. Generally the other stuff is looked at as a secondary indicator of your ability. I would not worry too much!</p>
<p>Okay thanks guys :)</p>
<p>I only have Varsity letters and a scholar athlete award and I got accepted to U Michigan … not an Ivy, except in OOS tuition levels!</p>