Influence of Big-Name Awards?

Applying to College
1

<p>What impact can nationally-recognized ECs and awards have on the admissions process? Are these honors (Siemens Westinghouse and Intel STS, etc.) mitigating factors that can get mediocre students into top colleges? Can top students count on these awards to push them over the edge?</p>

<p>All opinions welcome--thanks!</p>

2

<p>good question</p>

3

<p>...With some great responses so far! ;)</p>

<p>I guess it's a tough question to answer, but speculation's fine. :)</p>

4

<p>yeah, I felt it deserved a bump ;)</p>

5

<p>It definitely helps. I read that most Ivies judge applicants on scales of 1-6 in academics, extracurrics, sports, etc. 1 is the best and 6 the worst. Extracurricular-wise, 1 would be national champion/recognized, 2 is regional recognition, and 3 is in the school itself. The book....i think it was 'the truth about getting in' said that most applicants are 3's though, so i wouldnt be too worried.</p>

6

<p>a nationally recognized award such as siemens and intel are very prestigious and will get a lot of attention at colleges. Coupled with good grades and sats, you might as well consider yourself in.</p>

7

<p>Of course its helps a lot. But then again, I doubt mediocre students become intel winners.</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
Of course its helps a lot. But then again, I doubt mediocre students become intel winners.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>agreed....</p>

9

<p>Definitely correct ^^^^....</p>

<p>you look at the Intel winners and they have numerous accomplishments.</p>

10

<p>if an intel/westinghouse winner was only a mediocre student (maybe 3.5 GPA with only a couple AP courses, 1900 SAT), then that student will be seen as BRIGHT BUT LAZY. most top schools will probably not accept that student, although one or two random ones may. therefore, i wouldn't COUNT on them as like a secret weapon to get into top colleges. of course, most intel/westinghouse winners are pretty strong applicants already, and their big-name award DOES push them over the top (see the USA today all-americans... many of them are big-name award winners and matriculate at top colleges).</p>

11

<p>just a note, I was reading a brown article and they touted their intel sts winner...</p>

12

<p>it's only going to matter if you're a semifinalist or better. and yes, sts/siemens competitors are all among the best students</p>