<p>I know that college applications ask what awards you've received; what if you're homeschooled and have received a grand total of zero? Does it look really bad or have much of an effect on admissions? Thanks.</p>
<p>Even colleges with competitive admissions will accept you without awards, if you have most of your other bases covered and you can impress them in other ways. Awards are just one way to demostrate that you are involved outside the home, and are passionate about something.</p>
<p>We're in the same boat, fids. I have a lot of EC's but, unfortunately, none of them offer any major forms of recognition. I'll keep one finger crosses for me and one for you. :)</p>
<p>most academic competitions (math/science olympiads, tournaments, quiz bowl, essay contests) allow homeschoolers, so many of them do have awards. On the other hand, many kids who go to school are involved in activities that do not result in awards (volunteer work, music). So this is not really a homeschooling issue. Just present yourself as best you can, and if you can demontrate a high level of involvement in your activities do not worry too much about whether or not that involves awards.</p>
<p>I live in the middle of nowhere where there just aren't a lot of local competitions that are open to home schoolers. True, there are plenty of national competitions I am able to enter; however, national competitions are more stiff than the kind you'd find at an everyday high school. (Well, I guess it depends on the high school too, but generally speaking...) My situation has not improved much by entering those competitions.</p>
<p>it still is not a homeschooling issue. Even though you personally have not participated in anything that might lead to awards, many homeschoolers do. And many traditional students attend high schools which do not give school based awards. And even at high schools which do give such awards, many students are involved in activities for which awards do not apply. </p>
<p>All students without awards, whether they are homeschooled or not, just have to present their interests and accomplishments in the best way they can. Awards are just one one to demonstrate your passions. They certainly are not a requirement for successful college admissions. And think broadly about "awards" - almost any recognition of hard work or accomplishment can be considered an award.</p>
<p>everyone interested in this thread should go read the thread on the Parents' Forum entitled "High School Awards -- Do They Matter?"</p>
<p>I couldn't find it.</p>