<p>For greatest accomplishment in high school, is it best to stick with academic achievements? For the book you would recommend, is it best to use one that is not a mass market type of book? Thanks!</p>
<p>To preface this, I am not a Lien scholar. My extent of knowledge of this program specifically is that it is a really small program, along with most of the other Art Sci scholarships. Dean Ewan Harrison, who is a brilliant and amazing person, manages and advises the Art Sci scholarships, so you might want to contact him for more specific information. Admissions office might be a good step, too. I remember this article from last spring in StudentLife… it would help you out a bit, I’m sure: [A</a> close look at the Honorary Scholars program | Student Life](<a href=“http://www.studlife.com/news/2010/04/19/a-close-look-at-the-honorary-scholars-program/]A”>A close look at the Honorary Scholars program - Student Life)</p>
<p>They are indeed very academic focused… I mean, they are academic scholarships. If the greatest accomplishment in high school is working really hard to get an “A” in English, then the program probably isn’t the right fit. But, if it’s something like doing research, or an independent study, or being published in some sort of scholarly publication… those would be good steps of things to discuss. </p>
<p>I’d also give similar advice for the book question. Not having seen the application (meaning… I don’t know if it’s asking for “favorite book” or “book you’d recommend to someone” ???), I’d imagine the application would look best if the book ties in with whatever academic accomplishment being highlighted in the previous question. Example: if you happen to really be into studying the cultural impact caused by green revolution in the Indian state of Rajasthan specifically, maybe your book of choice is Hot Flat and Crowded (which I highly recommend), just because it would be a good first step for the non-indoctrinated into the study of environmental transformations. That book is relatively mass-market, as you referenced might be a concern… but, I don’t know, while the program is clearly looking for the best 17 year olds, you’re still 17 years old, so it probably depends on how and why you chose that book to write about and how it ties into your academic achievement. That’s just me talking, and I’m not in the program nor did I apply for it, so take my advice for what it’s worth. </p>
<p>With all of that said… knowing this is Wash U, I’m sure it’s best on your son’s/daughter’s application to have him/her incorporate things that showcase personality and character along with the academic things.</p>
<p>From the parent of a current Honoray Scholar: I have no idea how they sort these students out, but your question piqued my curiosity so I pulled out old file folders. My student quoted a very much “mass-marketed” book and highlighted an accomplishment that was academic, but not in the “classroom” sense. It seems to me that a solid but believable record of academic and personal accomplishments, a good essay, and a pleasant, humble personality at interiew time are about the right combination. Beyond that, our student’s application may have benefitted from the fact that the academic studies and activites were somewhat (not overly) focused on an area of interest of sorts. This was geniune, not contrived.</p>
<p>In the end, the best answers are surely the ones your student can develop the most sincere feeling about and offer real details about why the book or accomplishment was important to him. Rereading the application today, I could clearly remember why each choice was made. (Neither the book nor the accomplishment was necessarily the most dramatic or impressive, but they were definitely the most meaningful to our student).</p>
<p>Best wishes to your student and your family during this stressful time.</p>