<p>But if the kid doesn't have achievements in high school that are of the same kind and the same caliber, what does this say about him? I don't think you want your kid labelled as "Peaked in Middle School."
(For example, I think it's reasonable to mention a high SAT earned in middle school, membership in SET, etc.--but only if the high school SATs are also very high.)</p>
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I assume that everyone would agree that if a child won the national spelling bee, that could be mentioned.
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<p>If you assume that, I'm not sure you read my earlier post in this same thread. Kids who are amazing in middle school generally will be amazing in high school, and it is enough for them to mention their high school accomplishments.</p>
<p>With all the movies and other attention drawn of late to the national spelling bee, if I were an admissions officer, I'd want to know if an applicant actually won the thing!</p>
<p>As for gymnasts, girls win the Junior Nationals and Worlds who could probably win at the senior level but for their age. If my child had won at the national or world level then retired due to injury (or puberty!), I'd make sure she fit that into the college app somewhere!</p>
<p>sorry, not to be mean, but admissions officers will probably look at the inclusion of middle school accomplishments as a joke.</p>
<p>Possibly call the schools and ask, or write it in a small part of your essay or student notes section.</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses - I think you make some good points.
I am aware of SET, but my s took the SAT in 8th grade (either Jan. or Feb.) and had just turned 14. I cannot remember the exact requirements for SET, but I think the student had to be 13 or younger or maybe it was 7th grade or earlier - so he did not qualify.
I can tell you that my son is not interested in math so you are right - he is not setting the world on fire in high school (although he is certainly no slacker, he's not interested in competitions etc.) That's why I think you make some very good points that we will have to consider.</p>
<p>If you have something truly impressive from middle school, write your ESSAY about it. Actually, it's probably better to have something not listed anywhere else on your application in your ESSAY.</p>
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You don't want colleges to think that you peaked in middle school, do you? :P
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Some people are..."early bloomers"</p>
<p>Does anyone put random fun stuff on an application? A local kid just caught a 35 lb fish in an area lake (he weighs 70 lbs), making him the world record holder in his age group. Wouldn't it be fun to put on an application, "Established world record by catching 35lb fish when I was 8." Or are adcoms so stuffy that they Would Not Be Amused?</p>
<p>The key issues to mention on an application are issues that show that that student is ready for college studies and will be a good member of a college community.</p>
<p>It can't HURT to mention to middle school accomplishments as long as you high school accomplishments are better. If you continue these activities, it shows continuity and also how you grew with the activity.</p>
<p>But my question is, SAT scores are erased automatically for middle school test takers unless you call in to keep them. I didn't, but I did receive an 800 on CR- should I still mention this when I apply to colleges? Assuming I still score 780+ on CR in HS.</p>