<p>Is this a serious question? Or is this just an excuse to list your awards? </p>
<p>Of course being the first female to ever win a gold medal in a state programming competition trumps getting an award for the highest grade in a high-school class.</p>
<p>Highly selective universities/colleges are looking for a diverse group of students that bring a range of talents to the school, so anything that sets you apart, that is unique, will help your application. There are hundreds of thousands of high schools in the United States alone; among the top 1,000 schools, there are dozens of students who receive awards for “highest grade in a high-school class.” </p>
<p>For other students who may read this and start to feel intimidated, there are many ways to stand out without winning awards beyond your high school. For example, if neither of your parents went to college and you are holding down a time-consuming after-school job to help support your family while maintaining an excellent academic record, then winning a high school award for “highest grade in a high-school class” takes on far more significance.</p>