<p>I <em>know</em> that they discourage you from attaching additional information, resume sheets, etc… but the problem is, I honestly can’t fit my most meaningful awards in this space. Or, if I can, I can’t even begin to adequately explain them (for example, my debate partner and I won a tournament called the Debate Coaches’ Invitational, which is widely considered to be equal to the state tournament in importance–but I just don’t have room to explain that in the space provided).</p>
<p>Also, in the “additional information” section, should I put the following:</p>
<li>I was accelerated through language classes and ended up finishing all my language courses by the end of my sophomore year at the local college</li>
<li>I was accelerated through English and ended up finishing AP Literature (our last offered course) last year and am taking university courses my senior year.</li>
</ol>
<p>or is that unnecessary? I want them to know I’m not slacking on the language classes, and I want them to know I’m taking upperclassmen/graduate level courses at the university.</p>
<p>Seriously, there is absolutely no need to be so hostile. I'm just asking a question. And regarding awards: they're specific to my state, and I just felt it was unrealistic to expect a college admissions officer to know the exact meaning of every award within every single state. I don't think that necessarily means they're completely worthless and I shouldn't even bother writing them down.</p>
<p>Lighten up a bit. Is it so wrong for me to want to make sure that I fill out my application correctly, accurately, and in a way that showcases what I've done? I thought that was the point.</p>
<p>If everyone who's gotten in so far could do without an extra sheet for further accomplishments, so can you. Just edit your achievements down to what you consider the best that can fit into the space allotted, and you're sure to stand out. An application is primarily a measure of quality over quantity in any case.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Is it so wrong for me to want to make sure that I fill out my application correctly
[/quote]
</p>
<p>the easiest way to fill it out correctly is to follow directions</p>
<p>There is an admission officer who is specifically familiar with your state or region who should know what it is....you arent the first one to get this award i'm assuming.</p>
<p>I know there may be no strict answer, but is it sometimes okay to put down an award given out by your school than say, one given out by your county or state?
For example, I won a state award from the NY Math League, as well as a county award for math, but in effort to fit another prize that I won (2nd place in my school's art contest, which shows a dedication to art -- I plan on sending in supplemental slides), can I omit one of county award? It does say the 3-5 you deem most meaningful...Wouldn't putting just one of the math awards down show that it is meaningful to me?</p>
<p>I'm really confused as to what to put.
Like, should I put National Merit SemiFinalist down, or omit that, because it really doesn't mean too much to me, although it is a nice distinction.
Or should I put four or five awards in different subject areas that actually have value to me because they show my skill and pursut of those subjects?</p>
<p>I am a forty-five year old attorney. There is no reason for anyone to be obnoxious in their tone to any prospective applicant. I am confident that Columbia would want their graduates and students to treat prospective students respectfully. </p>
<p>I encourage anyone with questions, to contact Columbia directly.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I encourage anyone with questions, to contact Columbia directly.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Actually, the work-study people who answer the phone don't know anything and/or make things up. And, everyone knows that adcoms give half-truths and hide the ball with respect to many questions.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I know there may be no strict answer, but is it sometimes okay to put down an award given out by your school than say, one given out by your county or state?
For example, I won a state award from the NY Math League, as well as a county award for math, but in effort to fit another prize that I won (2nd place in my school's art contest, which shows a dedication to art -- I plan on sending in supplemental slides), can I omit one of county award? It does say the 3-5 you deem most meaningful...Wouldn't putting just one of the math awards down show that it is meaningful to me?</p>
<p>I'm really confused as to what to put.
Like, should I put National Merit SemiFinalist down, or omit that, because it really doesn't mean too much to me, although it is a nice distinction.
Or should I put four or five awards in different subject areas that actually have value to me because they show my skill and pursut of those subject
[/quote]
</p>
<p>As you know, there's no right answer. I'd leave NM off if you have better stuff. NM doesn't mean anything if you have a nice SAT score. And, it may be on your transcript depending on the high school?</p>
<p>Why can't you put both the math awards and the art award?</p>
<p>I suppose I can... It's just that I was trying to fit a few other awards to show my breadth of interests -- I had a poem published by a poetry company and I won 1st place in my school's Biology fair... Nothing major, but they do mean something to me because I really like both literature and biology (I got As in both those classes and even took the SAT IIs for them (although those were not too nice (high 600s)), so I do think I've kind of showed an appreciation for the two.). So I was trying to decide if it'd be best to just put down one math award, plus the art, poetry, and biology ones. I can't fit all 5 cause there's so little space.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your help on this messageboard, it's kept me pretty real about all this.</p>