Will colleges take school dance royalty awards seriously on college applications, such as Homecoming Princess or Prom King? I mean, it’s a student-elected position so it’s comparable to student government, except that you don’t serve the school or have specific responsibilities.
My friend listed it on hers but I really don’t know. I mean I guess it could convey social skills? I really don’t know hahaha, best of luck and congrats Queen!
I’d list it unless you don’t have space.
It seems kind of pointless to add it.
I wouldn’t put it… In the future, an AdCom may use you as an example when giving future applicants advice on what NOT to do.
@just4school: If her creds are stellar, and she is prom queen, how would that be cause for the wagging finger to the next group of applicants?
@Waiting2exhale IMO, it’s something that shouldn’t be mentioned on the application. As OP has said, there are no responsibilities and so I’ll guess that no substantial amount of effort was needed to receive the awards. It was merely a “popularity contest” and seems like something out of a stereotypical high school movie. Subjectively speaking, if I was the AdCom, I would question the maturity of the applicant. Just imagine those awards listed on a resume… Overall, I feel that OP should only mention them if they were life-changing or if they are relevant to any of his/her essays.
I checked your other threads, and you have a 34 ACT. A prom queen with a 34 ACT? I think it’s a compelling mix.
@just4school 's reasoning isn’t cray cray, but it’s off base in this case. As I said before: don’t put it on your EC list if it bumps off something better, but if it doesn’t, put it on. There’s nothing wrong with being popular; colleges and employers like it.
It actually does take effort to build and maintain the relationships that lead to being selected prom queen. Not everyone has the people skills to be so likeable. Those skills can pay off in the working world one day. I think it is worth including on your application and on a resume. Give some thought to where you mention it and how you describe it.
No, it’s not, BECAUSE
And: it is essentially a 1 day activity (+ election time, if your school allows campaigns for these roles). Compare that to your other ECs / other ECs of note. Remember that ECs are where you show what you are interested in, and - most importantly- your commitment over time, your growth, your taking on of responsibilities, your demonstrating leadership. A one-off coronation doesn’t exactly do that.
If it meant something in particular to you (more than the obvious “i’m #1”), write an essay about it. The thing about Prom Queen is that it carries a lot of baggage, and introduces as many negative stereotypes as it does positive ones. If your experience speaks to something larger- say, something important enough that it shows something else about your evolution as a young adult- then write about.
Is there some sort of statement that your school has about what defines the prom queen? Like are students told to pick the student who best exemplifies X, Y, and Z qualities? Are those qualities good qualities? I would include it and include said description.
It’s definitely not an activity, but it could easily be considered an award.
You may want to think what image you want to send to colleges. Does Prom Queen/King fit? If so, put it in. If not, then leave it off. Personally, if it added another dimension to your application that isn’t shown elsewhere in your activities, awards, classwork or your essays, I’d suggest you put it in (and it doesn’t bump off something that has higher priority).
School is looking to build a community, not just high stats students. I think there is a place for prom queen/king.