I am a sophomore in high school. I will apply to college in my senior year. When I include any awards, honors, activities, etc. from my senior year, when is the latest date/month that the awards/activities should be used? (i.e. When is the LATEST possible award/activity I can use on college apps?)
For example, suppose I win a writing contest each month of my senior year. (Each writing contest has the same/similar prestige level.) What is the latest-month writing contest I should use on my college applications?
You should write awards right up to the deadline. For example, if the application deadline is January 1, you should include all of your awards up to that date. I know that some people who win large awards even after the application deadline will email colleges to notify then (ex: Intel STS).
…you might be over-estimating the value these local awards will affect your application. that 5th or 6th writing award – isn’t going to have someone say “wow!, not just 2 or 3 but 5 or 6! What a great kid!”
It’s not unusual to send in an update after your semester grades come out in senior year. It’s an opportunity to mention additional accomplishments and reiterate your enthusiasm, while providing those grades. If a school is your first choice, it doesn’t hurt to say that either in the update.