<p>I appreciate CC and the fact that no issue is too small to be discussed. :)</p>
<p>So my D is filling out the common app...space is very limited on some of the fields so every word counts. We've both gotten hung up over the word "finalist."</p>
<p>For example, she might write<br>
Finalist, (State name) Governor's Honor Program.<br>
or
Finalist (State) debate competition. </p>
<p>And what she means is that she won. But does finalist imply to you all that she made it to the last round and then someone else was chosen? If it makes a difference, the organizations themselves use "finalist" but it does look sort of odd when quickly scanning down a page...</p>
<p>IMO finalist means made it to the last round, not that she won.</p>
<p>When I think of “finalist,” I think “made it to the final round,” but not necessarily “won the final round.” Maybe something like “Selected for / Accepted to / Member / Participant, XX Governor’s Honor Program” and “Winner of / Won, Champion, 1st Place, XX Debate Competition” will be less ambiguous and can be fit into the character limit.</p>
<p>Thanks! Yes, we are taking these suggestions…glad I asked smart CC folks! </p>
<p>Yes. Finalist is not necessary the winner.</p>
<p>Agree with those above. Add on question: should you wait to send in college applications for decisions like
NMSF (due in Sept) and Samsung National award (due in Oct.)? Thanks CCers.</p>
<p>LaxDad, what i’ve been told is to apply EA if your kid’s junior year was very strong. And then go for RD if a kid is hoping to raise grades 1st semester or is in line for sizable awards/honors. </p>
<p>I would apply early and then update them on awards received later. I can’t imagine a situation where a person would be rejected outright EA for lack of a handful of awards (unless they were totally uncompetitive and then won Intel or Siemens), while they would be accepted RD.</p>
<p>You can always E-Mail the school to update the record for something like NMSF</p>
<p>Great advice. Thanks all.</p>