Hey Guys,
I’ve received numerous sponsorships from companies like Yonex, Black Knight, Adidas, and Bonny over the years for things like rackets, clothes, shoes, etc. because of my badminton playing abilities.
I wanted to know if those would be considered “awards” I could list on the common App? If not, where could I talk about these things?
I don’t know the answer but you should definitely try to mention it somehow. Outside and objective verification of your abilities/skills/potential is always good. The Awards section is as good as any other place. Whether it be Awards or ECs, it won’t matter — as long as you convey the info to readers.
Aren’t they really more of a business arrangement? They like you and you get to wear their shirt? I don’t have the new wording in front of me, but the section is usually for academically related awards. It can go in the description of your badminton EC (even an addl line) or in Addl Info.
Get a sample of the new Common App for 2015.
I think you’re talking about an EC. Those are gifts or payments by the sponsor. They are not “awards”.
Our student athletes weren’t allowed to be “sponsored” in their sports by any company (Nike, Babolat, Adidas) since it was considered payment and was against the rules of amateur competition of high school sports in our state; the school would become ineligible to compete in high school competitions.
I don’t play badminton for my high school though; as it is unfortunately not a varsity sport in North Carolina. I play on my own traveling to national tournaments and competing; that’s why I’ve built up so many sponsors. @auntbea
Badminton can still go in the EC section. Or a line about it there and a short description in Addl Info, if you need to say more.