The Common App Honors Section Advantage

Students seeking to impress college admissions officers need to make the most of every section of their application. The majority of students utilize the Common Application, which is accepted by more than 1,000 colleges throughout the U.S. and more than 50 international universities. It includes an Honors section, giving students an opportunity to highlight their accomplishments.

The Common App prompt reads: Do you wish to report any honors related to your academic achievements beginning with the ninth grade or international equivalent?

 

There is space allocated for up to five honors, so students should choose carefully and place them in decreasing order of prominence.  National awards are typically listed first, followed by state, local, and school awards. 

One of the most prestigious academic honors is to be recognized as a National Merit Scholar.  In order to be eligible, students must take the PSAT (also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in 11^th grade. Based on their scores, about 3% of these students will enter the National Merit competition. Ultimately, 2/3 will receive Letters of Commendation while the remaining students move on to vie for Semifinalist, Finalist and National Merit Scholar recognition.   

 

Another impressive academic honor is the AP Scholar with Distinction award which is granted to students who score a “3” or higher (and average at least 3.5) on five or more AP exams. Students also have the opportunity of earning AP Scholar with Honor for four AP exams, and AP Scholar for three exams.

 

Membership in the National Honors Society is also significant as it has scholarship, leadership, service, and character requirements.  It should likewise be noted if one is a member of a specific honor society, such as the Société Honoraire de Français

(French) or the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (for Spanish or Portuguese), or has earned The Seal of Biliteracy. 

 

The President’s Award for Educational Excellence is another highly impressive recognition, as school principals are involved in the selection process and chosen students are awarded a certificate signed by the President and U.S. Secretary of Education.

 

Students should also note awards for high placement or participation in major academic competitions in any field, including Science Olympiad, Robotics, Model UN, Quiz Tournaments, and Geography Bee.  

 

When deciding which five honors to include, students should consider which are highly selective, unique, relevant to one’s academic interests, and/or highlights leadership potential.

 

Any involvement that does not make the cut here can always be included in the Activities section of the Common App which allocates space for ten activities.  

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362