Honors and Awards 101: What to Include in Your College Application
Have you ever stared at your Common App, cursor blinking, wondering if that “Perfect Attendance Award” from ninth grade is worth mentioning? Meet Jordan. A dedicated student with stellar grades, leadership roles, and a heart full of ambition—but when it came time to list academic honors, he hesitated. “Do these even count?” he asked, squinting at his certificate collection. Maybe you’ve felt the same way—unsure whether those gold-seal accolades from your school assemblies actually matter.
Here’s the truth: they do. Academic honors and awards aren’t just shiny extras—they’re snapshots of your journey. From honor rolls and National Merit recognitions to department-specific awards and local scholarships, these achievements tell colleges, “Hey, this student showed up and gave it their all.”
Think of them as little flags waving proudly from your application, saying, “This is where I went above and beyond.” And yes, they can absolutely help you stand out in a crowded applicant pool.
You’ve worked hard—maybe for years—burning the midnight oil, balancing sports and service, pushing through tough courses. Now it’s time to let that shine. Your application isn’t just about test scores or essays; it’s a mosaic of effort, passion, and persistence. So, let’s give those awards the credit they deserve and learn how to highlight them with confidence and clarity.
What Are Academic Honors and Awards?
Let’s break it down: academic honors, awards, and scholarships all celebrate achievement—but each tells a slightly different story.
Academic honors are recognitions tied to your overall academic performance. They’re often based on GPA, course rigor, or class rank. Think of the Honor Roll, Dean’s List, Cum Laude distinctions, or being named Valedictorian or Salutatorian. These honors show you didn’t just participate—you excelled consistently over time.
Academic awards, on the other hand, typically highlight exceptional performance in a specific area or contest. These might come from your school (like “Best in Math” or “Science Fair Champion”), a local or national organization (like the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards), or competitive exams (such as National Merit Commended Scholar or AP Scholar Awards). They signal moments when you stand out from the crowd, whether through hard work, talent, or a powerful combination of both.
Scholarships are a step beyond—they’re financial awards given to support your education. While some are based on need, many are merit-based and awarded because of your achievements, potential, or unique background. Being a Coca-Cola Scholar or receiving a Posse Foundation Scholarship isn’t just about money—it’s a high honor in its own right.
Now, here’s where students often get tripped up: What actually counts as an “honor” or “award”? You don’t need a national title to list it proudly. Local recognitions—like “Student of the Month,” a departmental award at school, or winning your district’s poetry contest—absolutely qualify. Even being selected for a competitive summer program or academic club can be a legitimate honor if it reflects excellence or selectivity.
The key question is: Did you earn it through performance, distinction, or a selective process? If the answer’s yes, it belongs in your honors section. Your job is to frame it clearly and confidently—not to downplay it because it didn’t come with a gold-plated trophy.
Why Colleges Care About Honors and Awards
Colleges aren’t just scanning your application for perfect scores—they’re hunting for signs of drive, passion, and impact. That’s where academic honors and awards step in.
When you list honors, you’re showing more than just good grades—you’re signaling commitment. Being on the Honor Roll for multiple semesters? That tells admissions you didn’t just have a good week—you’ve put in consistent effort over time. Winning a school-wide writing award or placing in a math competition? That’s excellence, not just participation.
And then there’s uniqueness. Honors and awards give shape to your academic identity. Maybe you’re the only AP Scholar with Distinction in your grade, or perhaps you earned All-Academic Honors while juggling varsity sports. These distinctions set you apart. They tell colleges, “Here’s how I’ve gone the extra mile—and why it matters.”
Take something like “All-Academic Honors” in athletics. That’s not just a nod to your GPA—it shows you balanced rigorous coursework with team commitments. Or “Core 40 with Academic Honors” (Indiana students, we see you)—this tells admissions teams you pursued one of your state’s most challenging diploma tracks and succeeded. That’s the kind of signal that catches an admissions officer’s eye.
In a holistic review, where every piece of your application matters, awards act like amplifiers. Sure, your transcript shows your grades, but an honor validates them. It says, “This student didn’t just take hard classes—they stood out.” And that’s exactly what admissions officers are looking for: students who rise above the expected and bring something exceptional to the table.
Bottom line? Honors aren’t about bragging rights. They’re about giving colleges a window into your values, your effort, and the story behind the stats.
The Honors Section on the Common App: How to Make It Work for You
The “Honors” section of the Common App may be short—just five slots—but when used well, it packs a serious punch. Here’s how to make those few lines work overtime for your application.
Step-by-Step: Filling It Out
- Navigate to the Education Section of the Common App.
- Scroll down to “Honors”—you’ll see space for up to five entries.
- For each honor, enter:
- Honor Title
- Grade(s) Received (9–12)
- Level of Recognition (School, State/Regional, National, or International)
This isn’t the place for full-on storytelling. You get 100 characters for the title and 150 for the description, so clarity and impact are key.
What to Include (And What to Skip)
Include:
- Academic and subject-specific awards (e.g., AP Scholar, Science Olympiad Medalist)
- Scholarships awarded for academic merit
- High-profile extracurricular honors (e.g., debate championships, Model UN Best Delegate)
- Consistent recognitions (e.g., Honor Roll every semester)
Skip:
- Participation-based titles (“Completed Leadership Workshop” ≠ an honor)
- Club memberships without selectivity
- Awards unrelated to your academic or leadership profile (unless they reflect personal passion in a standout way)
Writing Impactful Descriptions
Focus on clarity and recognition. Use strong action words and quantifiable data where possible.
Example 1:
Title: AP Scholar with Honor
Grade: 11
Level: National
Description: Granted by College Board for scoring 3+ on 4+ AP exams, with avg score of 3.25+
Example 2:
Title: National Merit Commended Scholar
Grade: 12
Level: National
Description: Top 3% of PSAT scorers nationally; recognized for academic promise
Example 3:
Title: Honor Roll – All Semesters
Grade: 9,10,11
Level: School
Description: Maintained GPA > 3.8 across six consecutive semesters
Pro Tips
- Prioritize quality over quantity—a local award with personal impact can shine brighter than a national title if explained well.
- If you’ve got more than five honors, think strategically: which best highlights your academic strengths and leadership?
- Stay humble but specific. This isn’t a resume—it’s a highlight reel.
Treat this section as your academic spotlight. Done right, it shows colleges not just what you did—but who you are when no one’s watching.
Strategic Showcasing: Tips for Standing Out
When it comes to listing honors, not all recognition is created equal—especially when space is tight. The goal isn’t to list everything you’ve ever won; it’s to strategically showcase the honors that tell your story best.
Start by ranking your honors based on prestige, relevance, and impact. National or international awards usually take top billing. But if a local honor directly supports your academic focus or passion—say, a regional science fair win for a future engineering major—it deserves a spotlight, too. Ask yourself: Does this award reinforce my narrative? If yes, it goes in.
For your résumé or expanded honors sections (like supplemental materials), group awards by category—academic, leadership, extracurricular—and provide brief context where needed. A title alone might not mean much unless the reader understands its significance.
International or non-traditional students, take heart: your systems may differ, but honors still count. Whether it’s finishing top of your class, being selected for a competitive enrichment program, or earning subject awards from your school or region, these achievements demonstrate excellence. If the title doesn’t translate well, include a simple explanation. (“Top 5% of class in national exams” is clear and impressive across borders.)
And above all: be honest, clear, and relevant. Stretching the truth—or packing your application with low-impact recognitions—can work against you. Admissions officers don’t need a trophy count. They want evidence of genuine excellence and intentionality.
So edit ruthlessly. Frame thoughtfully. And remember: this isn’t just about listing accomplishments—it’s about curating a picture of who you are, what you value, and how you’ve chosen to rise. Every honor you include should help tell that story.
Where to Go from Here: Finding and Earning Honors
Think you don’t have any honors worth listing? You might just need to look in the right places—or create your own path to them.
Start close to home: your school. Teachers and counselors are great sources for opportunities you might’ve missed—subject-specific awards, essay contests, student-of-the-month programs, or departmental recognitions. Ask what’s available, and how you can throw your hat in the ring.
Next, explore academic competitions tied to your interests. Love STEM? Try Science Olympiad, MathCounts, or the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Into writing? Check out the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards or your local library’s contests. Passionate about service or leadership? Organizations like the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards or Rotary’s Interact Club might have programs that align.
But here’s the thing: don’t chase trophies just to have trophies. Colleges aren’t impressed by a string of shallow accolades. They’re moved by passion, effort, and impact. If you dive deep into something you love—whether it’s poetry, coding, community gardening, or robotics—recognition often follows naturally.
So start where you are. Explore what excites you. Put in the work. The awards that matter most won’t just decorate your application—they’ll reflect who you are and what you care about. And that’s the kind of honor no one can fake.
Conclusion: Your Story is the Real Honor
Your honors are more than just bullet points—they’re glimpses into your journey, your grit, your growth. Whether it’s a national scholarship or a quiet recognition from a favorite teacher, each one adds depth to your story. But remember: honors don’t define you. You define them. They’re just one part of the bigger picture—your values, your voice, your vision for the future.
So take pride in what you’ve earned, but don’t stop there. Let your honors amplify the story only you can tell.
Need help polishing your application’s shine? Schedule a free consultation with Admit Advantage. Let’s showcase your story—honors and all.