how to write common app honors

3 min read 16-01-2025

The Common Application's "Honors" section might seem like a simple space to list awards and achievements. However, crafting compelling entries can significantly boost your application. This guide explains how to write impactful entries that showcase your accomplishments and strengthen your narrative. Remember, this isn't just a list; it's a chance to demonstrate your character and potential.

Understanding the Importance of the Honors Section

Colleges use this section to understand your academic and extracurricular achievements beyond grades and test scores. They want to see what you've accomplished and the dedication you've shown. Think of it as a mini-resume of your accomplishments. A strong Honors section complements your other application materials, painting a complete picture of who you are. It demonstrates your capabilities, your passions, and your commitment to excellence.

What to Include: More Than Just a List

Simply listing "National Merit Scholar" isn't enough. Colleges want context. They want to know why the achievement matters to you and what it demonstrates about your abilities. Consider these elements when crafting your entries:

1. Specific Details: Beyond the Name

Award Name: Use the full, official name of the award or honor.
Granting Organization: Clearly state who awarded the honor (e.g., National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the school's science department).
Date Awarded: Include the year you received the honor.
Level of Achievement: If applicable, mention any ranking (e.g., "Top 10%," "Finalist").

2. Quantifiable Achievements: Show, Don't Tell

Whenever possible, quantify your achievement. For example:

Instead of: "Debate Team Captain"
Write: "Debate Team Captain, leading the team to a regional championship win and a 90% win rate in our league."
Instead of: "High GPA"
Write: "GPA: 3.95 (weighted) / 3.8 (unweighted), consistently ranked in the top 5% of my graduating class."

3. Context and Significance: The "So What?" Factor

This is crucial. Explain why the award is significant. What skills or qualities did you develop through the process? What challenges did you overcome? How did it impact you personally or professionally?

Example: Instead of "AP Scholar with Distinction," write "AP Scholar with Distinction, demonstrating proficiency in five AP courses, including Calculus BC and Physics C, which fueled my interest in engineering." This provides context and explains your academic strengths.

Handling Various Types of Honors: Examples

Here are examples of how to write entries for different types of honors:

Academic Honors:

National Merit Scholar: "National Merit Scholar, awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in 2024, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and potential." (This needs your further explanation of its significance to YOU.)
AP Scholar with Honors: "AP Scholar with Honors, demonstrating a strong proficiency in multiple advanced placement courses, reflecting a commitment to rigorous academic pursuits and exceeding expectations in challenging coursework."
Dean's List: "Dean's List, consistently achieved throughout high school at [High School Name], reflecting consistent high academic performance in a demanding curriculum." (Consider adding your GPA if it's exceptionally high.)

Extracurricular Honors:

All-State Orchestra: "First chair, All-State Orchestra, [Year], showcasing exceptional musical talent and dedication through rigorous practice and performance."
Science Fair Award: "First place, Regional Science Fair, [Year], for the project ‘[Project Title],’ demonstrating advanced scientific understanding and research capabilities, including proficiency in [relevant skills]."
Volunteer Award: "Volunteer of the Year, [Organization Name], [Year], for contributions exceeding 200 hours to the local community, demonstrating a commitment to service and leadership through [Specific example, project or role]."

The Importance of Order and Selection

Prioritize meaningfully: List your most significant achievements first.
Focus on quality, not quantity: It’s better to have a few well-written entries than a long list of less-impressive ones.
Maintain consistency: Keep the formatting and tone consistent throughout the section.

Review and Polish: Seek Feedback

Before submitting your application, carefully review your entries. Ask a teacher, counselor, or mentor to proofread your work for clarity, grammar, and impact. They can offer valuable feedback on how to improve your entries and make them more persuasive. The Honors section is a valuable part of your application—make it count.