As you complete your Common App, the “Honors” section provides a valuable space to showcase your accomplishments beyond grades and test scores. This article will help you understand what belongs here—and what doesn’t—so your record shines.
Introduction
Facing the walls of that honors list can feel overwhelming—but it’s your chance to shine. In this guide, we’ll cover what counts as an honor, how to prioritize entries, and tips to stand out. Plus, we’ll show you how IvyPlug can make your honors section (and entire application) polished and powerful.
What Counts as an Honor?
**An honor is a recognition awarded based on merit or achievement.]** This can include academic, athletic, or extracurricular distinctions. Here’s a clearer breakdown:
- Academic Awards: Dean’s list, National Merit Semifinalist, subject-specific Olympiads, AP Scholar, National Honors Society membership.
- National/International Recognition: International Math Olympiad, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, National Science Bowl.
- State/Regional Awards: State Science Fair, Regional Congressional Art Competition, All-State musician or athlete.
- School-Based Distinctions: Valedictorian, salutatorian, departmental awards, IB Diploma, high school honors diploma.
- Extracurricular & Leadership Honors: Eagle Scout, Girl Scout Gold Award, competitive leadership fellowships (e.g., Youth Leadership America).
What Doesn’t Count
Avoid listing:
- Participation-based awards (e.g., “complete participation” certificates).
- Generic school-level awards with large recipients.
- Activities that aren’t selective or merit-based (e.g., “member of cheer team”).
Tips to Choose and Prioritize Your Honors
1. Focus on Prestige and Selectivity
Include the most competitive awards first—national and international honors make the greatest impression.
2. Order by Level, Then Chronology
Use the Common App’s “Level of Honor” dropdown wisely:
| Level | Examples |
|---|---|
| National or International | SAT National Recognition, Gold Medal in National Science Fair |
| State or Regional | All-State Band, State Academic Excellence Award |
| School | Valedictorian, School STEM Award |
| Other | City-level programming contest |
Within each level, list chronologically—most recent first.
3. Use Clear, Specific Titles
- Not “Science Fair Winner,” but “1st Place, State Science Fair – Biology”
- Instead of “Honorable Mention,” phrase it like “Honorable Mention, National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (Visual Arts)
- Stick with official award names—avoid casual shorthand.
4. Provide Context in “Awarded For” Field
Use this to explain selection criteria:
- “Top 1% of PSAT/NMSQT scorers in [state name].”
- “One of 24 semifinalists in national programming contest.”
- “Valedictorian: highest cumulative GPA among 250-student class.”
5. Keep It Senior Year–Relevent
Focus on honors earned through fall of senior year. If you have more than 10 entries, pick those that best showcase your strengths and ambitions.
6. Don’t Duplicate Across Sections
If an achievement appears elsewhere—like National Merit Semifinalist in awards or academics—it’s okay to repeat it here. But avoid superfluous duplication.
How to Describe Honors Effectively
Be Precise and Quantitative
“National Merit Semifinalist – top 1% PSAT takers nationwide.”
Prioritize Impact and Selectivity
“Member, All-State Orchestra, selected from across 150 high schools.”
Share Personal or Group Context Sparingly
If you led a team to victory: “Captain of regional debate team (15 schools)” or “Team Lead, 1st place statewide robotics competition.”
How Many Honors Should You Include?
The Common App lets you list up to 10 honors. Aim for 4–8 significant entries:
- 3–4 National/International (e.g., National AP Scholar, National Art Award)
- 2–3 State/Regional (e.g., All-State athlete, State Science Fair Winner)
- 1–2 School/Local (e.g., Valedictorian, Departmental Award)
Example of a Balanced Set
- National Merit Semifinalist – top 1% PSAT/NMSQT test‑takers nationwide (National)
- AP Scholar with Distinction – 5 AP exams at 3+ (National)
- 1st Place, National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards – gold key, visual arts (National)
- All‑State Orchestra – selected from 150 schools across the state (State)
- Valedictorian – highest GPA in 250‑student class (School)
- Eagle Scout – completed in 2024; earned Bronze Palm (National)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing too many dozen minor honors—this dilutes impact.
- Using vague titles like “Honor Roll”—instead, specify “High Honor Roll (~4.0 GPA, quarterly).”
- Reusing accolades in every section
- Neglecting quantifiable details (rank, scope, selectivity)
How IvyPlug Can Help
Struggling to decide which honors to include, or how to phrase them effectively? IvyPlug offers personalized guidance—from choosing your strongest entries to polishing phrasing—so your honors section truly reflects your excellence. Their advisors can also support admission essays, personal statements, and study abroad applications. This ensures your entire Common App showcases you in the best light.
Real-Life Examples
Here’s what two hypothetical students might enter:
Student A: 1. National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar – top 2.5% of Hispanic PSAT scorers (National) 2. Bronze Medalist, USA Mathematical Olympiad (National) 3. AP Scholar with Distinction – 6 AP exams scored 4 or 5 (National) 4. All-State Swimmer – qualified top 16 in 100m freestyle (State) 5. Science Department Award – top chemistry student (School) 6. Eagle Scout – led community recycling project (National)
Student B: 1. National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Gold Medal (National) 2. Semi-Finalist, USA Biolympiad (National) 3. Statewide Poetry Contest – 1st Place (State) 4. NHS Member (School) 5. Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Award (School)
Finalizing Your Honors Entries
- Make a full list of possible honors.
- Rank them by level and relevance to your college goals.
- Craft precise titles using official names.
- Add selectivity context (e.g., number of competitors, GPA rank).
- Limit list to 4–8 top honors.
- Ask an advisor (teacher, counselor, or IvyPlug) to review.
Conclusion
The honors section is more than a list—it’s proof of your dedication, talent, and accomplishments beyond classrooms. Use it to highlight what truly sets you apart, with clarity and confidence. Still unsure? IvyPlug’s expert advisors can help you frame your achievements and refine every piece of your application from admissions essays to personal statements.
Your story matters. This section can amplify it—make sure it does.
Ready to polish your honors—and your entire application? Explore IvyPlug’s support today and step into your future with confidence.