New Ivies
Activity Database
Activity Signal Index
T10 Congrats
T9 Almost a ticket to a prestigious school
T8 Amazing accomplishment; Large boost
T7 Really good, also a large boost
T6 Really good, will add value for good colleges
T5 Pretty good; will complement an already strong record
T4 Fairly difficult
T3 Some effort involved, but not uncommon
T2 Your average go-getter
T1 Common activities
T0 A dime in a dozen; meaningless
Category
All Competition Research Summer Program Leadership Community Service Arts & Humanities Career & Professional
Country / Region
All US UK China Canada Australia International
Subject Group
All Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology STEM Computer Science & Engineering Business & Economics Humanities & Writing Social Science & Policy Arts & Design Medicine & Health Leadership & Service Athletics General / Interdisciplinary
Tier
All Tier 10 Tier 9 Tier 8 Tier 7 Tier 6 Tier 5 Tier 4 Tier 3 Tier 2 Tier 1 Tier 0
Achievement Signal
TIER 10 Congrats
8 Activities
Arts & Humanities Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall Special performance/Solo US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Division I Athlete Division I Athlete US Athletics Athletics
Competition History Day National History Day National Winner US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition Putnam Fellow Putnam Fellow US Mathematics Mathematics
Leadership American Legion Boys Nation American Legion Boys Nation President US Leadership & Service Social Science
Research Regeneron Science Talent Search Regeneron Science Talent Search Top 10 US STEM Research
Research Regeneron ISEF Regeneron ISEF Top 3 Grand Prize US/International STEM Research
Research Research Science Institute(RSI) Research Science Institute(RSI) US/International STEM Research
Achievement Signal
TIER 9 Almost a ticket to a prestigious school
11 Activities
Competition Jimmy Awards (Musical Theatre) Jimmy Awards (Musical Theatre) US Arts & Design Arts
Competition National Student Poet National Student Poet US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) Winner US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Nationals Winner US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition The Tournament of Champions (TOC) The Tournament of Champions (TOC) Winner US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition NCFL Nationals NCFL Nationals Winner US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) World Champion US/International Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Research Regeneron Science Talent Search Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist US STEM Research
Research Regeneron ISEF Regeneron ISEF Best of Category US/International STEM Research
Summer Program Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP) accepted US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Achievement Signal
TIER 8 Amazing accomplishment; Large boost
27 Activities
Arts & Humanities Concord Review Concord Review Publication US Humanities & Writing Writing
Career & Professional Coca-Cola Scholars Program Coca-Cola Scholars Program Coca-Cola Scholar US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Career & Professional Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS) Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS) Gates Millennium Scholar US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition Scholastic Art Scholastic Art Gold Medal US Arts & Design Arts
Competition All-National Band or Orchestra Performer All-National Band or Orchestra Performer US Arts & Design Arts
Competition USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) National Finalist US Biology Biology
Competition USA Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) USA Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) National Finalist US Chemistry Chemistry
Competition Google Code Jam Google Code Jam Round 2/3 Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Facebook Hacker Cup Facebook Hacker Cup Round 2/3 Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) National Finalist US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition FIRST World Championship FIRST World Championship Top 5 US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Robotics
Competition Presidential Scholar Presidential Scholar US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Dean's List Winner US/International General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition Writing Portfolio Writing Portfolio Gold Award US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) Qualification US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 Perfect Score US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) National Finalist US Physics Physics
Competition International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Top 32 Team US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (USAAAO) USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (USAAAO) Gold medals US STEM Physics
Leadership American Legion Boys Nation American Legion Boys Nation Participant US Leadership & Service Social Science
Research Davidson Fellow Davidson Fellow US General / Interdisciplinary Innovation | Research
Research MITES Program MITES Program US General / Interdisciplinary STEM
Research MIT PRIMES MIT PRIMES US STEM Mathematics | Engineering | Science
Research Regeneron Science Talent Search Regeneron Science Talent Search Semifinalist US STEM Research
Research Regeneron ISEF Regeneron ISEF 1st–4th Place Category Award US/International STEM Research
Summer Program Clark Scholars Program Clark Scholars Program US General / Interdisciplinary Biology | Chemistry | Computer Science | Economics | Electrical and Computer Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Physics
Summer Program Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) US STEM Research
Achievement Signal
TIER 7 Really good, also a large boost
33 Activities
Arts & Humanities Iowa Writer’s Workshop Iowa Writer’s Workshop US Humanities & Writing Writing
Arts & Humanities The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program Selected Mentee US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Platinum Division US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Academic Decathlon Academic Decathlon Top 5 team US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition Scholastic Art & Writing Scholastic Art & Writing National Gold Medal US Humanities & Writing Arts | Writing
Competition History Day National History Day National National Level US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) Tiebreaker Round US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) Gold Medal US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) Top 50 US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition USAJMO USAJMO Qualification US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 Perfect Score US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Math Prize for Girls (MPFG) Math Prize for Girls (MPFG) Math Prize Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Breakers US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition The Tournament of Champions (TOC) The Tournament of Champions (TOC) Breakers US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Top 64 Team US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition International Brain Bee International Brain Bee World Champion US/International STEM Medicine & Health
Competition Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) National Finalist / First Place US STEM Research
Competition National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) Winner US STEM STEM
Leadership Congressional Award Congressional Award Gold Medalist US Leadership & Service Leadership | Service
Leadership U.S. Senate Page Program U.S. Senate Page Program US Social Science & Policy Social Science
Research Selective Governor’s School Admission Selective Governor’s School Admission <15% US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Research Summer Science Program (SSP) Summer Science Program (SSP) US STEM Astronomy | Biochemistry Research
Research CMU Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) CMU Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) US STEM Mathematics | Engineering | Science
Research Regeneron ISEF Regeneron ISEF Finalist US/International STEM Research
Research NIH Research NIH Research US STEM Research
Research Simons Summer Research Program Simons Summer Research Program US STEM Research
Summer Program Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) US Mathematics Mathematics
Summer Program Ross Mathematics Program Ross Mathematics Program US Mathematics Mathematics
Summer Program Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) US Mathematics Mathematics
Summer Program USA Mathcamp USA Mathcamp US Mathematics Mathematics
Summer Program Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE) Selected Participant / Program Scholar US/International STEM Engineering | Physics
Summer Program Garcia Summer Research Program Garcia Summer Research Program US STEM Research
Summer Program Summer Program on Applied Rationality and Cognition (SPARC) Summer Program on Applied Rationality and Cognition (SPARC) Selected Participant US/International STEM Social Science
Achievement Signal
TIER 6 Really good, will add value for good colleges
33 Activities
Arts & Humanities Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Career & Professional Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI) Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI) US Computer Science & Engineering Business | Technology
Career & Professional QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program (CPS) QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program (CPS) College Prep Scholar US/International General / Interdisciplinary College Access | Scholarship
Competition Google Code Jam Google Code Jam Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Facebook Hacker Cup Facebook Hacker Cup Qualifier US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Apple Worldwide Developers Conference Swift Student Challenge (WWDC / Swift Student Challenge) Apple Worldwide Developers Conference Swift Student Challenge (WWDC / Swift Student Challenge) Distinguished Winner US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Technology Student Association Nationals Technology Student Association Nationals US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Top5 Super Regionals US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Robotics
Competition Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams InvenTeam Grant Recipient / Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam US General / Interdisciplinary Innovation | Engineering
Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition Honors Top 3 US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Dean’s List Finalist US/International General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition Scholastic Art & Writing Scholastic Art & Writing National Silver Medal US Humanities & Writing Arts | Writing
Competition + University-run Poetry Contests US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)12 Top 5% US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) Outstanding Winner US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Nationals / Tournament of Champions Qualifier US Social Science & Policy Debate & Public Speaking
Competition International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) Grand Prize Winner US/International STEM Biology
Competition National Science Bowl (NSB) National Science Bowl (NSB) Winner US STEM STEM
Competition National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) Champion US STEM STEM
Competition Breakthrough Junior Challenge (BJC) Breakthrough Junior Challenge (BJC) Global Winner / Grand Prize US/International STEM STEM
Leadership American Legion Boys State / Girls State American Legion Boys State / Girls State Governor / Senator / National Selection US General / Interdisciplinary Civics | Leadership
Leadership Congressional Award Congressional Award Silver Medalist US Leadership & Service Leadership | Service
Leadership Bank of America Student Leaders Program Bank of America Student Leaders Program US Leadership & Service Leadership | Service
Leadership Environmental Fellows Leadership Program (EFL) Environmental Fellows Leadership Program (EFL) US STEM Environmental Studies
Research UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP) UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP) US Computer Science & Engineering Biology | Biomedical Research | Chemistry | Environmental Science | Agricultural Science | Engineering
Research Selective Governor’s School Admission Selective Governor’s School Admission 15%–25% US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Research + State Science Fair Winner / Top Award US STEM Research
Research Research Mentorship Program (RMP) Research Mentorship Program (RMP) US STEM Research
Research Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) US STEM Research
Summer Program Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) Iowa Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP) US Computer Science & Engineering Biology | Chemistry | Engineering | Computer Science | Psychology | Social Science | Public Health
Summer Program + Women’s Technology Program (WTP) Selected WTP Participant US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Computer Science
Summer Program Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) US Computer Science & Engineering Science | Engineering
Summer Program Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM) Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM) US Mathematics Mathematics
Achievement Signal
TIER 5 Pretty good; will complement an already strong record
42 Activities
Career & Professional Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW) Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW) US Business & Economics Business | Finance
Career & Professional High School Student Summer Internship Program (HSSIP) High School Student Summer Internship Program (HSSIP) Selected Research Intern US STEM Research
Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition Honorable Mention US Arts & Design Arts
Competition NAfME All-Eastern / All-Regional Music Ensembles NAfME All-Eastern / All-Regional Music Ensembles US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Red Dot Design Award: Young Professionals / Junior Award Red Dot Design Award: Young Professionals / Junior Award Red Dot: Best of the Best / Winner US/International Arts & Design Arts
Competition Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Finalist US Business & Economics Business
Competition Wharton Global High School Investment Competition (WGHS) Wharton Global High School Investment Competition (WGHS) Global Champion US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs Grand Prize Winner US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition National Economics Challenge (NEC) National Economics Challenge (NEC) National Champion / First Place US Business & Economics Economics
Competition BioGENEius Challenge BioGENEius Challenge International Champion / Grand Award US/International Computer Science & Engineering Biology
Competition + USAPhO | USNCO | USABO | USACO | USNAO Semifinals US Computer Science & Engineering Biology | Chemistry | Computer Science | Astronomy & Astrophysics | Physics
Competition Kaggle Competitions Kaggle Competitions Competition Gold Medal / Grandmaster-level Ranking US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) World Champion US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle Competition (MATE ROV) Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle Competition (MATE ROV) World Champion / First Place US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS)) Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS)) National Finalist US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Mathematics | Science
Competition International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) World Finals Champion / Grand Prize US/International General / Interdisciplinary Aerospace | Engineering
Competition Zero Robotics High School Tournament Zero Robotics High School Tournament Tournament Champion US/International General / Interdisciplinary Aerospace | Robotics
Competition Destination Imagination Global Finals (DI) Destination Imagination Global Finals (DI) Global Finals Champion US/International General / Interdisciplinary Arts
Competition SkillsUSA SkillsUSA Nationals Winner US General / Interdisciplinary Career & Professional
Competition Conrad Challenge Conrad Challenge Pete Conrad Scholar / Innovation Summit Winner US/International General / Interdisciplinary Innovation | Entrepreneurship
Competition National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB) National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB) National Champion US General / Interdisciplinary Philosophy | Ethics
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) State Championship Top 5 US/International General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition (NACLO) Invitational Round Winner / National Champion US Humanities & Writing Computer Science
Competition National Latin Convention (NLC) National Latin Convention (NLC) 1st Place US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition History Day State History Day State Top 3 US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10 Distinguished Honor Roll US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM) High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM) Outstanding Winner US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Stanford University Math Organization Math Tournament (SUMO) Stanford University Math Organization Math Tournament (SUMO) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Johns Hopkins Math Tournament (JHMT) Johns Hopkins Math Tournament (JHMT) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Princeton University Mathematics Competition (PUMaC) Princeton University Mathematics Competition (PUMaC) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Berkeley Math Tournament (BMT) Berkeley Math Tournament (BMT) Overall Champion / First Place US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Princeton University Physics Competition (PUPC) Princeton University Physics Competition (PUPC) Gold Medal / Overall Winner US/International Physics Physics
Competition AAPT PhysicsBowl AAPT PhysicsBowl Global Top Scorer / National Champion US/International Physics Physics
Competition National Conservation Foundation Envirothon National Conservation Foundation Envirothon National Champion / International Champion US/International STEM Environmental Studies
Competition Genius Olympiad Genius Olympiad Grand Award / Gold Medal US/International STEM Environmental Studies
Research UF Student Science Training Program (SSTP) UF Student Science Training Program (SSTP) US General / Interdisciplinary Biology | Chemistry | Engineering | Computer Science | Medicine
Research California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS) California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS) US General / Interdisciplinary STEM
Summer Program MIT LaunchX MIT LaunchX US Business & Economics Business
Summer Program MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) Selected BWSI Participant / Challenge Award US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering | Computer Science
Summer Program Stanford Summer Humanities Institute / Stanford Summer College (SSC) Stanford Summer Humanities Institute / Stanford Summer College (SSC) Selected Participant / Program Scholar US/International General / Interdisciplinary Humanities | Research
Summer Program AwesomeMath Summer Program AwesomeMath Summer Program Selected Participant / Top Performer US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Summer Program Texas State Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) Texas State Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) Selected HSMC Participant / Outstanding Project US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Achievement Signal
TIER 4 Fairly difficult
44 Activities
Arts & Humanities Lewis Center for the Arts High School Programs Lewis Center for the Arts High School Programs Selected Participant / Portfolio Recognition US/International Arts & Design Arts
Arts & Humanities Eastern Music Festival (EMF) Eastern Music Festival (EMF) Selected Fellow / Concerto Competition Winner US/International Arts & Design Arts
Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition YoungArts National Arts Competition Merit US Arts & Design Arts
Competition + State Awards US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Art and Writing Regional Art and Writing Regional Regional Gold Award US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Industrial Designers Society of America Student Design Awards (IDSA) Industrial Designers Society of America Student Design Awards (IDSA) Student Design Award Winner US Arts & Design Arts
Competition Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition Grand Prize Winner US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Harvard College Business Competition (HCBC) Harvard College Business Competition (HCBC) Global Champion / First Place US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) World Cup Champion / Global Winner US/International Business & Economics Business
Competition Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association International Essay Competition (HUEA Essay) Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association International Essay Competition (HUEA Essay) First Prize / Global Winner US/International Business & Economics Economics
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Silver Division US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition American Computer Science League (ACSL) American Computer Science League (ACSL) All-Star Contest Champion / Senior Division Champion US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition Topcoder Competitive Programming Topcoder Competitive Programming Topcoder Open Champion / Grandmaster US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition American Design and Manufacturing Challenge (ADMC) American Design and Manufacturing Challenge (ADMC) National Champion / Grand Prize US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition National Robotics Challenge (NRC) National Robotics Challenge (NRC) National Champion / Grand Champion US Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition RoboRAVE International RoboRAVE International World Champion / Gold Medal US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Botball Educational Robotics Program Botball Educational Robotics Program Global Champion / First Place US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Odyssey of the Mind (OM) Odyssey of the Mind (OM) World Finals Champion US/International General / Interdisciplinary Arts
Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition Academic Decathlon State Competition State Event Golds US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition National Merit Scholarship Program National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition + National AP Scholar at Junior Year US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) Global Winner / Best of Show US/International General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition FIRST Robotics Competition Regional (FTC) FIRST Robotics Competition Regional (FTC) Regional Championship Top 5 US General / Interdisciplinary Robotics | Leadership
Competition + National Latin / Spanish / French Exam US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) Global Winner / Gold Award US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition The New York Times Student Writing Contests The New York Times Student Writing Contests Winner / Finalist US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition + High School Mathematics Competition (HSMC) US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition + American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) Qualification US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10/12 American Mathematics Competition (AMC)10/12 School Winner US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Duke University Math Meet (DUMM) Duke University Math Meet (DUMM) Overall Champion / First Place US Mathematics Mathematics
Competition Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (HIR) Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest (HIR) Gold Medal / Global Winner US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition MIT Model United Nations Conference (MITMUN) MIT Model United Nations Conference (MITMUN) Best Delegate / Outstanding Delegate US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition American Society of Human Genetics DNA Day Essay Contest (ASHG Essay) American Society of Human Genetics DNA Day Essay Contest (ASHG Essay) First Place Winner US/International STEM Biology | Genetics
Competition Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest Gold Award / Grand Prize US/International STEM Environmental Studies
Competition International Social Science Competition for Youth (ISSCY) International Social Science Competition for Youth (ISSCY) Global Winner / Gold Award US/International STEM Social Science
Competition National Science Bowl (NSB) National Science Bowl (NSB) National Qualification US STEM STEM
Leadership Health Occupations Students of America - Future Health Professionals (HOSA) Health Occupations Students of America - Future Health Professionals (HOSA) International First Place / Gold Medal US/International Medicine & Health Medicine | Health
Leadership Model United Nations (MUN) Model United Nations (MUN) Gavel US Social Science & Policy Social Science
Leadership + Position in Local Government US Social Science & Policy Social Science
Research Program for Algorithmic and Theoretical High Schoolers (PATH) Program for Algorithmic and Theoretical High Schoolers (PATH) Selected Participant / Program Scholar US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Research Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Programs (PPPL) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Programs (PPPL) Selected Research Intern / Program Scholar US Physics Physics
Research + Regional Science Fair Winner / Top Award US STEM Research
Summer Program MathILy Mathematics Summer Program MathILy Mathematics Summer Program Selected MathILy Participant / MathILy-er US/International Mathematics Mathematics
Summer Program High School Honors Science/Mathematics/Engineering Program (HSHSP) High School Honors Science/Mathematics/Engineering Program (HSHSP) Selected Research Participant US STEM Science | Mathematics | Engineering
Achievement Signal
TIER 3 Some effort involved, but not uncommon
26 Activities
Career & Professional Business Professionals of America (BPA) Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Champion / First Place US Business & Economics Business
Career & Professional + Editor in chief of award-winning school newspaper US Humanities & Writing Writing
Career & Professional + Head of a club with large membership and substantial activities (Interact Club) US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Competition + All-County music US Arts & Design Arts
Competition USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Silver Division Qualification US Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Competition BotsIQ / BattleBots IQ BotsIQ / BattleBots IQ National Champion / Grand Champion US/International Computer Science & Engineering Engineering
Competition Youth Maker Youth Maker Grand Prize Winner US/International Computer Science & Engineering Maker | Engineering
Competition Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest (JASNA Essay) Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest (JASNA Essay) First Place / Grand Prize US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Faulkner Society Writing Competition Faulkner Society Writing Competition Overall Winner / Gold Medal US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests (JEA) Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests (JEA) Superior Award / First Place US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest (HSPPC) AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest (HSPPC) First Place Winner US/International Physics Physics
Competition Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest First Place / Winner US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Competition National Model United Nations (NMUN) National Model United Nations (NMUN) Outstanding Delegation / Best Delegate US/International Social Science & Policy Social Science
Leadership Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program (CAP) Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program (CAP) Carl A. Spaatz Award US General / Interdisciplinary Aerospace | Leadership
Leadership + Student Government Officer / Club President US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Leadership + Head of a competitive club that you did not found (ex: Mock Trial, Model UN, Science Olympiad) US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Leadership Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National First Place / Gold Medal US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Leadership + Eagle Scout US Leadership & Service Leadership | Service
Leadership Junior State of America (JSA) Junior State of America (JSA) National Leadership Award / Governor US Social Science & Policy Debate
Research + Local Science Fair Winner / Top Award US STEM Research
Research Young Scholars Academic Program (YSAP) Young Scholars Academic Program (YSAP) Selected Scholar US/International STEM Research
Research Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) First Place / National Winner US STEM Social Science
Summer Program Foundation for Teaching Economics Programs (FTE) Foundation for Teaching Economics Programs (FTE) Selected Participant / Economics for Leaders Scholar US Business & Economics Economics
Summer Program Prove it! Math Academy Prove it! Math Academy Selected Participant / Proof Portfolio Distinction US Mathematics Mathematics
Summer Program Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research Summer Camps Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research Summer Camps Selected Participant / Research Program Completion US Medicine & Health Biology | Medicine
Summer Program Shoals Marine Laboratory High School Programs (SML) Shoals Marine Laboratory High School Programs (SML) Selected Research Participant / Program Scholar US STEM Environmental Studies
Achievement Signal
TIER 2 Your average go-getter
9 Activities
Community Service + President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Community Service Science Outreach Student Volunteer Program Science Outreach Student Volunteer Program Outstanding Volunteer / Leadership Recognition US/International STEM STEM
Competition + Local awards / Trophies US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition History Day Regional History Day Regional Top 3 US Humanities & Writing Humanities
Competition + Writing Contest Recognition US Humanities & Writing Writing
Competition Young Writers USA Writing Competition (Young Writers) Young Writers USA Writing Competition (Young Writers) National Winner / Published Winner US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Research MIT Splash Learning Program MIT Splash Learning Program Selected Participant / Teaching or Learning Recognition US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Summer Program Inspirit AI Scholars Program Inspirit AI Scholars Program Selected Scholar / Capstone Project Distinction US/International Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science
Summer Program National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Selected Participant / Program Scholar US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Achievement Signal
TIER 1 Common activities
13 Activities
Arts & Humanities Tri-M Music Honor Society (Tri-M) Tri-M Music Honor Society (Tri-M) National Honor Society Member / Chapter Officer US Arts & Design Arts
Arts & Humanities Quill and Scroll International Honor Society Quill and Scroll International Honor Society International Writing, Photo, or Journalism Award US/International Humanities & Writing Writing
Career & Professional + Key Club | CSF | Interact Club US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Competition + School Academic Award / Honor Roll US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Competition National Merit Scholarship Program National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Scholar US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Leadership + Member of a club with no distinctions earned US General / Interdisciplinary Leadership & Service
Leadership National Honor Society National Honor Society US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Leadership + National Beta Club Member US Leadership & Service Leadership & Service
Research Make: Maker Camp and Maker Projects (MAKE) Make: Maker Camp and Maker Projects (MAKE) Featured Maker / Project Recognition US/International Computer Science & Engineering Maker | Engineering
Research Instructables Maker Project Platform Instructables Maker Project Platform Featured Project / Contest Winner US/International Computer Science & Engineering Maker | Engineering
Research Adafruit Learning System Adafruit Learning System Featured Guide / Project Recognition US/International Computer Science & Engineering Maker | Engineering
Research MIT Electronics Research Society (MITERS) MIT Electronics Research Society (MITERS) Project Lead / Featured Maker US Computer Science & Engineering Maker | Engineering
Research + MIT High School Studies Program (HSSP) Selected Participant / Course Completion US/International General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary
Achievement Signal
TIER 0 A dime in a dozen; meaningless
1 Activities
Leadership + Who's Who / National Honor Roll / National Society of High School Scholars US General / Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary