You’ve worked hard for excellent grades. You lead the robotics club, volunteer at the hospital and play varsity tennis. Now it‘s time to get your achievements recognized beyond just your local community. Applying for national awards and honors can help ambitious students gain prestigious scholarships, enhance college admissions chances and connect with like-minded peers across the country.
But the array of options makes it hard to identify which awards to pursue and how to focus your limited time. As an expert education consultant who has helped place students at Ivy League universities, I’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk motivated high schoolers and parents through the top national awards worthy of your effort.
Why Apply for National Awards?
Pursuing national-level high school honors such as the National Merit Scholarship or the Regeneron Science Talent Search offers impressive benefits that extend far beyond a simple line on a resume. Here’s why ambition students should consider applying:
- Financial Assistance: Most national awards come with steep scholarships, saving tremendously on the rising costs of college tuition.
- Admissions Edge: Recognition as a award finalist or winner can make you stand out when applying to your dream university.
- Personal Growth: The application process allows you to reflect deeply on your goals and development.
- Network Expansion: As an award recipient, you gain access to a community of like-minded change-makers.
- Skill Development: Crafting competitive applications builds valuable skills such as writing, interviewing and professional communication.
Yes, applying demands significant time and effort. But the pay-off can be life-changing. Let‘s explore the awards that offer the highest return on investment for outstanding high school students.
National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship is widely considered the top academic honor for US high schoolers. Every year over 1.5 million students compete simply by taking the PSAT during junior year. Only 50,000 qualify as commended scholars or semifinalists based on test scores alone. Ultimately 2,500 students are named National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners.
The below graph shows just how competitive National Merit recognition has become in recent years:
Finalists complete an application detailing leadership experience, extracurricular involvement and educational goals. Winners are selected based on academic record, contributions to school and community, skills and potential for success in college according to a National Merit Program spokesperson.
The National Merit designation is highly valued by competitive colleges. While the one-time scholarship prize is modest, many schools provide additional scholarships or grants, often making National Merit finalists eligible for full tuition.
“We actively seek out National Merit Finalists when making admissions decisions,” explains Christy Davis, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at UCLA. “It indicates academic rigor and strong capabilities for college success.”
Key Dates
- October: Take PSAT Junior Year
- September: Notification of Commended/Semifinalist status
- February: Finalist application deadline
- May: Winner notification
Tips for Strong Candidates
Start preparing for the PSAT by reviewing practice questions and test-taking strategies at the end of sophomore year. Enroll in challenging courses like AP Statistics, Physics and foreign languages to hone the reasoning skills tested.
If named a Finalist, your application essays and interview carry significant weight. Be thoughtful examining your motivations and growth. Ask teachers, counselors and mentors to highlight specific anecdotes that capture your capabilities and passion.
Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship provides selected minority, low-income and first generation college students with a full ride scholarship. This highly selective award considers academic achievement, community leadership and personal character. Only 1,000 applicants are chosen from over 60,000 submissions each year.
Gates Scholars earn funding for tuition, room and board, books and fees at any accredited US college or university. The scholarship also provides access to internships, mentorship and a network of fellow scholars.
“I developed lifelong connections through my Gates network,” remarks Alicia Thompson, Gates Foundation Scholar alumni and current cardiologist. “We supported each other through undergrad, post-grad and early career challenges.”
Ideal applicants demonstrate financial need along with a track record of academic excellence and community impact. Competitive essays and recommendations from teachers, counselors or community members are key.
Key Dates
- September: Application opens
- January: Application deadline
- March: Finalist interviews
- April: Recipients notified
Tips for Strong Candidates
Think deeply about your personal story and what drives your passion for pursuing higher education. How have your experiences shaped your perspective and goals?
Communicate regular with your recommenders to provide helpful background on your talents, progress and growth areas. The more context they have, the stronger support they can provide.
Coca-Cola Scholars
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 each year. Students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership and commitment to community.
Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited US college or university. Ideal candidates demonstrate significant extracurricular activity and volunteer work.
| Applicants Each Year | 86,000 |
| Regional Finalists | 1,900 |
| National Recipients | 150 |
As you can see above, while over 86,000 students apply, only 150 are selected for the top national Coca-Cola Scholarship. All applicants are entered into a pool to receive a $10,000 Regional Scholarship as well.
Becoming a Coca-Cola Scholar provides access to career development opportunities, networking and alumni connections. The below graph shows the impact of Coca-Cola scholars over the past 35 years:
Key Dates
- August: Application opens
- October: Application deadline
- February: Regional finalists named
- April: National scholars notified
Tips for Strong Candidates
Connect your interests and activities into an overarching narrative explaining your personal growth and future vision. For example, if you founded a recycling club, held fundraisers to support eco-causes and want to major in environmental science – tell that story!
Start early and devote significant time to revising essays. Ask teachers, counselors and even friends to read your drafts and provide constructive input.
Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search invites high school seniors to submit original research projects in STEM fields. Projects are judged on creative ability, scientific thought and potential contribution to the field.
The below table shows the 2018 competition stats:
| High School Participants | 1,744 |
| Finalists | 40 |
| Total Charitable Awards | $3.1 million |
Only the top 2.5% of entrants advance to finalist standing. Yet all participants benefit from expert reviewer feedback to advance their scientific skills. Reviewers include leading professionals at the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and more.
Finalists participate in a week-long competition in Washington DC. First place winners receive $250,000 scholarships. Runners up also earn substantial college scholarships from $150,000 down to $25,000 for fourth place honorees.
"Just being a Finalist opened so many doors that wouldn‘t have been possible otherwise," explains Sabrina Tucker, 2018 Finalist now studying microbiology on full scholarship at Duke University.
Students do not need to place in order to benefit. All 40 finalists significantly improve college admissions prospects while gaining exposure to leading scientists and valuable media recognition.
Key Dates
- November: Entry submission
- January: Announcement of finalists
- March: Final competition week
Tips for Strong Candidates
Start communicating with professors and organizations in your scientific field of interest for guidance. They can help direct you toward current unsolved challenges to investigate.
Pursue summer STEM research programs at universities or national labs to gain hands-on experience using professional equipment only accessible through these placements.
Presidential Scholars Program
The Presidential Scholars Program recognizes 161 high school seniors for exceptional academic success, artistic excellence, leadership, community service and contributions in career and technical education fields.
Students qualify based on outstanding SAT/ACT test scores or nominations from state departments of education or national arts associations. Scholars are invited to attend a Recognition Program in Washington DC with expenses paid.
All Presidential Scholars receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a White House-sponsored ceremony. Honorees gain national recognition for résumés while connecting with a network of accomplished and influential peers.
In 2021, over 5,300 students were nominated and 621 became Candidates. After review by an independent commission, 161 students were named Scholars. Competition has intensified substantially since the program launched in 1964.
Key Dates
- November-December: Student nominations
- April: Selection announcement
- June: National Recognition Program
Tips for Strong Candidates
If nominated, work closely with your school counselors to supply supplemental materials like school profiles, transcripts and activity descriptions that help reviewers better understand qualifications.
Spend time on essay revisions to clearly demonstrate your talents and growth mindset when describing academic projects, extracurricular endeavors or career progress.
Take Control of Your Future
Hopefully this guide has illuminated why competitive national awards deserve to be on every ambitious high school student’s radar. Applying strategic focus on a select one or two opportunities maximizes your shot at prestigious scholarships and college admissions success.
As early as freshman year, map out what activities and courses align to target award judging criteria. Then execute deliberately across years, collecting evidence of achievements. Enlist teachers, counselors and mentors to provide specific examples of your stellar attributes when you request recommendations.
While informal in tone, I’ve drawn this intel from decades of experience guiding students through the process as an independent college counselor. Please don’t hesitate to email me any other questions on how to approach these life-shaping national awards opportunities!