Including Middle School Achievements On College Applications

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Middle school may seem like a distant memory for many high school students, but its impact can still be felt when it comes to college applications. Many students wonder whether their middle school achievements, such as academic awards, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work, are worth including on their college applications.

The short answer is yes, including middle school achievements on college applications can be beneficial. Here's why:

Demonstrating Consistency and Commitment

Middle school achievements can demonstrate a student's consistency and commitment to their passions and interests. By including these achievements on college applications, students can show that they have been dedicated to a particular field or activity for an extended period.

For example, if a student was part of the middle school debate team and continued to participate in debate throughout high school, it shows that they have a genuine interest in public speaking and argumentation.

Showcasing Early Leadership and Initiative

Middle school achievements can also showcase a student's early leadership and initiative. By highlighting these achievements on college applications, students can demonstrate that they have a strong work ethic and are not afraid to take on new challenges.

For instance, if a student was the captain of the middle school soccer team and went on to lead their high school team, it shows that they have developed strong leadership skills over time.

Highlighting Personal Growth and Development

Middle school achievements can also highlight a student's personal growth and development. By including these achievements on college applications, students can demonstrate that they have overcome obstacles and learned valuable lessons.

For example, if a student struggled with public speaking in middle school but went on to give a presentation at a national conference in high school, it shows that they have worked hard to overcome their fears and develop their communication skills.

Tips for Including Middle School Achievements on College Applications

While including middle school achievements on college applications can be beneficial, there are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be selective: Only include middle school achievements that are relevant to your college application and demonstrate your skills and interests.
• Keep it concise: Briefly describe your middle school achievements and focus on the most important details.
• Use them to tell a story: Use your middle school achievements to tell a story about your personal growth and development.

Here's an example of how you might include middle school achievements on a college application:

Middle School Achievements

• National Junior Honor Society: Inducted in 8th grade for academic excellence and community service.
• Middle School Debate Team: Served as captain and led the team to a regional championship.
• Volunteer Work: Volunteered at a local animal shelter and helped raise over $1,000 for animal welfare.

How to Prioritize Middle School Achievements on College Applications

When it comes to prioritizing middle school achievements on college applications, here are some tips:

• Focus on academic achievements: If you received academic awards or honors in middle school, prioritize these achievements on your college application.
• Highlight leadership roles: If you held leadership roles in middle school, such as captain of a sports team or president of a club, highlight these achievements on your college application.
• Include relevant extracurricular activities: If you participated in extracurricular activities in middle school that are relevant to your college application, include them on your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Including Middle School Achievements on College Applications

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when including middle school achievements on college applications:

• Don't exaggerate: Be honest and accurate when describing your middle school achievements.
• Don't include irrelevant information: Only include middle school achievements that are relevant to your college application.
• Don't forget to proofread: Make sure to proofread your college application carefully to avoid errors and typos.

Gallery of College Applications and Middle School Achievements

Frequently Asked Questions

By including middle school achievements on college applications, students can demonstrate their consistency and commitment to their passions and interests. By prioritizing academic achievements, leadership roles, and relevant extracurricular activities, students can showcase their skills and talents to college admissions officers.