Note: Common App does not have a description space for descriptions. If necessary, use the Additional information section to provide details regarding your honor or award.
The UC application allows you to list both academic and non-academic awards.. For each entry, you are required to provide two parts:
Qualifications for the Award (250 characters max):
Briefly explain what the award is, who is eligible, and how it is generally earned. This should give context to the selection process or the criteria for being considered.
What You Did to Earn the Award (350 characters max):
Describe your specific contributions, efforts, or achievements that led to receiving the award. This is your chance to highlight your impact, persistence, and distinction.
Tips for Both Sections:
Use phrases, not complete sentences, to save space and stay concise.
Include specifics, such as the number of applicants, grade level, selection process, or type of recognition (schoolwide, state, national, etc.).
Focus on your unique actions or performance, especially if the award is competitive.
You can list awards in any area: academic, athletic, artistic, community, leadership, etc.
Example UC Honors Entry
Award Title:
National Spanish Exam, Silver Medal
Qualifications (250 characters):
National exam for Spanish students; open to middle and high schoolers across the US; awards given based on national percentiles; Silver awarded to top ~15% of all test-takers.
What You Did to Earn It (350 characters):
Prepared independently using college-level Spanish texts; studied advanced grammar and vocabulary; scored in the top 15% out of 150,000+ students nationwide; recognized for reading comprehension and cultural knowledge beyond course level.