should i explain awards in activities list

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15-04-2025

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Should I Explain Awards in My Activities List? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether or not to explain awards in your activities list is a common one, particularly for college applications, resumes, and scholarship applications. The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on the context and the specific award. This guide will provide clarity and help you make the best decision.

Understanding the Purpose of an Activities List

Your activities list serves as a snapshot of your accomplishments and involvement. It showcases your dedication, skills, and interests. The goal is to highlight your most impactful experiences, demonstrating your potential and fit for the opportunity.

When to Explain Awards:

• Unclear Award Names: If the award's name doesn't clearly convey its significance, a brief explanation is beneficial. For example, instead of simply listing "Science Fair Award," you could write "Science Fair Award for innovative research on sustainable energy sources." This adds context and impact.
• Unique or Specialized Awards: For awards that are unique to a specific organization, program, or competition, a brief explanation will help the reader understand its prestige and relevance.
• Emphasis on Specific Skills: If the award highlights a specific skill relevant to the opportunity (e.g., leadership, teamwork, creativity), a short explanation that emphasizes those skills can strengthen your application.
• Awards with Quantifiable Results: Did your award recognize a specific achievement? Explain that achievement! For example, "First Place, Regional Math Olympiad, scoring higher than 95% of participants."
• Limited Space: If space is truly limited, and the award itself doesn't fully explain its context, a concise explanation is key.

When You Can Omit Explanations:

• Well-Known Awards: Awards like National Merit Scholar or Presidential Volunteer Service Award require no further explanation. Their prestige is widely understood.
• Clearly Defined Awards: If the award's name speaks for itself (e.g., "Dean's List," "All-State Band"), an explanation is unnecessary. The reader can easily infer the achievement.
• Overly Long Descriptions: Avoid lengthy explanations that overshadow other achievements. Brevity is essential.

How to Explain Awards Effectively:

• Keep it concise: Use bullet points or short, impactful phrases.
• Focus on impact: Highlight what you learned or accomplished.
• Quantify achievements: Use numbers and data to demonstrate your success.
• Use action verbs: Start with strong verbs to make your descriptions more dynamic.
• Tailor to your audience: Consider what information is most relevant to the application or resume you're submitting.

Examples:

Less effective:

• "Science Olympiad Award"
• "Volunteer of the Year"

More effective:

• "Science Olympiad Award, placing first in the regional competition for innovative solutions to water pollution problems."
• "Volunteer of the Year, awarded for accumulating over 500 hours of service to the local homeless shelter."

In Conclusion:

Use your judgment. The best approach is to assess the context and the specific award. A brief, impactful explanation can enhance your application, while unnecessary explanations can dilute its impact. Strive for clarity and concision, focusing on what makes your achievements stand out. By carefully considering these factors, you can craft an activities list that effectively showcases your accomplishments and strengthens your application.