Honor Society® Expert FAQ
What should go in the Common App honors section?
Use the Common App honors section for academic honors and achievements that fit the form’s instructions. Include the distinction’s name, grade level, and actual recognition level, with concise context when needed.
Separate academic distinctions from participation
Do not treat every membership, paid program, or extracurricular role as an academic award. An honor society distinction may belong if it represents genuine academic recognition; routine participation may be better explained elsewhere. Scholarships can also differ in purpose, so describe the basis accurately.
Prioritize distinctions that add information rather than repeating your transcript. If you have fewer honors than the form allows, leave unused entries blank. Honor Society’s honors-section guide helps you distinguish recognition from participation and write clear entries without overstating selectivity.
Your next steps
- Confirm that each entry is an actual distinction you received.
- Use the correct school, regional, national, or international level.
- Explain unfamiliar names briefly and keep activities in the appropriate section.
Related Honor Society® resources
Common App honors section guide
Distinguish academic awards, activities, and membership in your application.
Scholarship achievement inventory
Build an accurate evidence record for essays, activities, and recommendations.
College activity description examples
Write concise descriptions that identify your role and actual work.
About Honor Society® Expert FAQ
Honor Society’s Q&A offers informed perspectives on common questions about scholarships, education, and careers. Our goal is to provide clear, well-researched answers grounded in reliable sources and practical guidance.
