---
title: "Is it necessary to have national or international-level achievements, or are school-level activities also valued?"
description: "School/community-level activities with genuine impact are valued because depth matters more than awards. Examples: starting a tutoring program for 50 students, leading debate team to district finals, or organizing community cleanups. National/international recognition (IMO medals, Intel ISEF) helps at highly…"
url: "https://www.collegeaccessprogram.in/faq/is-it-necessary-to-have-national-or-international-level-achievements-or-are-school-level-activities-also-valued/"
updated: "2026-01-09"
category: Study in USA
---

# Is it necessary to have national or international-level achievements, or are school-level activities also valued?

School/community-level activities with genuine impact are valued because depth matters more than awards. Examples: starting a tutoring program for 50 students, leading debate team to district finals, or organizing community cleanups. National/international recognition (IMO medals, Intel ISEF) helps at highly selective schools, but 2-3 years of committed leadership in any activity demonstrates qualities universities seek.