Certificates, photos, videos, and other concrete proof of awards, competitions, and standout performances — in case schools ask.
2-3 days to organise
Free
Your home, school records, online platforms
Any tangible artefact that proves something on your resume — scholar-athlete certificates, Olympiad participation, valedictorian announcements, video of you performing, screenshots of online competitions.
Most universities never ask for proof. But when one does, having it ready saves you a frantic scramble. Achievements without proof land softer than achievements with proof.
List every award, certificate, or notable achievement from JHS3 onward.
For each: scan paper certificates at high resolution. Record short videos for performances or sports.
Organise into a single Google Drive folder with clear filenames.
For things without formal proof — being "best in physics" — make sure your recommendation letters mention them.
A structured list of your extracurriculars, leadership, work, awards, and community service — submitted as part of the Common App or as a separate PDF. (Grad applicants: see the Academic CV guide instead.)
Recommendation letters — typically 2 teachers + 1 counsellor for undergrad; 3 academic / research professors for grad applications. The third-party voice that corroborates everything else in your application.
GoScholar AI
The application tracker keeps your documents organised per school, with deadlines and progress, all in one place.
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