[Jon Stratis]

I hate to say it, but a single data point (or even a couple) isn't enough to support the claims made by the OP. Being part of a FIRST team helps students get into engineering schools, but that doesn't mean every student from every team is accepted to an engineering school! Likewise, being a Dean's List Finalist or Winner doesn't mean you'll be accepted into any program you want... it's a single aspect of your application.

Colleges these days aren't just looking at grades, test scores, and prestigious awards. They're looking at the whole picture. Can the admissions group see that student integrating well into the community? Are the student's activities, extra curriculars, and interests one-sided, or are they well rounded? Do they think the student will close themselves up in their room and not interact, or do they see the student going out into the school to make a positive difference?

This is all on the "touchy-feely" side of things, something engineers hate - simply put, it's not quantifiable. You can't sit down and create a list of requirements that will guarantee entry, and quite frankly acceptance or rejection of any particular student may hinge on what the admissions board had for breakfast that morning (hopefully not, but you see my point).

Dean's List DOES look good on college applications. It gives the students a talking point if they interview at a college, and gives them a way to lead into FIRST and everything they've done with the program. But that's not why we should be nominating students.

Don't nominate a student because you want them to get into college X. Nominate them because you truly believe they have made a significant impact on your team and on the FIRST community. Nominate them because you want to recognize them for what they've done. Nominate them because you know the nomination alone will create an impact with them that goes beyond college applications. Nominate them because they are outstanding examples of what FIRST is striving to achieve. College applications are just a bonus.