The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the 1.8 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.
The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams:
- Students qualify for the National AP Scholars Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken and scores of four or higher on eight or more of these exams.
- To qualify for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of three or higher on five or more of these exams.
- To earn the AP Scholar with Honor Award, students must score an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams.
- By completing three or more AP Exams with grades of three or higher, students qualify for the AP Scholar Award.
Through more than 30 different college-level courses and exams, AP provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement and stand out in the college admissions process. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. More than 3,600 colleges and universities annually receive AP grades. Over 90 percent of four-year colleges in the United States provide credit and/or placement for qualifying exam grades. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college and higher graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.
- Students qualify for the National AP Scholars Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken and scores of four or higher on eight or more of these exams.
FAQs
Academic and Organizational Awards / AP Scholar Awards? ›
To earn the AP Scholar with Honor Award, students must score an average score of at least 3.25 on all
The AP Scholar Awards are academic distinctions for students to cite among their credentials on applications and résumés. Students do not receive any monetary award from the College Board.
What is the AP Scholar Award on resume? ›AP Scholar Awards are national awards that can be used as recognition for hard work and academic performance on college applications and resumes. You can get an AP Scholar Award with high performance on your AP Tests throughout your high school career.
How rare is AP Scholar with Honor? ›However, only 5% of AP students receive either an AP Scholar Award or an AP Scholar with Honor Award — the two highest awards available from the College Board. This means that less than 1% of all AP students are awarded one of these top honors each year.
Are AP Scholar Awards discontinued? ›Previously, State AP Scholar Awards were distributed to the top male and female student of each state. However, the State AP Scholar awards were discontinued as of the May 2020 administration. *The National AP Scholar Awards were also discontinued following the May 2020 administration.
Are AP Scholar Awards worth anything? ›The AP Scholar Awards are academic distinctions for students to cite among their credentials on applications and résumés. Students do not receive any monetary award from College Board. Awarded to students who display exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines.
What is an academic scholar award? ›The Academic Scholar Award recognizes excellence in scholarly conduct, accomplishment, and contributions during the student's time at American Public University.
What is the difference between AP Scholar Award and AP Scholar with Distinction? ›AP Scholar – Score a 3 or higher on at least three AP exams. AP Scholar with Honors – Score a 3 or higher on at least four AP exams. Have a minimum AP average of 3.25. AP Scholar with Distinction – Score a 3 or higher on at least five AP exams.
Can you put academic awards on resume? ›High school awards can be included on a professional resume if they are recent and relevant to the job you're applying for. However, as you gain more experience and higher education, it's best to prioritize college-level and professional achievements.
How many people earn AP Scholar Awards? ›About 18 percent of the 1.8 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.
Do colleges care about AP Scholar? ›
The answer to this pivotal question is yes. While applying for colleges, some colleges ask for AP scores in the application form, some do not. You do not need to submit an official report while applying, but you need to self-report it in your application form.
Do colleges prefer AP over honors? ›Are honors classes considered lower than AP? In a way, yes. AP classes typically have a higher GPA weight because of their difficulty, and they may cover more challenging material. Since AP classes provide college-level coursework, schools may value them more than honors courses.
Should you put AP Scholar on common app? ›Should I include AP Scholar award in the Common App honors section? Yes, the AP Scholar Award is a great example of an honor that you can include in your Common App honors section! This award demonstrates that you have had success in college-level courses already.
What level of award is AP Scholar with Distinction? ›AP Scholar with Distinction
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
An AP Scholar is, broadly speaking, someone who has received an award from the College Board for doing well on several AP exams. There are several award levels according to how many exams the student scored highly on, as well as their average AP score.
Is AP Scholar a national award for common app? ›Yes, the AP Scholar Award is a great example of an honor that you can include in your Common App honors section! This award demonstrates that you have had success in college-level courses already.
Should I put AP Scholar on common app? ›Don't want to mess this up since I've worked pretty hard for it. Thanks in advance! Congratulations on your AP Scholar Award—that's a fantastic achievement! You should definitely add it under the 'Honors' section on the Common App.
What percent of students earn AP Scholar Award? ›About 18 percent of the 1.8 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.