Many high school students who participate in the Advanced Placement (AP) program aim to earn academic recognition for their hard work and success in AP courses. One of the prestigious awards granted by the College Board is the title AP Scholar with Distinction. This recognition highlights students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement across multiple AP exams. Understanding what this award means, the eligibility requirements, and its benefits can help students plan their academic goals effectively.
Understanding AP Scholar with Distinction
AP Scholar with Distinction is an award given by the College Board to students who excel in the AP program, which offers college-level courses and exams to high school students. This award signifies more than just participation; it reflects high performance and dedication to rigorous coursework. Among the various AP Scholar awards, the with Distinction level is one of the higher honors, indicating a strong commitment to academic excellence.
Criteria for AP Scholar with Distinction
To earn the AP Scholar with Distinction title, students must meet specific requirements set by the College Board. These criteria typically include
- Scoring an average of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken.
- Earning a score of 3 or higher on five or more AP exams.
This means that students must not only perform well in a single subject but consistently achieve high scores across multiple AP courses. These scores demonstrate mastery of college-level material in various academic disciplines.
How Is the Average Score Calculated?
The average score is determined by taking the total of all AP exam scores and dividing by the number of exams taken. For example, if a student takes six exams and scores 4 on five exams and 3 on one exam, the average would be approximately 3.83, meeting the requirement. Consistency across exams is crucial because even one low score can affect the average.
Difference Between AP Scholar Awards
Many students wonder how AP Scholar with Distinction differs from other AP awards. Here is a quick comparison
- AP ScholarScore 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
- AP Scholar with HonorAverage of at least 3.25 on all AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
- AP Scholar with DistinctionAverage of at least 3.5 and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
Clearly, AP Scholar with Distinction is more selective, recognizing students who have completed multiple AP courses with high scores.
Why Is This Award Important?
Earning AP Scholar with Distinction is not just about receiving a certificate. It demonstrates academic excellence and commitment to challenging coursework. This recognition can benefit students in several ways
- College AdmissionsUniversities often value students who challenge themselves academically. Listing this award on applications shows preparedness for college-level work.
- ScholarshipsSome scholarship committees consider AP awards as evidence of academic merit.
- Personal AchievementThe award serves as a testament to hard work and perseverance.
How to Prepare for AP Scholar with Distinction
Students who aim for this award need a strategy to achieve strong results across multiple AP exams. Here are some tips
- Plan your AP courses early to distribute workload across high school years.
- Focus on subjects where you have strength and interest to maximize scores.
- Practice with past AP exam questions to understand question formats and timing.
- Stay organized with a study schedule to avoid last-minute cramming.
Balancing Multiple AP Courses
One of the challenges of qualifying for AP Scholar with Distinction is managing several AP classes at once. Students often juggle heavy reading, writing assignments, and projects alongside other school activities. Time management is essential to maintain high performance across all subjects. Prioritizing tasks and seeking help from teachers or study groups can reduce stress and improve understanding.
Do Colleges Care About AP Scholar Awards?
Many students wonder whether colleges value this recognition. While AP Scholar awards are not the sole factor in admissions decisions, they do add strength to an application by showing academic rigor and achievement. Combined with strong grades and extracurricular involvement, the award can set a student apart from other applicants.
AP Scholar with Distinction vs. National AP Scholar
It’s worth noting that AP Scholar with Distinction is different from the now-retired National AP Scholar award. The National AP Scholar required an average of 4 on all AP exams and scores of 4 or higher on eight exams. While that award no longer exists, AP Scholar with Distinction remains a significant achievement for high-performing students.
Receiving the Award
The College Board typically announces AP Scholar awards in July, after exam scores are released. Students can view their awards online through their AP accounts, and an official certificate is usually mailed to their home. These awards do not involve monetary prizes but provide formal recognition of academic excellence.
Benefits Beyond High School
The skills gained from taking multiple AP courses and preparing for exams go beyond earning an award. Students develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and time management skills that are essential in college and professional careers. Additionally, passing AP exams can lead to college credit, saving both time and money during undergraduate studies.
AP Scholar with Distinction is a highly regarded award that reflects consistent academic achievement across challenging AP courses. Students who earn this recognition demonstrate not only intellectual capability but also determination and effective study habits. For those aiming to stand out in college admissions or simply challenge themselves academically, pursuing this award can be a rewarding goal. While it requires dedication and effort, the benefits in terms of personal growth, academic preparation, and recognition make it an achievement worth striving for.