AP Scholar Awards recognize students who perform well on AP exams. College Board grants these awards automatically based on your scores. You don't need to apply.
There are three award levels: AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and AP Scholar with Distinction. Each has different requirements. Your award appears on your official AP score report, which colleges see when you send scores.
College Board uses your AP exam scores to determine your award. They calculate your average across all exams you've taken. Only your highest score counts if you retake an exam.
| Award | Score Requirement | Number of Exams |
|---|---|---|
| AP Scholar | 3 or higher | 3+ exams |
| AP Scholar with Honor | 3.25 average | 4+ exams with 3+ |
| AP Scholar with Distinction | 3.5 average | 5+ exams with 3+ |
You must meet both requirements to earn an award. A 3.5 average doesn't qualify you for Distinction if you only passed four exams.
College Board includes every AP exam you've ever taken in your average. This includes exams from previous years. If you scored a 2 on one exam and 5s on everything else, that 2 still factors in.
When you retake an exam, only the higher score counts. The Calculus AB subscore from Calculus BC doesn't count separately.
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AP Scholar Awards show colleges you've challenged yourself academically. They appear on your official score report alongside your individual exam scores.
These awards don't come with scholarship money from College Board. But they're credentials you can list on applications and resumes. Admissions officers recognize them as signs of academic achievement.
The award itself won't get you into college. Your actual AP scores, grades, and other factors matter more. But it's another data point showing you've done well in challenging courses.
Your path to an AP Scholar Award depends on which classes you take and how you prepare. Here's what each level actually takes.
You need scores of 3 or higher on at least three exams. No average requirement exists for this tier. Three passing scores and you've got it.
Most students can reach this by junior year if they take AP classes starting sophomore year. Consider easier AP classes → if you're building toward this goal.
This tier adds an average requirement. You need a 3.25 average across all exams plus at least four passing scores.
That average includes every AP exam on your record. A single low score can hurt you. Plan your exam schedule carefully and prepare thoroughly for each test.
The highest current tier requires a 3.5 average and five passing scores. This typically means taking several exams and scoring mostly 4s and 5s.
Students often reach this level by senior year → after building up their AP portfolio. Balance harder AP classes → with subjects where you're confident.
College Board used to offer additional recognition levels. These awards are no longer given, but if you earned one previously, it still appears on your score report.
This was the highest individual award. It required:
Very few students reached this level. College Board retired this award after 2022.
Each state selected one male and one female student annually. Winners had the most AP exams passed (3+) combined with the highest average (minimum 3.5).
This award was competitive since only two students per state could win it each year.
College Board notifies award recipients by email in late summer or early fall. Your award also appears in your online score report starting in July.
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| May | Take AP exams |
| July | Scores released, awards visible online |
| August-September | Email notification sent |
| When requested | Award shows on score reports sent to colleges |
You don't need to do anything to claim your award. If you qualify, College Board adds it to your record automatically.
College Board offers several recognition programs. AP Scholar Awards are based purely on exam performance, while others have different criteria.
Requires completing the AP Seminar and AP Research courses with scores of 3 or higher, plus passing four additional AP exams. This is a program completion award, not just an exam performance award.
Combines AP coursework with community service projects. You need to complete the WE Service component along with your AP class.
These recognize underrepresented students who score well on PSAT/SAT. They're separate from AP Scholar Awards and have different eligibility requirements.
AP Scholar Awards come from one thing: doing well on AP exams. The best way to earn recognition is solid preparation throughout the school year.
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What are the AP Scholar Awards?
AP Scholar Awards are academic recognitions from College Board for students who perform well on AP exams. There are three tiers: AP Scholar (3+ on 3 exams), AP Scholar with Honor (3.25 average on 4+ exams), and AP Scholar with Distinction (3.5 average on 5+ exams). These awards appear on your official AP score report.
Is AP Scholar a national award?
AP Scholar Awards are national recognitions given by College Board, but they're not competitive awards. Any student who meets the score requirements receives the award. The discontinued National AP Scholar award was more prestigious, requiring 4+ on at least 8 exams with a 4.0 average.
What level of recognition is AP Scholar?
AP Scholar is the entry-level recognition, requiring scores of 3 or higher on three AP exams. Above it are AP Scholar with Honor (3.25 average, 4 exams) and AP Scholar with Distinction (3.5 average, 5 exams). These are academic acknowledgments, not competitive awards.
How do I get AP Scholar with Distinction?
You need a 3.5 average across all AP exams you've taken and scores of 3 or higher on at least five exams. Your average includes every AP exam on your record, so you'll want mostly 4s and 5s to maintain a high enough average.
What's the difference between AP Scholar with Honor and Distinction?
AP Scholar with Honor requires a 3.25 average and four passing exams. AP Scholar with Distinction requires a 3.5 average and five passing exams. Distinction is harder because you need both a higher average and more exams passed.
Do AP Scholar Awards help with college admissions?
AP Scholar Awards show colleges you've challenged yourself academically. They appear on your official score report alongside your exam scores. While they won't single-handedly get you admitted anywhere, they're a credential you can list on applications and resumes.
When do I find out if I got an AP Scholar Award?
Awards appear on your online score report in July when scores are released. College Board also sends email notifications in late summer or early fall. You don't need to apply. If you meet the requirements, the award is added automatically.
Do AP Scholar Awards come with money?
No. AP Scholar Awards are academic recognitions only. College Board doesn't provide any monetary award or scholarship with them. However, you can list them on scholarship applications as evidence of academic achievement.
What happened to National AP Scholar?
College Board discontinued National AP Scholar after 2022. It required an average of 4 or higher across all exams and scores of 4+ on at least eight exams. If you earned it before it was discontinued, it still appears on your score report.
How is my AP Scholar average calculated?
College Board calculates your average using every AP exam you've taken across all years. If you retook an exam, only your highest score counts. The Calculus AB subscore from Calculus BC doesn't count separately in the calculation.