Is AP Scholar with Distinction a national award?

Yes, AP Scholar with Distinction is considered a national academic award, recognizing high achievement on AP exams, but it's one of several levels, with National AP Scholar being a higher distinction, though some related national awards were discontinued after 2020. It's awarded by the College Board and listed on applications as a significant academic honor for challenging oneself in rigorous coursework, showing strong performance across multiple subjects.

How rare is AP Scholar with Distinction?

AP Scholar with Distinction is a significant but not extremely rare achievement, awarded to students with high scores (3+) on at least five AP exams and an average score of 3.5 or higher, with estimates suggesting around 4% of graduating seniors, or roughly 10-15% of AP test-takers, earn it, signifying substantial academic effort. While less common than basic AP Scholar or Honor awards, it's a strong signal of AP success, though its impact on college admissions varies, as many competitive students achieve it. 

Does AP Scholar with Distinction mean anything?

AP Scholar with Distinction: Students who have a score of 3 or higher on at least 5 exams, and an average score of 3.5 across all exams taken. These students have already completed at least a semester's worth of college credit while still in high school.

Is AP Scholar with Distinction a national award on Reddit?

AP Scholar w/Dist. is a national award, but not sure what the other national award is you're referencing. If it is National Merit Semi Finalist, you should def include that.

Should I put AP Scholar with Distinction on Common App?

Honors on the Common App include any awards or distinctions received for academic, artistic, or leadership excellence during grades 9–12. These can be school-based, state-level, national, or international recognitions such as Honor Roll, AP Scholar, National Merit Semifinalist, or Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

AP Scholar with Distinction Award (July 3, 2019)

Is the AP Scholar award a national award?

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.

Should I put AP Scholar with Distinction on my resume?

If you have an AP Scholar award, you can list it on resumes and college applications. It will signal that you did well on multiple AP exams.

Is the AP Scholar Award a big deal?

Yes, the AP Scholar Award matters as it signals strong performance in challenging college-level coursework, boosting college applications by showing commitment, but its significance varies, being more impactful for less competitive schools or students with otherwise weaker applications, though it's always a positive addition to lists of honors. While it doesn't guarantee scholarships or admission, it provides concrete proof of rigorous academic success that admissions officers value, showing initiative and ability to handle college-level work. 

How to see if you have AP Scholar with Distinction?

Instructions

1. Sign in to the system. Sign in to our online score reporting system using your College Board account.
2. Look for awards listed after your exam scores. If you've earned any awards this year, you'll see them listed after your scores for this year's exams.
3. Download and print your award certificate(s).

How many people got the AP Scholar Award in 2025?

Downey Unified Celebrates Record-Breaking 449 Students Recognized as 2025 AP Scholars.

What month is AP Scholar with Distinction awarded?

If you've earned an AP Scholar award, AP Capstone award, or AP with WE Service Recognition this year, they will be listed on your score report starting in July. You will receive award notifications by email.

Do colleges care about AP Scholar Awards?

To sum up, AP Scholar awards alone won't make a significant difference on your college applications. They serve more as an affirmation of your strong academic performance in AP courses, which admissions officers already evaluate through your transcript.

How hard is it to get an AP Scholar award?

AP Scholar Awards

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. Visit APID to see the criteria for this award.

What are the benefits of AP Scholar with Distinction?

To become an AP Scholar with Distinction, you must score a 3 or above on at least five AP exams and have an average AP score of 3.50 or higher. The benefits of earning this recognition are that it can boost your college application, allow you to earn college credit, and open doors to certain scholarship opportunities.

Is AP Scholar with Distinction an honors title?

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. Have a minimum AP average of 3.5.

Are AP classes weighted in GPA?

Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculations are based on a weighted system using the scale below. AP and Honors Level courses are weighted by adding quality points to the final grade. One quality point is added for AP courses and . 50 quality point is added for Honors courses.

How many people get an AP Scholar with Distinction award?

AP Scholar with Distinction: students who received a score of 3 or higher on at least 5 exams, and an average score of 3.5 across all exams taken. Nationwide, only about 10% of students earn the distinction of AP Scholar or higher by the time they graduate (based on historic data provided by the College Board).

What is the #1 hardest AP class?

While it varies by student, AP Physics 1 is frequently cited as the #1 hardest AP class due to its low pass rates (around 47%), demanding lab work, and focus on conceptual understanding over memorization, followed closely by humanities subjects like AP U.S. History and AP English Language, and other sciences like AP Chemistry and Biology.
 

Is AP Scholar a national level award?

Congratulations on qualifying for the AP Scholar award! This award is given to students on a national level in the United States, although international students who take AP tests can also qualify for it.

Should I put an AP Scholar Award on my resume?

There are different award levels depending on how many exams the student scores highly on. Being an AP Scholar offers a lot of advantages. For starters, you can list it on your college applications and resume.

What is the cord for AP Scholar with Distinction graduation?

An AP Scholar with Distinction receives a green and gold cord and is given 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.

Should I put AP Scholar with Distinction on UC app?

Absolutely, you should include the AP Scholar with Distinction award on your Common App! Recognitions like these showcase your academic strengths and commitment to challenging coursework, which is something colleges look for. It's definitely not considered fluff—in fact, it's quite the opposite.

What level of accomplishment 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.

What are 2025 resume buzzwords to avoid?

For 2025 resumes, avoid generic buzzwords like hardworking, team player, results-driven, passionate, and proven track record, as recruiters prefer concrete, quantified achievements (e.g., "Reduced costs by 15%") over self-proclaimed traits, using action verbs like "Implemented" or "Achieved" to show impact instead of just stating qualities or duties.
 

What is the 7 second rule in resume?

The "7-second resume rule" means recruiters scan resumes in about 7 seconds to decide if a candidate is a potential fit, looking for key info like skills, keywords, and achievements, often through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) first. To pass this quick test, your resume needs clear formatting, a strong summary, quantifiable achievements with action verbs, relevant keywords, and to be tailored for the specific job, making it easy to spot your value quickly.