Hey everyone! I'm really curious about the different types of AP awards out there and how they might affect my college application. Could anyone share any information on the various awards and what criteria I need to meet to earn them? Thanks in advance!
Hello! AP (Advanced Placement) Awards are offered by the College Board to recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement on multiple AP exams. While these awards won't make or break your college application, they can certainly add a positive element to your profile and showcase your dedication to academic excellence. Here's a rundown of the main AP awards and their criteria:
1. AP Scholar: To earn this award, a student must score 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
2. AP Scholar with Honor: A student must have an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and score 3 or higher on four or more exams.
3. AP Scholar with Distinction: To qualify, a student must achieve an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and receive a score of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
4. AP International Diploma (APID): This award is for students applying to universities outside the United States. To earn an APID, a student must score 3 or higher on at least five AP exams, with certain subject-area requirements.
5. AP Seminar and Research Certificate: Students who successfully complete the AP Capstone™ program's two courses (AP Seminar and AP Research) and score 3 or higher on both exams receive this award.
6. AP Capstone Diploma: Candidates must score 3 or higher on both the AP Seminar and AP Research exams, and 3 or higher on four additional AP exams.
7. State AP Scholar: This title is awarded to one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, the highest number of scores 3 or higher in that state, and a minimum score of 3 on at least five exams.
Please note that colleges generally place more emphasis on your course selection, GPA, and standardized test scores, so while these awards can be a nice addition to your profile, they're not the main determinant of your college admission chances. That being said, the high scores required for these awards signal a strong commitment to academic success, which can make a positive impression on admissions officers. Good luck!
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