Becoming an AP Scholar - How Do I Do It?

Hey, I've heard about this AP Scholar designation and I think it would look really cool on my college applications. What's the criteria to become one, and is there a specific point in my high school career when I need to achieve these criteria by? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! The AP Scholar designation is awarded by the College Board to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. There are different levels of AP Scholar awards, based on the number of AP exams taken and the scores earned.

Here are the various AP Scholar designations and their criteria:

1. AP Scholar: Score 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

2. AP Scholar with Honor: Score an average 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: Score an average of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and score 3 or higher on five or more exams.

4. State AP Scholar: Granted to the one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with the highest average score on the highest number of AP exams. Minimum requirements are a score of 3 or higher on three or more exams.

5. National AP Scholar: Score an average of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and score 4 or higher on eight or more exams.

There's no specific point in your high school career when you need to fulfill these criteria. You can accumulate exam scores throughout your entire high school journey. The key is to take a sufficient number of AP courses and perform well on the exams. You should plan your high school schedule accordingly, keeping a balance between your academic interests, course rigor, and personal commitments.

When you receive your AP exam scores in July, the College Board will automatically review them and grant you the highest-level AP Scholar designation you have achieved up to that point.

Good luck with your AP exams, and I hope you succeed in earning the AP Scholar designation you're aiming for!