Key takeaway
- There are three AP Scholar awards that a student can earn: AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and 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.
- To set yourself up for success, choose AP courses that match your strengths, plan your time wisely, build strong study habits, utilize practice tests, and remember to keep your life balanced.
If you’ve taken an AP course in high school, chances are you’ve probably heard of the AP Scholar with Distinction award. Earning this means you didn’t just do well on one AP exam—you showed success across multiple. And while receiving this award shows that you understand several AP subjects clearly, it goes deeper than that. Being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction highlights your college readiness and ability to rise to a challenge—and that’s a big deal to admissions officers.
But how do you actually earn it? Below, we’re breaking down what the award means, the different AP Scholar levels, what the requirements look like, and how you can set yourself up to reach this goal.
What is an AP Scholar with Distinction?
AP Scholar with Distinction awards are given each year by the College Board to high school students who have scored a 3 or higher on at least five AP exams. This award is not something you need to apply for—it will show up automatically on your official AP score report in the summer. Receiving this award shows colleges you are challenging yourself with rigorous classes and doing well in them.
Requirements of AP Scholar awards
The College Board offers three main AP Scholar awards, each with its own requirements:
- AP Scholar: Earned when you score a 3 or higher on at least three AP exams.
- AP Scholar with Honor: Earned when you score a 3 or higher on at least four AP exams, and have an average AP score of 3.25.
- AP Scholar with Distinction: Earned when you score a 3 or higher on at least five AP exams, and have an average AP score of 3.50.
Qualifying for an AP Scholar with Distinction award
Now that you know the requirements needed to become an AP Scholar with Distinction, let’s discuss how to make that happen. You’ll first want to find the course load that works best for you. It may be smart to spread them out over a couple of years so that you can give yourself time to focus on each course. Take a look at these examples to see how the scores add up:
Example 1: You take six AP exams. You score 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, and 5. Your average is above a 3.5, so you would qualify.
Example 2: You take three AP exams. You score 3, 4, and 4. Your average is still above a 3.5, so you would qualify.
Example 3: You take five AP exams and score a 3 on each one. Your average would be 3.0; therefore, you would not qualify for the award.
Why receiving AP Scholar with Distinction matters
This is more than just a certificate with a title. Earning an AP Scholar with Distinction award comes with useful benefits that can help you academically:
- It can boost your college application: Colleges are looking for students who challenge themselves academically and stay focused. This recognition proves that you are that kind of student. It’s one more thing that can .
- It gives you a chance to earn college credit: Did you know that scoring high enough on AP exams can earn you actual college credit? That means you might be able to bypass certain classes, save money on tuition, or even graduate earlier.
- It can open the door to scholarship opportunities: By earning this award, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships that look specifically for students with certain academic achievements.
How to set yourself up for success
If you’re hoping to earn the AP Scholar with Distinction award, here are a few things you can do to help you prepare and stay on track:
- Choose AP classes that play to your strengths: If you love science or math, start with those subjects. Pick classes that fit your interests and abilities, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself too. After all, there are 40 to choose from.
- Plan your time wisely: Time management really matters. You want to make sure you have ample time to give each class the attention it deserves. For instance, it’s probably not wise to wait until your final semester to take all of your classes. Instead, spread them out so you avoid being overwhelmed.
- Build strong study habits: Rather than cramming the night before your exam, plan times to study throughout the semester so that you gain an understanding of the material.
- Utilize practice tests and available resources: This is one of the best ways to prepare for an AP exam. You can get a feel for the types of questions you’ll see on the exam, and you can practice pacing. Don’t forget to use teacher and peer support as well!
- Keep your life balanced: Academics are important, but so is your life outside the classroom. Plus, colleges are looking to accept well-rounded individuals. Make sure you leave time for sports, clubs, jobs, life, and rest.
You can become an AP Scholar with Distinction
You are more than capable of becoming an AP Scholar with Distinction! Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about staying committed, choosing courses that align with your interests and strengths, and giving yourself enough time to grasp the material. And while the award is a great accomplishment, it’s the habits you start to build now and the challenges you take on that will stick with you long after graduation day.
AP Scholar or not, there are plenty of scholarships out there each year just waiting to be claimed. Curious to see which ones you’re eligible for? Use College Raptor’s FREE Scholarship Search tool and discover scholarships you might not even know about.
