How prestigious is the AP Scholar Award?

Hey guys, I recently received an AP Scholar Award and I'm wondering how much recognition or prestige it holds in the college admissions process. Is this something that's really noteworthy, or just a minor recognition? Thanks!

Congratulations on receiving the AP Scholar Award! The AP Scholar Award is given to students who successfully score 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. While this award demonstrates your ability to perform well in college-level courses, it's important to keep in mind that it's not considered overly prestigious in the college admissions process.

The AP Scholar Award falls into Tier 4 of extracurricular accomplishments (the most common tier), as it is ultimately based on your performance in standardized tests. In this sense, it is less impressive to admissions officers compared to national or state-level awards, significant leadership positions, or other exceptional accomplishments (Tier 1 to Tier 3).

However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't include the AP Scholar Award on your college application. It still adds value to your application as it reinforces your strong performance in AP courses, which is an important factor that colleges often consider. Leading universities appreciate students who consistently perform well in challenging, advanced classes and are committed to academic excellence.

In conclusion, while the AP Scholar Award is not exceptionally prestigious, it can strengthen your application by showcasing your ability to succeed in rigorous courses. Make sure to also highlight other notable accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and any distinctive experiences that will set you apart from other applicants. Best of luck!