How can I become an AP Scholar?

Hey everyone! I've heard of the title 'AP Scholar' and I am interested in achieving it. Can someone give me an overview of what I need to do to become an AP Scholar, and how it might benefit me during the college application process?

Hello! AP Scholar is a recognition granted by the College Board to students who meet specific criteria based on their performance on the AP exams. There are different categories of AP Scholar Awards, with increasing levels of achievement, but since you've asked about becoming an AP Scholar, I'll give you an overview of the basic requirements:

To become an AP Scholar, you must score a 3 or higher on at least three Advanced Placement (AP) exams. These exams are taken after completing the corresponding AP courses during high school.

While being an AP Scholar can be a nice way to showcase your academic achievements, it's important to remember that the primary focus of college admissions is on your overall academic profile, including grades in rigorous courses, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and your essays. Although being an AP Scholar can positively contribute to your application, it's not the primary deciding factor for college admissions.

In the context of college applications, taking AP courses and performing well on the exams demonstrates your ability and willingness to tackle challenging coursework, which is an important factor college admissions officers look for. However, the specific AP Scholar designation might not significantly impact your chances of admission, especially when applying to highly selective colleges.

Instead, focus on maintaining a strong GPA, excelling in rigorous courses (including AP classes), and actively engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities. These factors, combined with compelling essays and recommendation letters, will have a more significant impact on your application than simply being an AP Scholar. Good luck!