National Recognition Program

Stand Out to Colleges as a Top Student!

Official academic awards that recognize high-achieving students and help strengthen college applications. 

Claim Your Award For Educators

✦ Claim Your National Recognition Award(s) by May 21, 2026 ✦

National Recognition Program

This College Board program gives high-achieving students an official academic award to easily share on college applications. Students of all backgrounds are eligible based on achievements on AP® Exams and/or PSAT assessments. This national academic honor recognizes students in all communities: First-Generation Recognition Award, Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, and/or School Recognition Award.

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BigFuture National Recognition Program

Awardee Benefits

Get recruited by top colleges across the country

Stand out on college and scholarship applications

Show you're ready to succeed in college and beyond

Claim Your Award

How to Claim Your Award

Three easy steps:

  1. Login to your College Board account.
  2. Verify your GPA and test scores.
  3. In July, receive instructions to download your award certificate.
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How to Qualify

Students in 10th and 11th grade can qualify for one or more award designations, based on:

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Top Exam Scores

There are two ways to qualify: Earn a 3+ on 2 or more AP Exams in the 8th, 9th and/or 10th grade OR score in the top 10% on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 among your high school's test takers, your state's first generation test takers, or your state's rural or small- town test takers.'

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Excellent Grades

Earn a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher (at least 3.3 or 87% − 89%) by the time of submission.

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Community

To qualify for the First-Generation Recognition Award, students must confirm their parents' education. Eligibility for the School Recognition Award or the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award is based on the high school you attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bringing Communities Together

Across the country, schools come together to celebrate National Recognition Program awardees and the stories behind their achievement. Students are honored at heartfelt ceremonies, in district communications and on social media.

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College Board National Recognition Program Awardee

What Past Awardees Say

Join thousands of students who have received a College Board National Recognition Program award.

I would definitely recommend submitting for the award due to the ease of submission and the prestige of an award from College Board. There is a lot of benefit for not a lot of effort!

Anshu C., Class of 2025 National Recognition Program Awardee

I was honored to receive a National Recognition Program Small Town Recognition award and even put it on my college application!

Zoe., Class of 2026 National Recognition Program Awardee

I would recommend applying for this program because it opens up many opportunities such as scholarships and displays another level of commitment to education.

Catherine H., Class of 2025 National Recognition Program Awardee

I will be the first in my family to attend college. This recognition was a reminder I can do it. In addition, it has given me a sense of accomplishment and pride in myself.

Liam B., Class of 2024 National Recognition Program Awardee

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The College Board National Recognition Program is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by National Merit Scholarship Corporation or the National Merit Scholarship Program.