What are the eligibility requirements for the National Recognition Program?

Students can claim an award for up to three designations if they are in the 10th or 11th grade, demonstrate academic excellence, and have a permanent address in the United States, a U.S. territory or U.S. military base, or attend a DoDEA school. U.S. citizenship is not required.

Students demonstrate academic excellence when they:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT (10th, 11th), PSAT 10 (10th), and/or AP Exams (by the end of 10th).
• Earn a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher (at least 3.3 or 87-89%) by the time of submission.
• Demonstrate academic achievement: Be one of the top 10% of test takers - in their high school, among first-generation college students in their state, and/or among rural and small-town students in their state OR earn a 3+ on 2 or more distinct AP exams in the 8th, 9th and/or 10th grade.

During the submission process, students eligible for the First-Generation Recognition Award will be asked to verify their parents’ highest level of education.  Students eligible for the School Recognition or Rural and Small Town Recognition Awards need to verify their high school.

Learn about the National Recognition Program