Who is eligible for the National Recognition Programs?

Current sophomores in the class of 2026 and current juniors in the class of 2025 may be eligible for recognition. To qualify, students must meet the eligibility requirements below. 

Sophomores 

• Must have a GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher at the time they are submitting. Weighted and unweighted GPAs are considered. 
• Must have a permanent address in the United States, a U.S. territory or U.S. military base, or attend a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school. U.S. citizenship is not required. 
• Must identify as Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, Indigenous/Native, first-generation college student, or attend high school in a rural area or small town. 
• Must be in the top 10% among PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT test takers in their state for their award program OR have received a 3+ score on at least 2 distinct AP Exams in 8th or 9th grade. 

Juniors 

• Must have a GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher at the time they are submitting. Weighted and unweighted GPAs are considered. 
• Must 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. 
• Must identify as Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, Indigenous/Native, first-generation college student, or attend high school in a rural area or small town. 
• Must be in the top 10% among PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT test takers in 11th grade in their state for their award program OR have received a 3+ score on at least 2 distinct AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.  

For the first time, sophomores and juniors who identify as first-generation college students can also submit for National Recognition Programs.