The AP Scholar Award: Is It an International Honor on the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not as Glamorous as You Think)
Let’s face it, applying to college is a stressful, competitive journey. You’re trying to stand out among a sea of other brilliant, ambitious students, all vying for the same coveted spots. You’re meticulously crafting essays, showcasing your extracurriculars, and of course, meticulously filling out the Common App. And that’s where the question arises: “Should I list my AP Scholar Award as an international honor on the Common App?”
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because the answer might be a little less exciting than you’d hoped.
Short answer: No, the AP Scholar Award is not considered an international honor on the Common App.
Long answer: The AP Scholar Award is a great accomplishment, demonstrating your dedication to rigorous academics, but it’s not an international award. The International Awards section of the Common App is reserved for honors where you competed against students from across the globe. Think Olympiads, prestigious international science fairs, or global essay competitions.
Now, before you throw your hands up in despair, let’s dissect why this distinction matters. It’s not about downplaying your achievements, but rather about understanding how colleges perceive your application. While the AP Scholar Award is impressive, it’s generally recognized at the national level, not the international level.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t list winning a regional spelling bee as an accomplishment on an international scale, right? Same logic applies here.
So, where does your AP Scholar Award fit in?
Well, it shines brightly in the “National/International” section of the Common App’s Honors section. This section is for accolades that extend beyond your school or local community.
But wait! What if you received a specific recognition within the AP Scholar program, like AP Scholar with Distinction? You’re in luck! You can still showcase this distinction in the “National/International” section. This is because the AP Scholar with Distinction award is granted to students who achieve a specific score on a certain number of exams, making it a more specific and rigorous accomplishment than the general AP Scholar Award.
Remember, the Common App Honors section is all about highlighting your achievements, not about playing a game of semantics. So, focus on showcasing your accomplishments accurately and effectively.
Here’s a tip: Don’t be afraid to add a brief explanation of the award if it’s not widely recognized. This can help the admissions committee understand the significance of your achievement. For example, you could write:
- “AP Scholar with Distinction, awarded to students who achieve a score of 3 or higher on at least five AP Exams with an average score of 3.5 or higher.”
This provides context and lets the admissions committee know you’re not just throwing around random awards.
Here’s the bottom line: Don’t get caught up in the “international” label. The AP Scholar Award is a valuable achievement that deserves a spot on your Common App. Use your Honors section wisely, highlighting your accomplishments in a way that showcases your academic prowess and dedication.
And remember, your college application is a reflection of you, so personalize it and let your unique story shine!
Need more help navigating the Common App Honors section or college applications in general? Reach out to the JobLoving community! We’re here to help you conquer the application process and find the perfect college fit.