National Recognition Program

2025 Awards Now Available!

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How We Celebrate Students

Why we celebrate students

Awardees of the College Board National Recognition Program demonstrate academic success in 10th and 11th grade. Eligible students of all backgrounds are announced in the fall for: School Recognition Award, First- Generation Recognition Award, and Rural and Small Town Recognition Award. The next submissions window will begin in Spring 2026.

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Make sure colleges know that you are an awardee

Over 1,200 colleges in the U.S. rely on Student Search to find the right students for their campus. When opted in to Student Search Service, Colleges can identify and contact National Recognition Program awardees directly. On average, students contacted by colleges through Student Search get 29% more offers for admission, are 25% more likely to go to college, and are 31% more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

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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 would recommend this award because it is very easy to submit and, if received, comes with great benefits.

Juliana H., Class of 2023 National Recognition Program Awardee

I received this award because I did well on my PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade and also maintained high grades. Winning this award means I've been recognized for the hard work I've put into my high school years.

Jada R., Class of 2024 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

How will the National Recognition Program help you?

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

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How to Qualify

Criteria for the National Recognition Program

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

Top Exam Scores

There are 2 ways to qualify: Score in the top 10% on the PSAT/NMSQT (10th or 11th) 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 OR earn a 3+ on 2 or more AP Exams in the 8th, 9th and/or 10th grade.

Excellent Grades

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

Community

To qualify for the First Generation Recognition Award, students must confirm parental education level. To qualify for the School Recognition, and Rural and Small Town Recognition awards, students must confirm their high school.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.