Live in a small town or rural area? Read this.
Updated: Jan 20

A student who goes to high school in a small town or rural area can be eligible for National Recognition based on their academic profile.
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What is the College Board's National Recognition Program?
Per the College Board, their National Recognition programs are a "tangible way to reward the hard work of Hispanic, African American/Black, Indigenous, and rural students."
How do I know if my high school is in a small town or a rural area?
Check out this locale look up from the National Center for Education Statistics.
What is the academic profile of a student invited to apply to the National Recognition Program?
Students can apply as sophomores or juniors and should have a minimum 3.5 weighted or unweighted GPA and have taken the PSAT, placing in the top 10% of scores for their state -(think of approximately 1280 for the PSAT- give or take- for the top 10% range)
How am I invited to apply?
On January 18th the College Board will send out invitations. If you believe you are eligible but did not receive an invitation you can self-nominate through your College Board account and be reviewed for eligibility
What is the cut-off date to apply?
The cut off date is June 12th, 2023
If I am awarded National Recognition, do I receive a scholarship from the College Board?
No, the award is an honor you can list in your college application. Additionally, some schools will pay for information from the College Board for students with this award for recruiting. Also, some schools can be generous with merit scholarships to students who have this award. Examples of those schools include
Arizona State University (resident students only)
How do I find out more information?
Check out this link to the College Board's FAQ page.