BigFuture
New Award Elevates High-Achieving Students with Record Program Participation
College Board’s National Recognition Program continues to advance its mission to celebrate academic excellence across the country and help students stand out to colleges.
Last month, the program saw an unprecedented 57% increase in the rate of students claiming their award compared to 2024, resulting in higher number of awardees across all backgrounds.
This year, over 280,000 students were recognized. The annual program introduced the School Recognition Award, designed to elevate academically deserving students in every school and community nationwide. The new award aims to help students from lesser-known school communities stand out and be celebrated alongside their peers.
“Receiving this award was a fulfilling experience, and I was very grateful,” said Trey, class of 2026. “It [the award] allowed me to feel a greater sense of accomplishment for some of my efforts [and] represents a sense of confidence that will allow me to strive to achieve more down the road in my life.”
Students are recognized in the 10th grade and 11th grade every year based on completion of an eligible PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and/or AP Exam, and earning a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher. They must demonstrate further academic achievement by:
- Scoring in 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
- Earning a 3+ on 2 or more distinct AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.
The Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award saw a surge in engagement. There was a 65% increase in the number of awardees this year. Recognizing talent in communities that are often overlooked in college recruitment efforts is critical. To further support outreach, College Board partnered with STARS, a coalition of colleges dedicated to expanding connecting awardees with institutions actively seeking students from rural backgrounds.
The Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award shines a spotlight on students who too often go unseen in the college search process. Through our partnership with College Board, STARS institutions are excited to reach these talented young people and ensure they know they belong on our campuses.
Dr. Elizabeth Orehovec, executive director of undergraduate admissions and assistant vice president for enrollment management at University of South Carolina
The program is a vital tool for higher education institutions to discover exceptional talent, especially from schools that may not be on their radar. Colleges eager to engage students can reach out to awardees who have opted in and are participating in Student Search ServiceTM.
Educators can also celebrate their students and encourage them to download their award certificates from bigfuture.org, so they can easily share their academic achievements with their communities.
Changes to the program helped high-achieving students of all backgrounds confidently showcase their achievements on college and scholarship applications.
College Board continues to grow awareness among schools, districts, and families to help celebrate academic excellence in every corner of the country.
“We’re incredibly proud of our students and to see them recognized for their dedication and excellence,” wrote Pinckney Community High School Principal Julia McBride in an article for the Livingston Daily. “This honor reinforces their exceptional achievements in high school and will support them in their pursuit of lofty postsecondary goals.”