For most college-bound students, the SAT is necessary. But, for an elite group of students, the SAT is a way to be recognized.
National Recognition Programs are a way to recognize the academic achievements of rural areas/small towns, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, and first-generation students. Last school year, 18 high school students became nationally recognized by CollegeBoard. This year, 27 students are CollegeBoard recognition program scholars.
Students who are unhappy with their SAT scores can register through CollegeBoard for the next administration of the test, which will be on October 5. Doing this allows you to get SAT scores before early college application deadlines.
“You must ensure you are applying for these recognition awards,” senior Kaitlin Burns said. “They are based on AP and SAT scores available on the CollegeBoard website, and thousands of people apply so check continuously to see when applications are available.”
There are thousands of scholarships students can apply for. CollegeBoard has a scholarship search and also BigFuture scholarships you can apply for on the website.
“My advice is to apply for any scholarship you can,” senior Elijah Maddox said. “I am a pretty fast learner and it helps keep me up to date on my academics. I also keep a planner to stay organized in everything from band to work to school.”
Exceptional scores on AP, SAT, PSAT and many more tests are the basis for receiving this award.
“National Recognition Awards are super-focused on the number next to that test grade,” Burns said. “If you aren’t a good tester, you need to research how the test is made instead of just the information within the test.”
These recognitions can not only add to college applications and scholarship opportunities, but they can also build confidence in students as they begin their college admissions journey.
“I received recognition for being a first-generation college student, but also for outstanding test scores,” Maddox said. “It means a lot to me because I tend to doubt myself in my academics.”
Anyone can receive this prestigious award, students just have to be dedicated.
“I firmly believe that there are no specific sets of skills required to be successful in academics,” senior Cade Ford said. “Academic success, or in other words, growth, is simply a reflection of the dedication of a student. The determining factor when it comes to success in any aspect of life is how much time we are willing to sacrifice to be where people dream of being.”
