Waco, TX (September 25, 2023)--Historically, only 10 percent of high school students in the nation earn the designation of AP Scholar each year from the College Board in recognition of their achievement on college-level Advanced Placement exams. In the 2022-2023 school year, 28 Waco ISD high school students earned the prestigious honor and were recognized by the WISD Board of Trustees at its September meeting.

The AP program offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high school and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both, for their successful performance on the AP exams.

The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on the number of year-long courses and exams or their equivalent semester-long courses and exams.

Nine students, including senior Sam Everett of Waco High School, received the AP Scholar with Distinction award for earning an average of 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Everett began taking AP classes as a freshman and has excelled on six AP exams.

“It definitely got easier my sophomore year as I adjusted to the rigor and the workload,” said Everett, who plans to attend Rice University upon graduation. “AP Chemistry was by far the most difficult, but I am best in that subject. So, it all worked out.”

Four students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

In addition, 15 students qualified for the AP Scholar award by completing three or more AP exams with grades of 3 or higher. Waco High School junior Anabeth Carlson earned the award as a sophomore and is the youngest WISD 2022-2023 recipient.

“On my first test, I struggled. But, I studied hard for them and my teachers really provided me with support. That combination helped me to excel,” said Carlson, who is ranked number two in the junior class. “I aim to be successful later in life. Having this base of advanced placement courses in high school will help me in college because of their rigor.”

The AP Scholar designation appears on AP score reports students send to colleges and universities. Plus, students may list the award on college applications and resumes to give them an edge over competing applicants.

“The combination of AP courses and extracurricular activities is what colleges look for most,” Carlson said. “Adding all of this together is definitely going to give me a step up.”