<p>I will need to take 8 AP tests this year. My school doesn't allow us to take AP classes before junior year, so getting the award at my school is exceptionally difficult. You have to self study.
I'll probably be the only person in my area to get the award.
What do you think?</p>
<p>Are you a freshman or sophomore? To me, that’s a lot of work and I wouldn’t want to do it. But it’s up to you, and if your a freshman you can study and take two this year and another two sophomore year. Then 4 on junior year.</p>
<p>I’m a junior. Hence “I need to take eight tests this year”.</p>
<p>I believe only about 800 juniors (out of the million one or more AP tests) win NAPS a year, so it is moderately rare and thus prestigious. It’s definitely not going to make your app, but at least, in my opinion, I think it’s definitely worth it. I myself self-studied 4 APs my sophomore year so I’d qualify for NAPS in time for apps. Of course, NAPS definitely doesn’t get the recognition like National Merit Scholar or a USAMO medal would; NAPS with a number of self-studies, will, however, demonstrate to adcoms that you’re really passionate about a certain subject set (as in if you self-study all sciences and have many science ECs and apply for a science program). </p>
<p>If it’s not going to kill your GPA or whatnot, I’d highly suggest sucking it up and self-studying enough APs for NAPS. Makes great fodder for guidance counselor/teacher recs - “Jimmy is the most unique student I’ve ever had in my teacher career with regards to his passion for history; he’s been acclaimed by many school faculty for taking it upon himself to self-study three AP histories.”</p>