Scholar not only rewards you for challenging yourself with more difficult courses, but it also helps you in applying to colleges. Colleges will see that you have taken AP courses, done well in them, and are well prepared for their institution. CHS alumnus Nick Kelly, now in his first year at Geneseo, was an AP Scholar last year. His award was beneficial because he has received sophomore standing at Geneseo. Since the AP exams are recognized by almost every institution, students are more likely to receive credit for these exams.
Scholar is something they are more familiar with.
The AP Scholar program and AP exams in general are ways for most students to gain credit for college, and save themselves some money. Maybe so, but the general consensus is that the AP Scholar program is beneficial to all who participate.