1, pass, be the top scholar, all mean to be the top scholar. Passing the exam means the top three in palace examination, that is, the first place, the second place, and the flower exploration, while being the first place generally means being admitted and getting the palace examination list.
2. The usage is different. If you pass the exam, just use it on yourself. In the imperial examination, I got a certain ranking and became the first one. I used it to wish candidates good results.