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What Is AP Capstone? Should You Do It?

Advanced Placement (AP)

Have you heard about the AP program's new diploma program, AP Capstone? Is this just an IB clone or something more interesting? And will completing AP Capstone get you into college? We'll explore those questions here. Read on for a complete guide to AP Capstone!

What Is AP Capstone?

AP Capstone is the AP program's new diploma program. A diploma program is a program that signifies you completed a certain set of requirements in high school to earn an advanced diploma . (This is in addition to your basic high school diploma.) Probably the most well-known advanced diploma program is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Perhaps to compete with IB, the AP program launched its own diploma program, AP Capstone, in fall 2014. While the regular AP program allows students to choose whichever AP classes they want to take and doesn't have any overarching structure, AP Capstone requires you take a certain number of AP classes and meet certain requirements to earn the AP Capstone advanced diploma. You have to take skills-based and subject-based AP classes to earn the Capstone diploma.

Specifically, AP Capstone includes two foundation courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—to enhance four subject-specific AP courses (in any subject) for a total of six AP courses .

Diagram via College Board .

College Board says of the program: "[AP Capstone] cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions." In other words, AP Capstone is working to bring some thematic unity to the AP program.

Typically, students will choose AP classes that are interesting to them and treat them as totally separate entities. They don't have to make connections between their AP classes or the skills they require. By including AP Seminar and AP Research, the Capstone program aims to make AP a more cohesive high school program.

AP Capstone also includes a 5,000 word research paper, which is quite similar to IB's extended essay. Additionally, some of the curriculum aligns with new common core standards—a bid to make AP Capstone competitive and desirable to schools in today's changing education world.

How AP Capstone Works

To get the AP Capstone diploma, you take two special AP courses. You'll take AP Seminar in 10 th or 11 th grade, followed by AP Research in the 11 th or 12 th grade. (You can't take both in the same grade; AP Seminar has to come before AP Research!)

In addition to AP Seminar and AP Research, you have to take four AP classes of your choosing at any point in high school. This means you could simply take one AP course each year (freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior) or pack them into your last two years of high school. If you receive a 3 or higher on all these exams, you will receive the AP Capstone Diploma.

(Of course, there is nothing preventing you from taking more than four AP classes if that's what you want to do. You just need a minimum of four to get the AP Capstone diploma.)

If you receive scores of 3 or higher in AP Research and AP Seminar, but don't take four other AP classes or don't get high enough AP scores in them, you'll get the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, which shows you gained college-level academic and research skills.

The Two Capstone Courses—AP Seminar and AP Research

Both AP Seminar and AP Research aim to create a college-like academic experience right in your high school classroom.

The AP Seminar and AP Research classes are the main distinguishing features of AP Capstone. These courses give students additional skills to use in other AP classes and college, but aren't based in specific subjects (e.g. math, language arts, science, or social studies).

They aim to help students do the following:

• Analyze topics through different lenses for greater meaning or understanding
• Plan and conduct a study/investigation
• Propose solutions to real world problems
• Collaborate to solve a problem
• Plan and produce communication
• Integrate, synthesize and make cross-cultural connections

Let's take a look at each class to learn more.

AP Seminar Overview

In Seminar, you'll develop analytic and inquiry skills, exploring two to four issues chosen by you or your teacher, depending on how your teacher runs the class.

The class focuses on themes based on student interests, local and/or civic issues, global or international topics, and concepts from other AP courses. For example, you might explore the question of whether national security is more important than a citizen's right to privacy; or whether genetic engineering is a benefit to society . Both topics would draw from multiple subjects (social studies, science, ethics) and allow you to look at issues through many different lenses.

During the course, you also complete a team project, an individual paper and presentation, and take a final AP exam. The AP Seminar Exam score is based on all three components and is reported on the standard 1–5 AP scoring scale .

AP Research Overview

You have to take AP Seminar before you can take AP Research. While Seminar introduces you to discussion, research, and presentation skills, AP Research allows you to design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation on a topic that interests you.

You'll build on skills from AP Seminar by learning about research methodology, using ethical research practices, and analyzing the information you find to write and defend your argument.

Get ready to spend a lot of time in the library!

For your research paper, you can dig into a topic you already studied in a different AP course, or come up with your own topic that combines different subjects.

At the end of the research investigation, you'll write a paper of about 5,000 words, then present and defend it. The AP Research Exam score is based on the paper, presentation, and defense, and is reported on the standard 1–5 AP scoring scale. So note that, unlike AP Seminar, there is not a formal AP Research exam. Your paper and presentation will be the exam!

How Popular Is AP Capstone?

The AP Capstone program is quite new, as it only debuted in 2014. Currently, about 300 American schools, 15 Canadian schools, and 30 other international schools have the program. Considering 894 schools in the US alone have IB , AP Capstone is pretty small in comparison. That said, the program will likely grow and expand quite a bit in the next few years as more schools choose to implement it.

Some states don't have any AP Capstone schools yet. several (like Missouri and Utah) have just one participating school, while others have quite a few. (Florida has almost 100!) It will be interesting to see if the state representation evens out in the coming years or if Capstone becomes very popular in certain states and rare in others.

How Capstone Differs From "Regular AP"

The basic AP program is more flexible than AP Capstone.

The regular AP program is an "a la carte" program—you can choose which AP classes to take and how intense you want your schedule to be. Some students might just take 1 or 2 AP classes in high school, others could take over 10. It all depends on how much you want to challenge yourself, how many AP courses your school offers, and which subjects you're interested in.

The success of a student is judged by how they do on each exam— students aren't expected to take a certain number of AP classes or get a certain average score . In short, the basic AP program is quite flexible and can fit the needs of many students.

In contrast, AP Capstone is a diploma program with stricter requirements. If you don't take the right AP classes or get high enough AP exam scores, you won't earn the Capstone diploma.

How Similar Is AP Capstone to the IB Program?

You may be wondering how similar AP Capstone is to the IB program, since they are both advanced diploma programs. We'll run through some of the main similarities and differences since many students considering IB might also consider AP Capstone, and vice-versa.

Similarities

Both programs function pretty similarly. Students take advanced classes in high school (marked as either AP or IB), and then take an exam for each class at the end of the year. For both AP Capstone and IB, you have to obtain a minimum score on your exams to earn the diploma. For IB you have to earn at least 24 points total on your exams (IB exams are scored from 1 to 7), for Capstone you need a 3 or higher on each exam.

Each program also requires a long piece of writing, though AP Capstone's 5,000 word research paper is longer than IB's 4,000 word extended essay .

Finally, both programs include subject-based and skills-based courses—though IB has one skills-based course, Theory of Knowledge, while AP Capstone has two—Seminar and Research.

Differences

The IB program requires some of your courses be more difficult, while there's no distinction between standard level and higher level courses in AP Capstone. To earn an IB diploma, 3 of your 6 courses have to be designated "higher level," while three can be "standard level." For the AP Capstone diploma, you can choose the four additional AP courses you want to take, even if they are known as easier exams .

Also, AP Capstone does not have any extracurricular requirements whereas IB has the Creativity, Action, Service program, which essentially requires extracurricular activities.

Another major difference between the programs is that AP Capstone has no requirements as to the four additional AP classes you take, whereas in IB you need to take courses from six specific subject areas . So while you could get the AP Capstone diploma with all humanities or all sciences classes if you wanted, IB requires courses taken from across the board. For this reason, the IB Diploma is arguably more comprehensive.

Finally, the IB program is more established, since it's a much older program. While many colleges are likely familiar with IB, you may have to explain AP Capstone a bit more on your applications so colleges know what it is and how it's different from regular AP.

Should You Take AP Capstone?

So now, the big question: if your school (or a school nearby) is offering AP Capstone, should you take it?

Before deciding, consider the cost—you're committing to taking at least 6 exams to earn the diploma. At $91 per exam, that's significant! Whereas by taking regular AP classes you can decide each year how many AP classes to take and whether you can afford them, for AP Capstone you're committing to a set number.

Speaking of which, are you up for six classes? With regular AP you can drop out of any one class at any point, but with Capstone you need 6 courses to finish the diploma. Think hard about whether that's a commitment you're willing to take on.

Also, who at your school is teaching AP Research and/or AP Seminar? Those courses are a big part of the Capstone experience, so if the teacher isn't great you might want to skip Capstone and just take regular AP courses.

Since this is a new program, expect some kinks and growing pains in the first few years. Be especially cautious if you're a current sophomore or junior looking to jump into AP Capstone. Talk to your guidance counselor and the Seminar and/or Research teachers to get a sense of what AP Capstone will be like at your school and if you want to do it. If you're a freshman or younger, you have more time to wait and see how well the program does at your school and at the national level.

Will Colleges Care?

Similar to IB, since AP Capstone is only offered at a select few schools, colleges won't be specifically looking for AP Capstone or favoring it, since not all students have access to it.

Still, if you take Capstone, aspects of the program—especially the long research paper—will likely look desirable to most colleges. The independent research AP Capstone requires could be the topic of a college essay or at least something substantial to talk about in an interview. However, like we mentioned earlier, since AP Capstone is new, make sure you explain what it is on your college applications, so colleges realize that you undertook an advanced diploma program. Odds are, that will look pretty good to them!

Also, remember that colleges will look at your schedule in the context of your school, so as long as your schedule is as challenging as possible—whether you're in Capstone or not—you are setting yourself up for success. It may be that taking AP Capstone will push you to take more AP classes, making your schedule look more challenging in the context of your school.

If your school does have Capstone and you opt to not take it, make sure you are taking a challenging mix of AP and honors courses so it doesn't look like you slacked off.

What's Next?

If you decide to take AP Capstone, you'll have to choose 4 AP courses on your own. Read about the hardest and easiest AP classes to help you decide on your schedule.

Learn about another popular diploma program— the IB program , and whether or not you should take it or AP .

If you're applying to top colleges, you also need to think about your SAT/ACT score. Come up with a target SAT score based on your dream schools ( ACT version here ).

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Halle Edwards graduated from Stanford University with honors. In high school, she earned 99th percentile ACT scores as well as 99th percentile scores on SAT subject tests. She also took nine AP classes, earning a perfect score of 5 on seven AP tests. As a graduate of a large public high school who tackled the college admission process largely on her own, she is passionate about helping high school students from different backgrounds get the knowledge they need to be successful in the college admissions process.

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The Top 10 Most Interesting AP Research Topics

College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program can improve your academic performance and earn you college credits while in high school. If you participate in the AP Capstone program, you’ll have to conduct research in the second course, AP Research. To succeed, you’ll need to use your academic research skills to select your AP research topics.

Selecting a topic can be the most critical part of your research project, and it can also be the most difficult. To make it easier for you, we’ve provided some of the best examples of AP research topics as well as AP research questions.

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What makes a strong ap research topic.

A strong AP research topic is well-defined. Because it will form the basis of your research, it should be clear enough that your target audience will be able to understand your project. It should also address a real-world issue relevant in the 21st century.

Tips for Choosing an AP Research Topic

• Choose what interests you. Don’t just go with what’s popular or what you think will get you the highest score. Make sure the topic you select is one you clearly understand and will be able to continue even when the research process becomes difficult.
• Make sure you understand the course requirements. Repeatedly refer to your assignment as you come up with a project idea. This will ensure that you have a clear grasp of what is expected of you.
• Consider the timeframe of your research process. A lot goes into the research process, so make sure you start looking for a topic as soon as possible. It may not seem this way at the beginning, but the course will go by quickly.
• Consider your research sources. Select a topic with a wide range of sources that you can draw from to build credible and valid evidence-based arguments.
• Consult your AP advisor. Whenever you have any questions about the research process, don’t be afraid to turn to your advisor for clarification. If you find it too difficult to narrow down a topic, you can also ask for help from other students.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is the main idea for a research project. For instance, voting apathy is a general topic from which you can derive various history research paper topics such as “voter apathy among young people.”

A research question, on the other hand, is a question that your research seeks to answer. It is more specific than your research topic. It answers the how, what, and the why of your research. For example, for the research topic above, one research question could be “What are the effects of voter apathy among young people on civic participation?”

How to Create Strong AP Research Questions

A strong AP research question should be clear and precise. In other words, the question you are posing should be focused on a specific area and the language should be simple enough that the reader doesn’t require any further explanation of what you are trying to say. However, it should not be so narrow that it can be answered with a simple yes or no.

Top 10 AP Research Paper Topics

1. 3d-printed prosthetics for amputees.

In recent years, the field of 3D printing has made great strides, especially in the medical field. From prosthetics to 3D-printed skin for burn victims, scientists have figured out ways to help those who have physical challenges. If selected as a research topic, this would be an interesting way to discuss the future of rehabilitation and assistive devices.

2. The Pros and Cons of Subsidized Housing in the US

Subsidized housing is a housing policy aimed at giving low-income families access to affordable housing. This real-world issue has become quite a controversial topic. However, it is a great topic for your school project, especially if it has already been discussed in your AP Seminar course as one of the seminar topics.

3. Impact of Ocean Conservation on Climate Change

Global warming and climate change have become important topics all over the world. From a discussion of renewable energy to a study of the increase in wildfires, there are many approaches that you can take. Ocean conservation has become an important strategy in fighting climate change and would therefore be a perfect topic for an AP research paper.

4. The Role of Art Education in 21st Century Curricula

The importance of art in education has often been taken for granted. In recent decades, however, emphasis on STEM fields has raised questions about the role of art education and other humanities disciplines in modern education. Your research could focus on the benefits of art education for STEM students.

5. Food Waste Solutions in the US

According to the USDA, food waste accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the total food supply. This shows that food waste is a major environmental and economic problem. This is one of many real-world topics that would allow you to take an interdisciplinary approach, combining social sciences and environmental sciences, for instance.

6. Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms on the Environment

A genetically modified organism is a plant, animal, or other organism whose DNA has been artificially altered through bioengineering. There are many interesting albeit complex issues that can arise in research into the potential impact of GMOs on the environment.

7. Factors Contributing to Wealth Inequality in the US

Wealth inequality refers to the dissimilarities in the distribution of assets among people or groups of people. This research topic can be narrowed to focus on whether increasing minimum wages can decrease wealth inequality or on strategies for reducing the number of homeless children.

8. The Future of the Automotive Industry

Global car sales are expected to grow in the coming years. As the automotive industry is changing, this topic would be a great way to discover what these changes look like and how they will affect the industry. Selecting this for your project proposal would be a good way to build on what you learned in your AP Physics C: Mechanics class.

9. The Relationship Between Cyber Security and Ecommerce

Ecommerce is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy. However, as more people and businesses move to online transactions, there is growing concern about cyber security threats. A first step if you choose this topic would be to familiarize yourself with cyber security terminology .

10. Youth Voting and Civic Participation Patterns

This is an interesting research topic through which you can discuss the relationship between voting and civic participation in young people, the influence of social media on voting patterns, and whether voting trends are affected by the socioeconomic conditions of a particular youth group. One common research question is whether the voting age should be changed.

Other Examples of AP Research Topics & Questions

Ap research topics.

• Effects of stress on the human body
• The fall of the Roman Empire
• The rise of cryptocurrency and its effect on the banking industry
• The relationship between social media and bullying in schools
• Homeschooling versus traditional schooling

AP Research Questions

• How does emotional stress manifest physically in the human body?
• What political developments led to the fall of Rome?
• How has cryptocurrency affected the banking industry in the 21st century?
• How has social media influenced the rise of cyberbullying?
• What are the effects of texting on grammar skills?

Choosing the Right AP Research Topic

As we have seen above, there are many AP research topics to choose from for your research assignment. The research paper is your primary performance task in the AP Research course, so you should take care to select a strong topic.

Completing the College Board’s AP Capstone is a significant academic achievement that will put your academic writing skills and research abilities to the test. Choosing the right AP research topic is therefore paramount in helping you build your college profile, especially if you want to get into an Ivy League School .

AP Research Topics FAQ

Your AP research paper should be between 4,000 and 5,000 words. Your evaluation will be based on not only the word count but also your introduction, content, structure, conclusion, and use and documentation of sources.

The AP research assignment is graded on a scale of one to five, depending on how well you do on your academic paper and oral defense. You can visit the AP Research student page for further information about grading.

No, there are no AP research topics that are off-limits. The AP Capstone program aims at developing students who are independent critical thinkers, so don’t shy away from a topic just because it’s controversial.

The difference between AP and AP Capstone is that AP Capstone is a two-year diploma program that requires you to take the AP Seminar and AP Research courses, whereas AP is a general term for the Advanced Placement program. College Board offers both programs.

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Ultimate Guide to the AP Seminar Course and Exam

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AP classes are generally stand-alone subjects that easily translate to traditional college courses. They culminate in a standardized exam on which students are graded using a five-point scale, which colleges use to determine credit or advanced standing. However, starting in the fall of 2014, the College Board began to adapt the traditional structure to reflect a less stringent rote curriculum and place a heavier emphasis on critical thinking skills.

The AP Capstone program is at the center of these changes, and its introductory course is AP Seminar. Read on for more information about the AP Seminar course and exam and how they can prepare you for college-level work.

About the AP Capstone Diploma 

The AP Seminar course is the first of two classes required for the AP Capstone Diploma —a two-year program with a curriculum designed to develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. Students who receive a score of 3 or higher on the exams for both courses earn an AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Students who receive a score of 3 or higher on both exams and on four additional AP exams receive the AP Capstone Diploma.   

During the AP Seminar course, you will practice collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and student-led investigation. During the second year of the program, you will go on to study AP Research , which applies the skills you developed in AP Seminar to a prolonged research project on a topic of your choosing, build an evidence-based argument, and present it through written and oral defense.

When is the AP Seminar Exam?

The 2020 AP Exams have been changed to online exams due to coronavirus. Learn about these changes in our post How is Coronavirus Impacting AP Exams ?

About the AP Seminar Course 

The College Board suggests themes such as freedom, justice, and peace as possible examples. You will use an inquiry framework to practice reading and analyzing articles, studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts. You will also listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts, and examine artistic works and performances. By examining materials like news stories, research studies, and literary works, you will learn to craft arguments to support your point of view and communicate it effectively by using various media.

This course will also support you as you investigate real-world topics of your choosing from multiple perspectives, which often are different or competing. In addition, you will learn to collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision, develop arguments based on facts, and effectively communicate your point of view.

The main educational ideas explored in AP Seminar are broken down into “big ideas.” Within each big idea there are “essential questions,” designed to encourage deep thought about a theme and foster a deeper conceptual understanding of it. Below are the five big ideas of the AP Seminar course, a brief description of them, and their corresponding essential questions.  

Question and Explore: Challenges students to form their own point of view when facing complex issues by asking questions and investigating answers through the exploration of different, often competing, perspectives. The essential questions of “Question and Explore” are: 

• How does the context of a problem or issue affect how it is interpreted or presented?
• How might others see the problem or issue differently?
• What questions have yet to be asked?
• What voices or perspectives are missing from my research?
• What do I want to know, learn, or understand?
• How does my research question shape how I go about trying to answer it?
• What information do I need to answer my question?
• What keywords should I use to search for information about this topic?

Understand and Analyze: The understanding and comprehension of others’ ideas and the ability to synthesize and explain another person’s ideas to others. The essential questions of “Understand and Analyze” are:

• What strategies will help me comprehend a text? 
• What is the argument’s main idea and what reasoning does the author use to develop it?
• Why might the author view the issue this way?
• What biases may the author have that influence his or her perspective?
• Does this argument acknowledge other perspectives?
• How do I know if a source is trustworthy?
• What are the implications of these arguments?
• How does this conclusion impact me and my community? Or my research?

Evaluate Multiple Perspectives: The ability to compare and contrast different perspectives to better understand the complexities of an issue. The essential questions are:

• What patterns or trends can be identified among the arguments about this issue?
• What are the implications and/or consequences of accepting or rejecting a particular argument?
• How can I connect the multiple perspectives? What other issues, questions, or topics do they relate to?
• How can I explain contradictions within or between arguments?
• From whose perspective is this information being presented, and how does that affect my evaluation?

Synthesize Ideas: Unifying the gained knowledge, explored ideas, and numerous perspectives  to form conclusions on your own. The essential questions of “Synthesize Ideas” are:

• How do I connect and analyze the evidence in order to develop an argument and support a conclusion?
• What line of reasoning and evidence would best support my argument? Is my reasoning logical?
• Are there other conclusions I should consider?
• What am I taking for granted? How do I acknowledge and account for my own biases and assumptions?
• What is the best way to acknowledge and attribute the work of others that was used to support my argument?
• How can I avoid committing plagiarism?

Team, Transform, and Transmit: Cultivating critical skills of collaboration, communication, and reflection—teaching students how to work best in a team environment. The essential questions are:

• How can I best appeal to and engage my audience?
• What is the best medium or genre through which to engage my audience?
• What common misconceptions might my audience have?
• How might I adapt my argument for different audiences and situations?
• How might my communication choices affect my credibility with my audience?
• What contributions can I offer to a team?
• What is the benefit of revision?
• How can I benefit from reflecting on my own work?

Only schools that currently offer the AP Capstone Diploma may offer the AP Seminar course. Because it is a part of a larger comprehensive, skills-based program, students may not self-study for the AP Seminar course or exam. At this time, home-schooled students, home-school organizations, and online providers are not eligible to participate in AP Capstone.

About the AP Seminar Exam 

The AP Seminar exam is structured differently than traditional exams, as a significant percentage of your score is weighted on group work and a presentation which is done outside of the exam. Your performance in the AP Seminar course is assessed through three tasks. 

Team Project and Presentation | 20% of AP Seminar Score

The first is the Team Project and Presentation, which accounts for 20% of your total score. In this project, you will work with a team to create an 8- to 10-minute Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense, in addition to writing a 1,200-word Individual Research Report. Each team member is also asked one question in which they’re required to make an oral defense of their argument. 

Team Presentation: Your team presentation should propose a solution or resolution and support that idea with evidence and visual media. Your teacher will score your presentation.   

Individual Research Report: Work with your team to formulate and clarify your individual approach to your investigation of the team’s research question and present your findings and analysis to your group in a well-researched and well-written report. The College Board will score your research report. 

Oral Defense: Following your presentation, your teacher will ask you to make an oral defense of your argument. Below are some examples of the types of questions frequently asked: 

• Student A, how did the group decide to include Student B’s perspective/lens/ conclusions into the overall presentation? 
• Student A, give one specific way that your thinking changed as a result of learning about Student B’s findings. 
• In the future, what change would you make to your group norms, and how would you expect that to improve the team presentation? 
• Reflecting on your colleagues’ work, which one had the greatest impact on your overall understanding of the problem your group identified? 
• In what way did you improve your ability to work with a group as a result of this project? 
• What is an example of a compelling argument from one of your peer’s individual reports that you decided to exclude from your team presentation and why? 
• What is a way in which your team’s resolution makes you think differently about your own individual research? 
• What was the strongest counter argument to the solution or conclusion your team identified and why? 
• Describe an argument from one of your peer’s individual reports that made you think differently about your team’s solution or conclusion? 
• Having finished your project, what, if anything, do you consider to be a gap in your team’s research that, if addressed, would make you feel more confident about your conclusion?

Your teacher is responsible for scoring your oral defense. 

Student Version | 35% of AP Seminar Score

The second portion of your assessment is the Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation, which accounts for 35% of your total score. For this assessment, you will use cross-curricular stimulus texts (released each year in early January by the College Board) to identify thematic connections, compose a research question, conduct research, analyze and evaluate evidence to develop an argument, and present and defend your conclusions. In doing so, you will produce a 2,000-word Individual Written Argument, a 6- to 8-minute Individual Multimedia Presentation, and an Oral Defense where you’ll need to respond to two questions. 

Individual Written Argument: Using the provided stimulus, identify thematic connections and areas of inquiry and compose a research question that you’ll research and compose a well-written argument conveying your perspective. This is scored by the College Board. 

Individual Multimedia Presentation:  Design an oral presentation using visual media to convey your argument. Your teacher is responsible for scoring your individual multimedia presentation. 

Oral Defense: Defend your process, use of evidence, conclusion(s), solution(s), or recommendations in response to two types of questions that your teacher will ask—reflection on research process and extending argumentation through effective questioning and inquiry. Below are some examples of the types of questions you may get asked: 

Reflection on Research Process

• What information did you need before you began your research, and how did that information shape your research? 
• What evidence did you gather that you didn’t use? Why did you choose not to use it? 
• How valid and reliable are the sources you used? How do you know? Which sources didn’t work? 
• How did you select the strategies you used to gather information or conduct research? Were they effective? 
• How did your research question evolve as you moved through the research process? Did your research go in a different direction than you originally planned/hypothesized? 
• What information did you need that you weren’t able to find or locate? How did you go about trying to find that information? 
• How did you handle the differing perspectives in order to reach a conclusion?

Extending Argumentation Through Effective Questioning and Inquiry

• What additional questions emerged from your research? Why are these questions important? 
• What advice would you have for other researchers who consider this topic? 
• What might be the real-world implications or consequences (influence on others’ behaviors or decision-making processes) of your findings? What are the implications to your community? 
• If you had more time, what additional research would you conduct related to this issue? 
• Explain the level of certainty you have about your conclusion, solution, or recommendation. 
• How does your conclusion respond to any of the other research or sources you examined? 
• How did you use the conclusions and questions of others to advance your own research? 

End of Course Exam

2 hours | 4 questions | 45% of score

The final portion of your assessment is the AP Seminar End-of-Course Exam, which is administered like the more traditional AP exams, at a specific time on a specific day, in a formal standardized testing environment. This exam is worth 45% of your total score, clocks in at two hours, and consists of three short-answer questions and one evidence-based argument essay. For the short-answer section, you will read one passage and answer three questions relating to it. For the essay section, you will read four sources, identify a common theme, and create a logically organized, well-reasoned, and well-written argument that presents your own perspective on the theme or issue you identified.

Example of a short-answer question you’ll encounter on the AP Seminar exam: 

AP Seminar Score Distribution, Average Score, and Passing Rate

In 2019, just over 43,000 students took the AP Seminar assessment. Scores from the 2019 exam reveal an assessment with a high passing rate (score of 3 or higher) but a difficult rate of mastery. While 81.1% of students taking the assessments scored a 3 or higher, only 7.1% received the highest score of a 5, while 58.9% received a 3.   

A full course description that can help guide your studying and understanding of the knowledge required for the exam can be found on the College Board website .

Tips For Preparing for the Exam

Step 1: assess your skills.

Before you dive into studying, it can be helpful to take a practice test to gain insight into areas you understand well and those that challenge you. You can use the previous end-of-course exams to help assess your skills. They are available on the College Board Performance Task and End-of-Course Exam Samples page . There are also additional practice questions in the course description . Once you have taken some kind of formative assessment for the end-of-course exam, score it to identify the areas you already understand and those in need of improvement. It can be helpful to have a friend or teacher score it, as free-response questions are more subjective than the multiple-choice questions you find on many other AP exams. From an accurate formative assessment, you will get a better idea of where to focus your studying efforts.

It is more difficult to evaluate your readiness for the in-class portions of your assessment, but you will work with your teacher on developing these skills throughout the year so you should receive plenty of feedback as you go. If you do not feel that you have a solid understanding of your abilities in this area, make sure to arrange a meeting with your teacher so that you can get some honest feedback about your performance in the class so far. 

Step 2: Study the Material

In AP Seminar, you will investigate real-world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing information from various sources in order to develop credible and valid evidence- based arguments. 

The AP Seminar course particularly stresses connections within and across AP courses, encouraging cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. The AP Seminar course “aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.”

For a glossary of terms that you should be familiar with in this course, see page 119 of the course description . For more information about class structure and specific curriculum content, check out a sample syllabus or review one AP teacher’s end-of-course study materials . 

Step 3: Practice for the End-of-Course Exam

Once you have your theory down, test it out by practicing with sample material for the end-of-course exam. You can find some sample questions in the course description and more on the AP Seminar Past Exam Questions Page . As you prepare for this portion of the exam, keep in mind that the four questions on the exam will remain the same each year, though sources and texts will vary.

On the first portion of the exam, you will read a source and answer the first three questions. These are:

• Identify the author’s argument, main idea, or thesis.
• Explain the author’s line of reasoning by identifying the claims used to build the argument and the connections between them.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the evidence the author uses to support the claims made in the argument.

You should allow approximately 30 minutes for the first three questions. The last question asks you to read four sources and you should allow approximately 90 minutes for it. The last prompt is:

Read the four sources carefully, focusing on a theme or issue that connects them and the different perspective each represents. Then, write a logically organized, well-reasoned, and well-written argument that presents your own perspective on the theme or issue you identified. You must incorporate at least two of the sources provided and link the claims in your argument to supporting evidence. You may also use the other provided sources or draw upon your own knowledge. In your response, refer to the provided sources as Source A, Source B, Source C, or Source D, or by the authors’ names.

As you write your response, you should keep in mind that the College Board has a very stringent set of rules regarding plagiarism. If you’re at all in doubt about whether you should cite a source, do so just to be on the safe side. The full AP Capstone Policy on Plagiarism and Falsification or Fabrication of Information can be found on page 35 of the course description. 

Step 4: Practice Through-Course Assessment Pieces

The through-course assessment pieces for the AP Seminar class are unique from other AP assessments in several key ways. First, they are not administered in a traditional standardized testing environment and instead are completed over an extended period of time in the classroom. Second, they have collaborative elements in which you are required to work together with classmates. Finally, your assessment on these sections is scored by your teacher, not an anonymous AP reader. This is a tremendous advantage. Be sure to maintain good communications with your teacher throughout the year, frequently soliciting feedback on your progress so that you will have a realistic idea of your strengths and areas for improvement. This is the single most effective way to prepare for the through-course assessment pieces.

These assessments are completed over several months of the course. The first one, the Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense, consists of a team presentation and an individual research report. In a team of three to five students, you will work to identify, investigate, and analyze an academic or real-world problem or issue. Your team will design and/or consider options and alternatives, develop a multimedia presentation to present the argument for your proposed solution or resolution, and provide a defense to questions posed by the teacher. Your team will divide the group research into individual questions for each team member. Individually, you will then investigate your assigned question on the issue or topic and present your findings and analysis in a well-written individual report.

The team project and oral defense will be scored by your teacher alone. The individual research report will be scored by your teacher and validated by the College Board. 

The second through-course assessment that you will complete is an Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation, consisting of an Individual Written Argument, Individual Multimedia Presentation, and Oral Defense. You will develop a research topic in response to stimulus texts released by the College Board in early January. Using these materials, you will identify thematic connections, compose a research question, gather additional information through research, analyze, evaluate, and select evidence, and develop a logical, well-reasoned argument of approximately 2,000 words. You will also develop a 6- to 8-minute presentation to convey your perspective and present your conclusions, and then respond to questions posed by your teacher in an oral defense.     

Your presentation and oral defense will be scored by your teacher alone. The individual written argument will be scored by your teacher and validated by the College Board.

Step 5: Take Another Practice Test

As you did at the beginning of your studying, take a practice test to evaluate your progress. You should see your knowledge developing and be able to identify patterns in which areas have improved the most and which areas still need improvement.

If you have time, repeat each of the steps above to incrementally increase your score.

Step 6: Exam Day Specifics

Because this exam is only available to students enrolled in the AP Capstone program, your teacher will register you for the exam when you enroll in the course. You should confirm with your teacher that you are registered for the exam and your scores and materials are submitted within the College Board’s AP Seminar assessment deadlines . 

For information about what to bring to the exam, see our post What Should I Bring to My AP Exam (And What Should I Definitely Leave at Home)?

For more about information about APs, check out these CollegeVine posts:

• 2020 AP Exam Schedule
• How Long is Each AP Exam?
• Easiest and Hardest AP Exams  

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170 AP Research Topics For Your Paper

As you may already know, AP Seminar is across multiple disciplines of study. It primarily explores how students can achieve critical thinking abilities through collaboration and thorough academic research. AP Seminar also helps the student understand real-world issues from different lenses.

This way, you get to understand how the world works through multiple perspectives. AP Seminar usually covers team projects, individual papers, oral presentations, and the exam at the end of the course. How do you prepare for your project, paper, or oral presentation without essential AP research paper topics?

It would help if you have AP research topics ideas and perhaps, AP research questions. You need AP seminar topics that help you develop your analytical and creative research and writing skills. You will find them in this content. However, before that, what must be found in a good AP research paper?

Characteristics of a Good AP Research Paper

Writing a good research paper requires analyzing previous academic papers and improving your knowledge about what you want to write. While writing your research paper, take notes of these:

• A Good Papers Must be Relevant in the Long Term This means you should not write on something that will no longer be relevant in two years. In other words, think about Shakespeare. Or better still, think about writing something that many other writers and researchers will reference. Your logic must have no noticeable unclear gap. Your research must also pass through a thorough assessment process to ascertain that everything in your paper is relevant to the present and the future. If you are writing something about history, you should apply logic and thought to the sources you pick and write about them.
• Backup Your Research with Valid Sources Every research paper without an external source is poor. Especially when you quote facts, your good sources make your paper appealing and worthy of application or study by different generations. Your paper must include all the facts it needs to pass each point. This is also important because having solid references means that you consulted excellent sources and adopted their information while writing your paper.
• Have Great Research Questions Research questions sometimes turn your paper around. This is because your AP research questions must be well thought of and dynamic to the issues you’re writing about. When you choose from AP seminar themes available to you or the AP research topic ideas of your choice, asking yourself questions your research will answer makes it easy to focus. Your research questions influence your research, and they make writing easy too.
• Your Research Must be Specific You can only master how to stay relevant by writing on specific issues. For example, if you want to write about coronavirus, you should not make the mistake of treating a general topic. Instead, narrow it down to your environment or a controversial issue. The Atlantic recently published a long-form essay about a hospital overwhelmed with patients. They eventually had to use their ambulances for some operations. That is an example of a research that treats a specific issue, not a generic one.
• Your Research Must be Well Structured and Concise This is perhaps the most critical part of your work. If you have an excellent paper, it will only reflect when you have a great structure. As you know, your paper must have an introduction, the main body, and the conclusion.

The introduction is where you discuss the general concepts and the target of your paper. You can also discuss why it is essential to examine the topic; this could be your problem statement. Your main body is where you disassemble and reassemble your facts, make your arguments, and pass your message. Note that you will answer all your research questions in this section, which is why the section is most important while writing a paper. It will help if you back every fact up with solid references. Your conclusion is where you sum everything you’ve raised and discussed. You may attach a quick call to action to the necessary authorities, depending on what you’ve written. However, if you have just sensitized your readers with your project, your conclusion should end with a perfect sentence or paragraphs that stays with your readers.

Now that you know all these, consider these AP seminar research paper topics for your project, paper, or oral presentation. On the other hand, remember you can buy thesis online from our professional helpers team and never worry about your grades.

AP Seminar Themes

AP Seminar themes are the usual subject of discourse that often appear in any AP Seminar. These themes unite all the courses you study during your one year long course. You can consider these AP research topics:

• The ethics of algorithms on social media
• Controversial supreme court ruling based on public opinion
• Environmental injustice and consequences on real estate
• The challenges of typo errors
• Overview of genetics
• The cause of food waste
• Universal adult suffrage and the fault in the system
• #MeToo movement and the challenges
• The issues on wealth inequality
• Agree or disagree with Francis Fukuyama’s The End of History.”
• Social class exists in communist societies
• Communism is the feasible system of the future
• Art and education
• Music and education
• The significance of entertainment in the workplace.

AP Seminar Topics

These are direct AP seminar research topics that you can use for your paper. The best topics are often intriguing enough to impress your teachers for your dissertation or thesis. You can use these to create the perfect paper:

• Food waste management in Ukraine
• How the naval power of China is not enough over Taiwan and its allies
• Low lying islands and global warming
• The differences in Chinese GDP between 1978 and 2020
• How global warming affects countries that contribute less to it
• The rise in the creation of energy-efficient cars
• Genetically modified plants ruin nature: discuss
• Pesticides cause more harm than good: discuss
• Saving money in college is underrated
• Significance of electric cars to the future
• A study on three robots and the prospects for the future workplace
• Gun control is impossible: discuss
• Intensive farming may not end hunger: discuss
• Examine the output of three countries and their wealth
• How much has the world achieved gender equality?
• Discuss why the demand for tech is a challenging issue
• Compare and contrast the labor market in the US and Germany
• Would you say China is the superpower of sustainable batteries
• Study the rising sectors in the world and their consequences
• Will petroleum, not batteries, be vital in 2030?
• Homework is overrated
• What are the controversies around the statement “I am self-taught.”
• Significance of noise pollution
• Quantum entanglement: discuss
• China and its tech products
• UK and software growth
• Is Africa forgotten?
• Challenges between black Americans and African Americans
• Aside from COVID-19 and omicron, what are globally threatening issues?
• Abortion is unethical: discuss.

AP Research Topic Ideas

As a research student, you may also want to consider good ideas to develop for your paper. Your AP research topic ideas must aid your analytical skills. It should also help you create interesting perspectives about issues. You can consider:

• How the ozone layer protects the planet
• The best way to address global warming
• A study of Elon Musk’s education system
• A study of the Swiss educational system
• Challenges of education in the UK
• Challenges on education in the US
• Study how prison changes people
• Discuss recent aquatic discoveries
• How to answer to Brazil’s deforestation
• The effects of deforestation on global health
• The rise and evolution of taxes
• Is the US the world police?
• Trace world religions: is there a peaceful religion?
• Discuss how Jews weaponized the Holocaust narrative in Palestine
• Discuss why some courses are compulsory
• Examine the problem with obesity
• Discuss what it means to be in denial
• Analyze US’s withdrawal from Afghanistan
• Human right over national security: discuss
• Is the EU sustainable?
• Discuss the activities of CNN’s Jeff Zucker
• Why is history important?
• Is philosophy a foundational discipline for all disciplines?
• Examine measures to prevent a WWIII
• Lessons from the failure of Right 2 Respond in Syria
• Discuss the challenges of mandatory service
• Was the Cold War indeed a cold war?
• What does the world know about Antarctica?
• Debt diplomacy: discuss
• An overview of terrorism.

AP World History Research Paper Topics

World history can be broad yet interesting. World history is interesting when you apply rational thought and philosophy into the aspects of the past that matter and those that don’t. These are some good AP world history research paper topics:

• Effects of the industrial revolution
• The evolution of German industries
• The Crusaders are the same as the Jihads: discuss
• The struggle for democracy
• French revolution and consequences on Europe
• The US independence and consequences on Europe
• The decolonization of Europe led to the colonization of Africa
• British imperialism and challenges
• Mongols and relevance in history
• What are the similarities and differences in the civilizations of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
• Discuss the hegemony of the Ottoman Empire
• Discuss the evolution of contemporary politics
• Examine history and religion
• How Hitler could have won WWII
• How Asia changed post-WWI
• The symbols in Ancient Egypt
• The symbols in Mesopotamia civilization
• How agricultural revolution affect the world
• The rise of industries in Japan
• The growth of armament and present challenges
• Water challenges in the Middle East
• The Middle East is a vital region to the globe: discuss
• Would you say Muammar Gaddafi of Libya was a great leader?
• Examine the disunity in the Arab League
• Mortification in Ancient Egypt
• The Jews and the world
• The cyclical nature of history
• Sexual revolution and trends
• Nudity and its politics
• Child trafficking in India.

AP US History Research Paper Topics

To engage in more direct research, you may want to integrate your thoughts into interesting AP research topics. These are topics about current and past events in US history:

• Differences between presidents Trump and Clinton
• The US and the Great Depression
• US interference in the Suez Canal crisis
• US foreign policy to Libya under Gaddafi
• The US before and after 9/11
• Religions of the Native Americans
• The fiction in Salem Witch Trials
• Women’s role in America’s independence
• Women’s role in the Renaissance Europe
• Sexual revolution as feminism
• Industrial revolution in America
• The causes of slavery in the Americas
• America will always fight wars: discuss
• The reasons why America built up its armies
• The evolution of labor unions in America
• An overview of the Cuban Missile Crisis
• The US and social media policy
• US and gender inequality
• Corruption in the US
• Gangsterism in the US
• George Floyd and the consequences of his death
• The effects of the Mississippi River Flood
• CIA and the murder of Congolese Patrice Lumumba: justifiable?
• Ideological challenges in US history
• Indigenous technology in the American Civil War
• The effect of Hurricane Katrina
• An overview of a mass shooting in any location of your choice
• Environmental crisis in the US
• Was the Cold War necessary?
• Criticize the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

AP Capstone Research Topics

AP Capstone involves the assessment and overview of all the courses during your AP Seminar. It examines your knowledge of different theories and how you can apply them. You can choose these topics for your paper:

• The US and its ethnicities
• US and religious duplicity
• Vaccines and their benefits in the US
• How does the US control the UN
• Bullying and its impacts
• How social media affects students
• Food insecurity and challenges of the contemporary world
• The future of the automobile
• The future of automation
• Does Elon Musk do something similar to Mark Zuckerberg?
• Extreme sports: what’s the thrill?
• The history of vaccines
• Is America truly democratic
• Discuss the overaction of lawmakers on the Janet Jackson Superbowl performance saga
• Is the UN a toothless bulldog?

AP Biology Research Topics

Biology is an integral part of the world and a relevant course in your AP Seminar. You can choose to discuss any of the following interesting topics:

• Critically analyze how the human body works.
• Discuss the correlation between the way Ancient Egyptians preserved their dead and the way it is done today
• How has the research and writings of the Romantic Era achieved some changes in the biology of contemporary society?
• What is the most common thing that weakens the human immune system?
• The HIV/AIDS epidemic and the vulnerability of the human society
• The scientists’ struggle in preventing the spread of the virus before, during, and after COVID-19
• Assess the importance of genetics, if any, in the creation of robots with emotional abilities like humans
• Assess how stress affects the immune system and how a strenuous activity as sex helps ease stress
• Speak with any five persons and evaluate why some people have refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine
• Discuss how bacteria affect the body and its consequences
• Evaluate how animals communicate
• Trace the evolution and trends in the discovery that the heart controls human life, not the brain
• A study of how white blood cells work and fight diseases
• Should DNA tests be made accessible for the public?
• Cell division and how to teach how it works to pupils
• Examine the process of photosynthesis on plants
• The trends and discoveries of cancer treatments
• Read five pieces of literature on different perspectives on genetics and appraise them.
• Analyze how the red blood cells convey oxygen
• Appraise the structure of the human body.

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• About AP Capstone
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The Toulmin Model of Argumentation

Writing Research Questions

• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question Use this handout to help you go from a broad subject of interest to a more narrowed topic for research to a specific research question.
• Developing a Research Question Slides This slide deck covers the process of writing a quality research questions with specific focus on the criteria provided by the College Board for AP Seminar.

Writing Instructional Documents

• Toulmin Model of Argument A method of reasoning used to construct an argument.
• Two-Peer Editing Strategy Checklist Use these strategies and checklist to peer review each other's essays.
• The Rhetorical Precis article from Rhetoric Review
• Rhetorical Precis Overview
• Annotated Bibliography/Rhetorical Precis Template
• Rhetorical verbs
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• Last Updated: Feb 23, 2024 7:52 AM
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Everything You Need To Know About The AP Capstone

By Eric Eng

AP Capstone is an advanced high school program that offers students an opportunity to develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills. This article will provide an overview of AP Capstone, addressing its difficulty level, its value, and how students can prepare for it.

Is AP Capstone hard?

Is AP Capstone hard? One of the questions frequently asked by students considering AP Capstone is whether it is a challenging program. The answer to that question largely depends on the individual student and their academic strengths and weaknesses. Like any advanced placement course, AP Capstone requires dedication, hard work, and time management skills. The curriculum is designed to challenge students by fostering independent research, analysis, and presentation skills.

However, it is important to note that AP Capstone is specifically designed for motivated and academically inclined students. If you have a genuine interest in research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, you are likely to find AP Capstone both engaging and rewarding. While the workload may be demanding, the program provides valuable skills and experiences that can benefit you in college and beyond.

One aspect of AP Capstone that makes it particularly challenging is the emphasis on independent research. Throughout the program, students are required to select a research topic of their choice and conduct in-depth investigations. This process involves formulating research questions, gathering and analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. The ability to navigate through vast amounts of information and synthesize it into a coherent and well-supported argument is a skill that is highly valued in academia and beyond.

In addition to the research component, AP Capstone also focuses on honing students’ analytical skills. Through the analysis of various texts, students learn to critically evaluate arguments, identify biases, and assess the validity of evidence. This analytical mindset not only enhances their academic performance but also equips them with the ability to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.

Furthermore, AP Capstone places a strong emphasis on presentation skills. Students are required to present their research findings to their peers and teachers, which not only helps them develop effective communication skills but also boosts their confidence in public speaking. The ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively is a valuable skill that can open doors to various opportunities in the future.

While AP Capstone may seem daunting at first, the program also offers numerous benefits. Apart from the academic and personal growth it fosters, successfully completing AP Capstone can lead to college credit or advanced standing in universities that recognize the program. This can potentially save students time and money in their college education.

Overall, AP Capstone is a rigorous program that challenges students to think critically, conduct independent research, and communicate effectively. While it may require a significant amount of effort and dedication, the skills and experiences gained through the program are invaluable and can set students up for success in college and beyond.

Is the AP Capstone Worth It?

Is the AP Capstone worth it? When deciding whether to enroll in AP Capstone, it is important to consider the program’s value and the potential benefits it can offer. AP Capstone not only provides a rigorous academic experience, but it also enhances students’ college applications. Colleges and universities often recognize the challenging nature of the program and view it as a positive indicator of a student’s commitment to their education. Additionally, completing the full AP Capstone Diploma can potentially earn students college credit and advanced placement in college courses.

However, the benefits of AP Capstone extend far beyond the tangible rewards. By participating in this program, students have the opportunity to engage in a truly immersive and enriching educational experience. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, research, collaboration, and effective communication skills – all of which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

One of the key components of AP Capstone is the development of critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, evaluate evidence, and develop well-reasoned arguments. This skill set not only prepares students for success in college-level courses, but it also equips them with the ability to navigate real-world challenges that demand thoughtful and informed decision-making.

Another important aspect of AP Capstone is the emphasis on research. Students engage in independent research projects that allow them to explore areas of interest in depth. Through this process, they learn how to formulate research questions, gather and analyze data, and draw conclusions. These research skills are invaluable in any field of study and are highly sought after by colleges and employers alike.

Collaboration is also a key component of the AP Capstone program. Students work together in teams to solve problems, discuss ideas, and present their findings. This collaborative approach not only enhances students’ ability to work effectively with others, but it also exposes them to different perspectives and ideas, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Lastly, effective communication is a critical skill that is developed through AP Capstone. Students are required to present their research findings, both orally and in writing, to their peers and teachers. This experience helps them become confident and articulate communicators, capable of conveying complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner.

While the tangible benefits of AP Capstone, such as college credit and advanced placement, are certainly appealing, it is the development of essential skills that truly sets this program apart. By participating in AP Capstone, students not only gain a competitive edge for their future endeavors, but they also acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

How Can I Prepare for AP Capstone?

How can I prepare for AP Capstone? Preparing for AP Capstone requires a combination of academic preparedness and mindset. Here are some tips to help you get ready for the program:

• Build a Strong Educational Foundation: Before entering AP Capstone, it is essential to have a solid understanding of core subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies. Familiarize yourself with the fundamental concepts and develop strong study habits.
• Develop Research Skills: AP Capstone places a significant emphasis on research and analysis. Practice conducting thorough research, evaluating sources, and citing information properly. Familiarize yourself with different research methodologies and learn how to present your findings effectively.
• Improve Critical Thinking Abilities: AP Capstone requires students to think critically and analytically. Engage in activities that stimulate critical thinking, such as reading thought-provoking books, solving challenging puzzles, or engaging in debates and discussions.
• Enhance Time Management Skills: AP Capstone can be demanding, so it is crucial to be able to manage your time effectively. Develop a study schedule, prioritize tasks, and practice meeting deadlines to ensure you can handle the workload.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Consult your teachers, participate in study groups, or seek online resources to deepen your understanding of the material and clarify any doubts you may have.

By following these recommendations, you will be better prepared to excel in AP Capstone and make the most of this enriching academic experience.

Building a strong educational foundation is the first step towards preparing for AP Capstone. Take the time to review and reinforce your knowledge in core subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies. This will not only help you in AP Capstone but also in your future academic pursuits. Familiarize yourself with the fundamental concepts and develop strong study habits that will serve as a solid base for your advanced studies.

In addition to building a strong educational foundation, developing research skills is crucial for success in AP Capstone. The program places a significant emphasis on research and analysis, requiring students to conduct thorough research, evaluate sources, and properly cite information. Take the time to practice these skills by exploring various topics of interest and learning how to effectively present your findings. Familiarize yourself with different research methodologies and learn how to critically analyze and interpret data.

Critical thinking abilities are also essential for AP Capstone. The program encourages students to think critically and analytically, challenging them to explore complex issues and develop well-reasoned arguments. Engage in activities that stimulate critical thinking, such as reading thought-provoking books, solving challenging puzzles, or engaging in debates and discussions. These activities will help sharpen your analytical skills and enhance your ability to think critically about various subjects.

Time management is another crucial aspect of preparing for AP Capstone. The program can be demanding, with multiple assignments and deadlines to manage. To ensure you can handle the workload effectively, develop a study schedule that allows you to allocate time for each subject and task. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency, and practice meeting deadlines. By mastering time management skills, you will be able to stay organized and focused, maximizing your productivity and reducing stress.

Lastly, seeking support is vital when preparing for AP Capstone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers or classmates for assistance when needed. Consult your teachers for guidance and clarification on the material, participate in study groups to engage in collaborative learning, and seek online resources that can provide additional support and explanations. By seeking support, you can deepen your understanding of the material and address any doubts or difficulties you may encounter along the way.

Preparing for AP Capstone requires a combination of academic preparedness and mindset. By building a strong educational foundation, developing research skills, improving critical thinking abilities, enhancing time management skills, and seeking support, you will be better prepared to excel and make the most of this enriching academic experience.

AP Capstone is a challenging yet valuable program that offers students the opportunity to develop critical skills essential for future success. While the program may be demanding, the rewards and benefits it offers make it worth considering. By adequately preparing yourself academically and mentally, you can confidently take on AP Capstone and reap the rewards of this unique educational experience.

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AP Research

Learn all about the course and assessment. Already enrolled? Join your class in My AP.

Not a Student?

Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.

About the Course

In AP Research, you decide what to study. Curious about the impact of AI on society? You can make a project out of that. Are you passionate about social causes? Interested in climate change or mental health? You can research these, as well. In this course, you’ll learn about different research methods and will develop advanced research skills while researching a topic of your choice.

Skills You'll Learn

Conducting independent research

Analyzing sources and evidence

Applying context and perspective

Writing a college-level academic paper

Presenting research findings to an audience

Equivalency and Prerequisites

College course equivalent.

AP Research is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and academic research skills on a topic of the student’s choosing. To accommodate the wide range of student topics, typical college course equivalents include introductory research or general elective courses.

Recommended Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed the AP Seminar course.

Assessment Date

Wed, Apr 30, 2025

11:59 PM ET

AP Research Performance Task Due Date

Submit your AP Research performance task as final in the AP Digital Portfolio by this date.

Course Content

Big idea 1: question and explore.

You’ll learn about the first step of doing research: inquiry and investigation.

You’ll practice:

• Identifying a problem or issue and developing a question about it
• Finding and organizing the information you need to answer the question
• Evaluating the sources of information you use
• Looking at the problem or issue from different perspectives

Big Idea 2: Understand and Analyze

You’ll learn to read, comprehend, and explain a perspective or argument.

• Reading critically for a purpose
• Explaining and analyzing the line of reasoning of an argument
• Evaluating the evidence an author uses to support their argument
• Assessing potential resolutions, conclusions, or solutions raised by an argument

Big Idea 3: Evaluate Multiple Perspectives

You’ll learn to compare and contrast different perspectives on an issue, idea, or problem so you can understand its complexity.

• Identifying, comparing, and interpreting different perspectives on, or arguments about, an issue
• Evaluating objections, implications, and limitations of different perspectives or arguments

Big Idea 4: Synthesize Ideas

You’ll learn to take information you’ve gathered, analyzed, and evaluated and use it to form your own conclusions and build your own argument.

• Formulating a well-reasoned argument
• Using data and information from various sources to develop and support an argument
• Linking evidence to claims
• Offering resolutions, conclusions, or solutions based on evidence

Big Idea 5: Team, Transform, and Transmit

You’ll learn peer review practices and how to communicate your ideas to an audience.

• Planning, producing, and presenting an argument while considering audience, context, and purpose
• Communicating information through appropriate media
• Using effective techniques to engage an audience

Credit and Placement

Search AP Credit Policies

Find colleges that grant credit and/or placement for AP Exam scores in this and other AP courses.

Course Resources

Ap research course and exam description.

This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the assessment and the AP Program in general.

AP Daily Videos

Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos in AP Classroom. AP Daily videos cover every proficiency and skill outlined in the AP Research Course and Exam Description. Sign in to access them.

What Are Project Based AP Courses?

Learn how project based AP courses take you beyond the textbook and into a world of learning through hands-on exploration.

• Go to College Board Blog

More About Your Course

Participate in the ap capstone diploma program.

Learn more about the AP Capstone Diploma Program, and how you can participate. Taking AP Seminar and AP Research lets you study topics you love, learn key academic skills, and stand out to colleges.

AP Capstone Diploma Program Policies

Understand policies on plagiarism, participation, extended absence, and more for AP Seminar and AP Research students.

See Where AP Can Take You

AP Research can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors

Additional Information

The Assessment

AP Research

Guidance for artificial intelligence tools and other services, assessment overview.

In AP Research, students are assessed on the academic paper and presentation and oral defense of research. The academic paper is 4,000–5,000 words, and the presentation and defense take approximately 15–20 minutes.

Encourage your students to visit the  AP Research student page  for assessment information and practice.

Participate in the AP Capstone Diploma Program

To offer AP Research, schools must sign up to participate in AP Capstone , and teachers need to attend mandatory summer training. Visit the AP Capstone Diploma program page for more information.

Assessment Dates

Wed, Apr 30, 2025

11:59 PM ET

Deadline for Students to Submit AP Research Performance Tasks

Assessment format.

The AP Research assessment has consistent weighting and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect.

Guidance for Hosting Student Presentations

See the rules and guidelines  for hosting your students’ presentations whether your school is teaching remotely, in person, or in a hybrid setting.

Samples and Scoring Guidelines

Ap research past exam questions.

View sample responses and scoring guidelines for the through-course performance tasks from past years.

Score Reporting

Ap score reports for educators.

Access your score reports.

Online Programs

Ap® us history (intensive, ncaa approved).

• Advanced CTY-Level
• Session-Based
• History and Social Science

Analyze historic material, synthesize your own ideas, and develop skills to make conclusions on the basis of an informed understanding of history in this course that successfully prepares you for the AP U.S. History exam. You’ll master the ability to interpret documents while learning how to persuasively present your reasoning and evidence in an essay format.

Through synchronous virtual class meetings every other week and one-on-one review sessions you can schedule directly with your instructor, you’ll chart the course of U.S. history from the Constitution all the way down to challenges of the 21st century.

Time Commitment: 8-11 hours per week (1 hour of class time every other week, 8-10 hours of independent work).  

Course Overview

What we'll do

We’ll explore U.S. history through textbook readings, projects, directed online activities, and live sessions with an experienced instructor that emphasizes critical thinking and applications. We’ll learn to interpret historical documents, master a significant body of facts, and write critical essays and short-answer responses. Students will analyze historical facts material, synthesize their own ideas, and develop the skills to make conclusions based on a knowledgeable judgment. They will also learn how to present their reasoning and clear evidence persuasively in essay format.

What we’ll learn

• How to construct a response to a prompt concerning the rise and fall of the Equal Rights Amendment within the context of a forum, a three-part response to a short answer question set concerning British and Spanish slave systems within the context of a forum
• How to construct a three-part response to a short answer question set involving primary sources on pre-Revolution British/Colonial relations in North America, the Louisiana Purchase, the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, post-Civil War American industrialists, and the political alignment of FDR’s New Deal, within the context of a forum
• How to construct an essay using a secondary source concerning Henry Kissinger’s early appraisal of American involvement in Vietnam
• How to construct an essay in response to a document-based question prompt on American views of imperialism from 1898 to 1908; and post-World War II social movements through describing historical context, analyzing a set of primary documents and synthesizing the information into a thesis, analyzing multiple sources of evidence, both given and memorized, to support a thesis statement, and identifying and explaining at least three sources’ point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience
• How to construct an essay in response to a long essay question prompt about the American government's transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution; and the Jacksonian Democracy by describing historical context, synthesizing relevant historical evidence into a thesis, and analyzing memorized, multiple sources of evidence to support a thesis statement
• How to plan a written practice response to a document-based question prompt on British North American and Native American relations via an informational organizer
• How to plan a written practice response to a long essay question prompt on the social impact of Europeans and the social structures of Western Hemispheric peoples via an informational organizer

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Identify and explain historical developments and processes
• Analyze sourcing and context of primary and secondary sources
• Analyze arguments in primary and secondary sources
• Analyze the context of historical events, developments, or processes
• Use historical reasoning processes (comparison, causation, continuity and change) to analyze patterns and connections between and among historical developments and processes
• Develop an argument

How we'll measure learning

Instructors evaluate student work using rubrics and provide detailed constructive feedback on each assignment. This course is aligned to the College Board AP U.S. History course skills and contents.

This course is

Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY

This course is not open for enrollment at this time. Please check back later.

Testing and Prerequisites

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Course Prerequisites

1 prerequisite

Successful completion of a high school history course

Cost and Financial Aid

Application fee.

• Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
• Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for Academic Year 2023-2024 Online Programs (Courses with start dates July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). Our application for Academic Year 2024-2025 Online Programs is expected to open in January. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client , and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app . Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

Most course lectures may be viewed on mobile devices, but some assignments and quizzes must be completed on a desktop or laptop computer.

This course uses Respondus LockDown Browser proctoring software for designated assessments. LockDown Browser is a client application that is installed to a local computer. Visit the Respondus website for system requirements .

Terms & Conditions

Students may interact in online classrooms and meetings that include peers, instructors, and occasional special guests.

Courses may include videos from the web. Recommendations or links at the end of videos are provided by the video host and are not CTY recommendations. 

Virtual class meetings may be recorded for students to review.

After a you complete a course, your projects may be used to illustrate work for future students. 

You will need to create an account on a third-party site to access course resources.

About History and Social Science at CTY

Our online History and Social Science courses include the study of economics, U.S. history and government, world history, and psychology. Reading and writing are at the heart of all our offerings. Courses for older students cover material typically found in introductory college-level classes, while younger scholars enjoy studying world history and geography. All courses are guided by expert instructors who connect with you through virtual class meetings and interactive review workshops. Whichever course you choose, you’ll gain important insights into the inner workings of government, world civilizations, global culture, and the human mind.

Dig into World History and Geography

In the newly created Preparation for AP World History and Geography Eastern Hemisphere and Preparation for AP World History and Geography Western Hemisphere courses, students explore fascinating historical concepts of the past through historical analysis, engaging discussions, and dynamic live sessions. Students meet with their instructor and peers each week to investigate transformative world events and discuss their thoughts with one another. Taking these courses will help students prepare for the challenge of AP History courses.

Meet our History and Social Sciences Instructors

As an educator I believe that my job is to make learning easy. To that end, I always try to present the material in a way that is as easy for my students to understand as humanly possible. In doing so, students are inspired to want to learn because they see that effort gets results.

I enjoy building relationships with students, facilitating their learning, and helping them achieve a refined understanding of the complex world around us. Using a high energy, enthusiastic approach to learning allows me to deeply connect with my students while having lots of fun!

Alejandro Lozano

History and Social Sciences Instructor

Teaching AP World History: Modern , I'm frequently astonished at how natural it is for students from both the United States and across the world to meet and learn about a global subject from not just their instructor but, just as importantly, so many different student perspectives!

Tyler Meinhart