AP Capstone is a program for dedicated scholars committed to furthering their research skills, ingenuity, and critical thinking abilities for college and career. 

Offered by the College Board, the AP Capstone Diploma requires students to take both AP Seminar and AP Research, earning a 3 or higher on both exams along with earning a 3 or higher on four additional AP exams. 

Through this program, students can continue to develop their research and writing skills, preparing students for college level classes. Instead of memorization, AP Capstone places an emphasis on enhancing critical thinking, focusing on skill level rather than subject-specific content. 

According to the College Board, “these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting.”

Many colleges view this program with immense prestige, respecting the dedication and hard work students put into their educational journey to further their real world problem solving skills. 

For sophomores, AP Seminar, one of the required courses counts as an English course. For juniors or seniors, AP research counts as an elective credit. 

AP Seminar focuses on building students’ communication and analytical skills through various projects, presentations, essays. The exam consists of a Team Research Project and Presentation, worked on both independently and with a group throughout the year, submitted digitally. During the exam taken in May, students will be tasked with writing both short answer and longer response essay questions. 

From AP Seminar, students will be able to form real world issues into questions that they can pursue and form opinions on. Students will learn how to form defendable arguments that are evidence driven, working both independently and collaboratively with other students.

In AP Research, students choose a topic they are passionate about, identify a gap in that research process and administer research culminating in a year-long research study. The class culminates in a 4000-5000 word paper, along with a presentation, and oral argument. Students dive deep into subjects they’re passionate about, learning to become further educated on world issues.  

Along with the required two courses, students can choose a variety of AP courses to take additionally to fulfill the diploma requirement. 

To learn more about AP Capstone, visit your counselor in the guidance office.