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Have you heard of AP Capstone? Initially offered in just 17 high schools worldwide, the AP Capstone program has now expanded to over 1,100 schools. Much like the AP program, AP Capstone is an advanced high school curriculum provided by the College Board.


 

AP Capstone Program

What Is AP Capstone Program?
Students who successfully complete the program and earn scores of 3 or higher on at least four additional AP exams can receive either the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Here’s a closer look at the two components of the AP Capstone program: AP Seminar and AP Research.

 

About AP Seminar

AP Seminar is an introductory course typically taken in 10th or 11th grade. It aims to develop critical thinking skills and prepare students for college-level work.
 


 

Assessments in AP Seminar

1. First Task: Students work in teams of 2 to 4 to create a multimedia presentation based on individual research reports. 

   - Team Formation: Students choose a topic, and each member researches a specific aspect of the topic. 

   - Individual Research Report: Each student writes a research report of 1080 to 1320 words based on their findings.

   - Team Presentation: Students combine their research and deliver an 8-10 minute presentation.

   - Oral Defense: Following the presentation, each team member answers a question related to their presentation in an oral defense.

 

2. Second Task: Students write an argumentative essay of 1800-2200 words based on both provided materials and external research.

   - Individual Written Argument: Students develop a written argument supported by evidence.

   - Individual Multimedia Presentation: Students create a presentation summarizing their argument and deliver a 6-8 minute presentation.

   - Oral Defense: Students respond to questions from the teacher to defend their presentation.

3. Final Written Exam: Administered during the AP exam period in May (exam fee: $142). The exam has two sections:

   - Section One: Evaluate provided articles’ main arguments, reasoning, and evidence.

   - Section Two: Write an argumentative essay based on four provided materials.

   ※ The exam lasts 2 hours. Achieving a score of 3 or higher is required to pass.



 

About AP Research

AP Research is the follow-up course for students who have completed AP Seminar and is typically taken in 11th or 12th grade. In this course, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research project on a topic of their choice.



 

Assessments in AP Research

   - Research Paper: Students produce a 5,000-word academic paper.

   - Presentation and Oral Defense: Students present their research findings and participate in an oral defense.

AP Research empowers students to undertake autonomous research projects, developing research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This course enhances skills in research methodology, data analysis, citation, and logical reasoning. Students who score 3 or higher in AP Research are eligible for AP certification.

 

AP Capstone Passing Rates

Below is a table from College Board detailing the passing rates for AP Capstone: