AP Capstone Program

The AP Capstone Program is an innovative educational initiative designed by the College Board, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to expand access to higher education. This program is part of the broader Advanced Placement Program, which offers high school students the opportunity to undertake college-level coursework and exams.

Structure of the Program

The AP Capstone Program is a two-year sequence of courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses are designed to complement the subject-specific study in AP courses and provide students with an opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly practice of the core academic skills necessary for successful college completion.

AP Seminar

In the AP Seminar course, students explore real-world issues through a variety of lenses and synthesize information from multiple sources. They develop their own perspectives in written essays and design and deliver oral and visual presentations both individually and as part of a team. This course is designed to equip students with the critical thinking and research skills needed for success in college and beyond.

AP Research

The AP Research course builds on the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by allowing students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research project, which culminates in a 4,000-5,000 word academic paper and a presentation with an oral defense. This course empowers students to conduct independent research and fosters skills in scholarly writing, project planning, and presentation.

Diploma and Recognition

Students who complete both the AP Seminar and AP Research courses and earn scores of 3 or higher on each, as well as on four additional AP exams of their choosing, receive the AP Capstone Diploma. This prestigious diploma is recognized as evidence of a student's achievement and readiness for college-level work. Alternatively, students who earn scores of 3 or higher on just the AP Seminar and AP Research exams receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Impact and Reach

Since its inception, the AP Capstone Program has been adopted by numerous high schools across the United States and internationally. Schools such as Western Guilford High School in North Carolina and Mead High School in Colorado have incorporated the program into their curricula, offering students a unique opportunity to hone their research and analytical skills.