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Advanced Placement (AP) courses are rigorous, college-level classes offered in various subjects at high schools worldwide. These courses culminate in exams administered by the College Board, with students earning college credit or advanced placement in college based on their exam scores. AP courses are designed to challenge students academically, providing opportunities to delve deeply into subjects and demonstrate readiness for college-level coursework.



Understanding AP Capstone

What Is AP Capstone?
AP Capstone is an advanced diploma program within the AP framework. Unlike standalone AP courses, it imposes more rigorous requirements, including seminars and research. In typical AP courses, each subject is taken individually. However, AP Capstone integrates coursework with additional components such as seminars and research projects. Students who fulfill these requirements receive an AP Capstone diploma, distinct from regular AP credits, formally recognized on high school transcripts. Comparable to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, AP Capstone was introduced in 2014 as a diploma program under the AP umbrella.

 

Schools Offering AP Capstone

Not every school offers AP Capstone; currently, approximately 2,000 high schools worldwide include AP Capstone courses. To find schools offering this program, click here.

 

AP Seminar and AP Research

To complete AP Capstone, students must enroll in at least four AP Capstone courses, including AP Seminar and AP Research. These two specialized AP courses are integral to the program. Students must begin with AP Seminar before progressing to AP Research, and achieving scores of 3 or higher in both courses is necessary to earn the AP Capstone Diploma.
 

AP Seminar allows students to explore and investigate 2-4 chosen issues based on personal interests. Topics range across ethics, social sciences, sciences, and technology, encouraging students to define problems and present solutions. AP Research requires students to produce a research paper. From research design to conclusion, students gain practical experience in academic inquiry, ethics, and methodology, culminating in a 5,000-word paper and presentation.

 

The Popularity of AP Capstone

Students choose AP Capstone not merely to accumulate credits, but to present their distinct research findings. Universities prioritize candidates who exhibit independent problem discovery, definition, and resolution, beyond traditional academic excellence. Notably, outstanding research papers and awards from high school competitions bolster a student's credibility and appeal to college admissions committees.

In conclusion, AP Capstone empowers students to contribute to the global knowledge community by producing meaningful research, thus emphasizing practical experience over mere academic achievement.