What Is the AP Capstone Program?

Key Takeaways

• AP Capstone is a two-year course that is designed to develop skills in research, analysis, writing and presentation

• It is particularly popular and respected in the US and Canada but is growing in popularity in Europe, Asia and with universities around the world

• Depending on how many courses are completed, students can earn either the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate

• Although rigorous and time-intensive, the AP Capstone Program prepares students for a wide variety of academic disciplines at university level and can help give the edge in competitive college admissions

Why the AP Capstone Program Matters

Like many other advanced study qualifications, such as A-Levels, AP or IB, the AP Capstone Program enables students to demonstrate and prove their academic ability and suitability for higher education. 

However, the AP Capstone Program also offers something the others might not. It teaches the skills of real-world problem solving, independent thinking and evidence-based skills that can be applied and utilised in a whole host of university subjects.

But its versatility could also be perceived as its weakness. This brief guide will give you a breakdown of the benefits and challenges of the AP Capstone Program so you can decide if it is the right course for you.

Overview: What Is the AP Capstone Program?

Developed by the College Board (opens in a new tab) (the same organization that runs the SAT and Advanced Placement exams), the AP Capstone Program is an advanced diploma pathway.

It was designed and created to prepare students for the demands of university study; namely independent research and critical thinking. It is particularly popular amongst students who attend international schools due to its close ties with the AP curriculum and other high-level programs.

The program has two core courses: 

1. AP Seminar

2. AP Research

Through completion of the courses, students will be equipped with questioning, analytical and communication skills. These can prove invaluable in any number of university disciplines or occupations beyond that. 

The Two Core Courses: AP Seminar and AP Research

What Is AP Seminar?

This teaches students how to explore and evaluate complex issues from multiple perspectives. Its key elements are research, collaboration and communication.

What you might do:

• Work in teams to research and present solutions to contemporary issues or problems

• Write an extended, individually-researched essay and then present your arguments orally

• Complete an end-of-course exam to assess your ability to both analyse and synthesise information

By completing the AP Seminar course, you will develop skills in critical reading, evidence-based reasoning, collaboration and public speaking.

What Is AP Research?

Once the AP Seminar course has been completed, students progress on to AP Research. This is closer in nature to the type of study commonly required on university courses; namely independent research and the completion of an extended essay. 

Students are required to identify a suitable topic, design a research question and conduct an original investigation, all under the tutelage of a mentor.

Unlike the AP Seminar course, there is no final, written exam. Instead, students are graded on:

• A 4,000 to 5,000 word extended essay

• An oral presentation and defence of the arguments put forward in the essay

There is a large degree of discretion when it comes to the focus of the research. Projects could explore topics such as:

• The impact of sleep deprivation on student performance

• The impact of cultural influences on global music trends

• The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in improving mental health and reducing stress in teenagers

Earning the AP Capstone Diploma vs. Certificate

Whether students earn an AP Capstone Diploma or an AP Seminar and Research Certificate depends on whether they complete additional AP modules.

• AP Capstone Diploma: Awarded to students who score 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research plus four other additional AP exams

• AP Seminar and Research Certificate: Awarded to students who score 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research but do not take any extra additional AP exams

Both the AP Capstone Diploma and the AP Seminar and Research Certificate provide evidence of a high level of academic achievement and are valued by colleges and employers, but the Diploma demonstrates mastery over a broader academic area.

Key Benefits of AP Capstone

• Globally Recognised: In an increasingly interconnected world, AP courses are increasingly valued because they are recognised by universities internationally. Furthermore, the AP Capstone program provides evidence that a student has already proven their ability to work independently.

• Preparation for University Life: Planning, researching, writing and debating complex issues are core elements of both the AP Capstone program and studying at university

• Transferable Skills: Analytical thinking, public speaking, collaboration and the ability to work independently are crucial skills right across academia and beyond. They are also invaluable skills in management positions, the creative industries and ideal preparation for a life of entrepreneurship. 

• Stronger College Applications: The AP Capstone can help your application stand out in even the most competitive admissions process and regardless of where in the world the university is.

Is the AP Capstone Program Worth It?

As with any academic qualification, the answer to this depends on your personal goals.

Pros

• Equips you with invaluable skills to help you to succeed at university

• Respected by universities around the world

• Enhances college applications

Cons

• Both AP Seminar and AP Research have long-term workload implications

• Balancing the demands of the AP Capstone programme with other courses can be challenging

• Not all international schools are authorised to offer the AP Capstone program, so availability can be an issue

• Independent study requires students to be self-motivated and organised if they are to succeed

How to Get Into the AP Capstone Program

First, you need to be enrolled in a school that is authorised to offer AP Capstone.

Entry requirements for the program vary from school to school, but most expect:

• Strong academic performance; particularly in the subjects that require research and extended writing, such as English and the humanities

• Proven motivation and the self-discipline to undertake independent learning

If your current school doesn’t offer AP Capstone, you could consider online AP course providers that have been accredited by the College Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Schools Offer the AP Capstone Program?

No. Only schools that have been approved by the College Board can offer it. The program is growing quickly however, particularly in international schools in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Can I Take AP Capstone Courses Without Doing the Full Diploma?

Yes. It is possible to take the AP Seminar course as a stand-alone. Or you could complete both AP Seminar and AP Research together to earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Is AP Capstone Considered an Honors Course?

Yes. AP Capstone courses are of a university level in terms of difficulty and are often recognised as honors or advanced credit courses by universities.

How Do Colleges View AP Capstone?

Extremely positively. It provides evidence of a students’ experience and ability to undertake independent research and to present those findings in both a written and oral format. These are skills that admissions officers are very much looking for. 

Final Thoughts

AP Capstone is a challenging course that requires students to think critically, write persuasively and research independently. 

This is quite distinct from the memorization required by standard exams, and explains why it is so highly valued by admissions officers.

It places long-term demands on its students and requires them to be self-motivated and able to work independently. But it can prove to be the perfect preparation and launchpad for life in higher education. 

References

 A-Levels

AP 

IB

College Board (opens in a new tab)