AP Capstone

This article is part of the Advanced Placement series.

General exam structure    •    Awards

Current subjects:

Art History Biology Calculus (AB & BC) Chemistry Chinese Language and Culture Comparative Government & Politics Computer Science A Computer Science Principles English Language & Composition English Literature & Composition Environmental Science European History French Language German Language Human Geography Italian Language and Culture Japanese Language and Culture Latin Macroeconomics Microeconomics Music Theory Physics 1: Algebra-based Physics 2: Algebra-based Physics C: Mechanics Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Psychology Research (Second part of AP Capstone program) Seminar (First part of AP Capstone program) Spanish Language Spanish Literature Statistics Studio Art (2-D, 3-D, & Drawing) U.S. History U.S. Government & Politics World History

In development:

Russian Language and Culture

Former subjects:

Computer Science AB French Literature German Literature Latin: Vergil Latin Literature Physics B

AP Capstone is a new pilot program developed by the College Board. It consists of a two-year high school program and two new courses: the AP Seminar and the AP Research courses. Students who successfully complete the program and obtain scores of 3 or higher on at least four other AP exams receive either an AP Capstone Diploma or an AP Capstone Certificate.

The pilot predecessor to the current AP Capstone program, the AP|Cambridge Capstone Program, was initially offered in 17 high schools worldwide. With the launch of the full AP Capstone by the College Board in fall 2014, the program has expanded to now being offered in 136 schools. Over 100 colleges and universities support the AP Capstone program.

The AP Seminar is a foundation course typically taken in Grade 11, though it may also be taken by students in Grade 10. The AP Seminar provides students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and prepare for university. It is based on three main components: a team project and presentation, a research-based essay and presentation, and a written exam. Students explore real-world issues such as innovation, sustainability and technology. Students must receive a score of 3 or higher in the course to continue. The final exam for this course consists of three components, a group research paper and presentation, an individual research paper and presentation, and a final writing exam.

The AP Research course is typically taken in Grade 12. Students design, plan and conduct a year-long research-based investigation on a personally-chosen subject. The assessment culminates with a 5,000-word academic thesis paper, as well as a public presentation. Students must obtain a final score of 3 or higher to be able to receive AP certification.

In addition to completing the AP Seminar and AP Research courses, students also take at least four other AP courses of their choice. Upon receiving at least a score of 3 on all four exams and getting at least a score of three on the AP Seminar and AP Research courses, they will receive an AP Capstone Diploma upon graduation. If students do not score 3 or higher on all exams, they will not receive the AP Capstone Certificate.

The AP Capstone program's recent implementation has left it often unrecognized by a multitude of colleges and universities. The program looks to expand further and reach out to the colleges and universities to expand the recognition of the program for college-bound students.

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