Assessment Overview

The primary difference between AP Capstone courses (Seminar and Research) and traditional AP courses (such as AP Literature or AP History) is that the Capstone courses are assessed using performance tasks.  College Board defines performance tasks as yearlong, project-based assessments where students investigate real-world topics, build original arguments, and demonstrate research, collaboration, and communication skills through papers, multimedia presentations, and oral defenses. These tasks make up 55% of a student's final AP Seminar score.  

Teacher Feedback:  As the College Board would not allow the teacher to answer questions during a traditional exam, teachers are limited in the feedback they provide during the official performance task process.  Below is the College Board policy regarding what teachers can and cannot do during the formal performance task process.  

For the 2026-2027 school year, the performance task period will be from January 4, 2027 to April 30, 2027.