AP CAPSTONE
AP Capstone is a college-level program based on two courses—AP Seminar and AP Research. AP Capstone provides students with an opportunity to engage in challenging scholarly practice of the core academic skills necessary for successful college completion, such as the ability to think independently, write effectively, research, collaborate, and learn across disciplines.
AP Seminar
AP Seminar is the first course in the AP Capstone experience. It is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using the inquiry framework, students practice: reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.This course has an AP test fee.
AP Research
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. This course has an AP test fee.
AP Seminar & Research Certificate
Students who successfully complete both AP Seminar and AP Research and score a 3 or higher on the AP Exams will receive the AP Research and AP Seminar Certificate from the College Board.
AP Seminar (Year 1)
Team Project & Presentation
Individual Research-Based Essay & Presentation
End-of-Course Exam
AP Research (Year 2)
Academic Paper
Presentation & Oral Defense
AP Capstone Diploma
Students who successfully complete both AP Seminar and AP Research and score a 3 or higher on those AP exams and four other AP Exams at any point throughout high school will receive the AP Capstone Diploma from the College Board.
AP Seminar
AP Research
Plus 4 AP Courses & Exams (taken at any point throughout high school)
*A score of 3 or higher on all AP exams is required to earn these distinctions
Student and Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
IN GRADES
THE STUDENT SHOULD…
THE PARENT/GUARDIAN SHOULD…
7 and 8
◾ Develop good study habits.
◾ Establish good basic skills in reading, math, science and writing.
◾ Get involved in school and community activities.
◾ Start exploring careers and talking with your parents about goals.
◾ Make contact with your school counselor in order to plan your high school program to meet your goals.
◾ Continue your savings plan.
◾ Visit local colleges whenever possible and find out about recommended preparation and financial aid programs.
◾ Get to know your child’s teachers.
◾ Visit with your child’s school counselor.
◾ Inquire about Permanent Resident status if your child is not a U.S. citizen.
◾ Verify Course Registration.
9 and 10
◾ Try taking a challenging course related to your goals.
◾ Become active in academic, extra-curricular, and/or community activities.
◾ Learn about school services that can help you with academic and personal problems.
◾ Learn about the types of colleges available.
◾ Talk with your parents, teachers, and school counselor about your interests and hopes.
◾ Learn about money. Start saving from part-time and summer jobs.
◾ Keep exploring career options.
◾ Talk with college students and people in the workforce.
◾ Write or call for college catalogs and brochures.
◾ Visit college campuses.
◾ Check to make sure the classes you are taking help you achieve your goals.
◾ Continue your savings plan.
◾ Provide some guidelines on studying at home and/or encourage your child to take advantage of study help options at school.
◾ Attend parent meetings and/or meet your child’s teachers and school counselor.
◾ Encourage your child to attend college entrance exam prep classes and after school tutoring sessions.
◾ Visit colleges with your child.
◾ Look carefully through the high school course offerings to make sure your child is aware of all the classes available that might help achieve his/her goals.
◾ Inquire about Permanent Resident status if your child is not a U.S. citizen.
◾ Verify course Registration.
11
◾ Keep your grades up. Get help if you need it.
◾ Continue to take college prep courses.
◾ Keep active in a school or community activity.
◾ Apply to take the general college entrance exams.
◾ Investigate colleges regarding your interests, courses, support programs, and financial aid.
◾ Start narrowing down the number of schools you are seriously considering. Visit them if possible.
◾ Continue to explore career interests and discuss them with your parents, teachers, and school counselor.
◾ Continue your savings plan.
◾ Visit colleges with your child and speak with financial aid and admissions officers.
◾ Attend parent activities sponsored by your child’s school.
◾ Attend parent activities sponsored by local colleges.
◾ Encourage your child to attend college entrance exam preparation classes and after-school tutoring sessions.
◾ Help your child set up a job-shadowing experience through the high school.
◾ Help your child gather realistic career information about the areas he/she is interested in.
◾ Inquire about Permanent Resident status if your child is not a U.S. citizen.
◾ Verify course registration.
12
◾ Make a final choice of three to five post-secondary options that meet your needs and interests.
◾ Visit your top school choices and talk with admissions, financial aid and placement officers.
◾ Apply to colleges on time.
◾ Complete the FAFSA and apply for all financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
◾ Continue your savings plan.
◾ Do NOT take it easy your senior year. Take challenging courses that help you reach your goal.
◾ Continue to participate in school and community activities.
◾ Talk with your school counselor and parents about your graduation plan and after graduation goals.
◾ Select your “next step.”
◾ Graduate!
◾ Continue your savings plan.
◾ Visit colleges with your child and obtain applications for admission and financial aid.
◾ Attend financial aid workshops sponsored by your high school or local colleges.
◾ Complete the FAFSA and seek financial aid and scholarship assistance.
◾ Review any financial aid packages offered by colleges, talk with the schools, and understand the schools’ responsibilities and your own.
◾ Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and school counselor.
◾ Encourage your child to attend college entrance exam prep classes and after school tutoring sessions.
◾ Encourage your child to continue to take a strong academic schedule.
◾ Verify course registration.