The AP Capstone Diploma is an innovative diploma program offered by the College Board, the same organization that administers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. The program is designed to enhance students’ critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills, providing them with a rigorous academic experience that prepares them for college and beyond.
To pursue the AP Capstone Diploma program, students begin by taking the foundational course, AP Seminar, which is typically offered in the 10th or 11th grade. This course focuses on developing students’ abilities to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives, evaluate and analyze information, and present persuasive arguments. Students engage in collaborative team projects and deliver individual presentations.
After completing AP Seminar, students can continue their AP Capstone Diploma journey by taking AP Research, the second course in the program. AP Research allows students to delve into an academic research project of their choice, under the guidance of a mentor. Students learn research methodology, gather and analyze data, and ultimately produce a research paper or create a project showcasing their findings.
To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must complete
Alternatively, students can earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by completing only those two courses (with scores of 3 or higher), even if they do not complete the additional four AP courses and exams.
Only 14,108 of the more than 15 million high school students in the United States earned the AP Capstone Diploma in 2022. Thus, completing the AP Capstone Diploma is a mark of distinction achieved by a very small percentage of high school students in the country.
High School Students Benefit by Completing the AP Capstone Diploma
College Readiness – The program offers a college-level academic experience that prepares students for the demands of higher education. They develop skills such as critical thinking, research, analysis, and effective communication, which are highly valued in college.
Interdisciplinary Approach – The AP Capstone program encourages students to approach topics from multiple disciplinary perspectives. This fosters a well-rounded understanding of complex issues and helps students develop a broader worldview.
Research Skills – AP Research provides students with invaluable research skills that are essential in college and beyond. Students learn how to formulate research questions, gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate their findings effectively.
Collaboration and Presentation Skills – Through collaborative projects and presentations, students enhance their teamwork and communication skills. They learn how to work effectively in groups, share responsibilities, and present their ideas in a clear and compelling manner.
Stand out in College Admissions – Pursuing the AP Capstone program demonstrates a commitment to academic rigor and intellectual growth. It can differentiate students in the college admissions process, showing their willingness to take on challenging coursework and go above and beyond the standard curriculum.
College Credit and Placement – Depending on the college or university, successful completion of AP Capstone courses and exams can lead to college credit or advanced placement. This can save students time and money by allowing them to skip introductory-level courses in college.
The following is a partial list of colleges that offer credit for AP Seminar and/or AP Research:
Bucknell University
Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo
Davidson College
Haverford College (AP Seminar only)
MIT
Occidental College
Penn State
Purdue University
Rutgers University
State University of New York
Texas A&M University
University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
University of Southern California (USC) (AP Seminar only)
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Virginia Commonwealth University
View a complete list of colleges that offer credit for AP Seminar and AP Research.
In the United States, only approximately 2,000 of the more than 20,000 high schools in the country offer the AP Capstone Diploma.
High school students who attend schools that do not offer AP Seminar and AP Research can take these courses and complete the AP Capstone Diploma at Elite Open School, a WASC-accredited private school.
Registration for AP Seminar and AP Research at Elite Open School ends on Friday, September 6. Contact your local Elite Prep branch office for more information.