What is the AP Capstone Diploma?

The AP Capstone Diploma is a rigorous two-year program offered by the College Board that challenges students to engage in independent research, collaborate effectively, and communicate their findings persuasively. This program culminates in the completion of two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.

AP Seminar

AP Seminar is a foundational course that introduces students to the art of academic discourse and critical thinking. Through engaging discussions and collaborative projects, students learn to:

• Investigate issues and problems from multiple perspectives
• Analyze arguments and evaluate evidence
• Synthesize information from various sources
• Work independently and collaboratively to convey their ideas

AP Research

AP Research empowers students to delve into a topic of personal interest and conduct in-depth research. Students will design, plan, and execute a year-long investigation to address a research question. During this process, students will refine the skills acquired in AP Seminar by:

• Learning research methodologies
• Applying ethical research practices
• Accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information
• Reflecting on their skill development, documenting their process, and organizing their research products into a comprehensive portfolio and reflective essay

Key Differentiators

Unlike traditional subject-specific AP courses, AP Seminar and AP Research focus on developing transferable skills that are essential for success in higher education and beyond. Students who complete this two-year program earn one of two distinct AP Capstone awards, which are highly valued by colleges and universities worldwide.

Benefits of AP Capstone

For Students:

• Stand out in college applications: AP Capstone demonstrates a student's commitment to academic excellence and independent learning.
• Develop essential academic skills: The program cultivates critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration skills that are crucial for success in any field of study.
• Become confident and independent learners: Students gain the ability to tackle complex problems, conduct in-depth research, and articulate their findings effectively.
• Earn potential college credit: Many universities recognize and award credit for qualifying AP Capstone scores.

For School Leaders and Teachers:

• Introduce a rigorous and innovative academic program: AP Capstone enhances a school's academic profile and provides students with a challenging and rewarding learning experience.
• Implement a flexible student-centered curriculum: The program's emphasis on independent research and student choice allows for creativity and personalized learning.
• Access professional development and collaboration opportunities: The College Board offers extensive support and training for AP Capstone educators.

Supporting College Readiness

AP Capstone serves as a powerful indicator of college readiness on a student's transcript and helps them stand out in the college admissions process. Research shows that students who participate in AP Capstone courses are more likely to persist in college and achieve higher first-year GPAs.

For more information about the Advanced Placement (AP) program at TNIS, please contact us.