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.
TNIS students showcased their dedication and enthusiasm as volunteers at the EducationUSA Fall Fair 2024, the largest U.S. higher education fair in Vietnam.
In celebration of the patriotic spirit spreading across Vietnam and to make Math, Art, and History more engaging, young TNISers recently participated in an educational field trip to the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel.
Yagi Storm, the strongest storm to hit the East Sea in the past 30 years, has caused devastating damage to many communities in the northern provinces.
This year, True North International School (TNIS) brought a day of excitement and meaning to its students in celebration of the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival.
True North International School (TNIS) proudly announces the results of the Student Government Organization (SGO) elections for the 2024-2025 academic year. This election has truly showcased the determination, courage, and creativity of our students—those who have tirelessly worked to bring positive change to the TNIS student community.
True North International School is pleased to introduce to parents the TNIS FUTURE INNOVATORS Scholarship Program - Nurturing future creative talents!
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States created by the College Board. AP offers undergraduate university-level curricula and examinations to high school students. Colleges and universities in the US and around the world may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain qualifying scores on AP examinations.
The AP (Advanced Placement) program is a set of advanced courses with a difficulty level equivalent to first-year university level, designed for high school students. This program allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. AP courses and exams are widely offered in high schools and universities across the United States and are recognized by many universities worldwide.
Over the past few years we have tracked shifting policy language surrounding the use of AP scores in the college admissions process. We will continue to track these policies moving forward as we expect the role of AP scores in admissions to continue to evolve.