AP Capstone Diploma Program – AP Central (2024)

What Is AP Capstone?

AP Capstone™ is a diploma program from College Board based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.

Why It's Different

Rather than teaching subject-specific content, these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards, which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.

AP Capstone Diploma Program – AP Central (2024)

FAQs

Do you get a diploma for AP Capstone? ›

The AP Capstone Diploma is granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on 4 additional AP Exams of their choosing. The AP Seminar and Research Certificate is granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research.

Do colleges like the AP Capstone diploma? ›

Find Colleges and Universities That Grant Credit for AP Seminar and AP Research. The AP Capstone Diploma is increasingly recognized in admissions by higher education institutions around the world. Many colleges and universities offer credit and/or placement for a qualifying score in AP Seminar, AP Research, or both.

How valuable is the AP Capstone diploma? ›

Participating in AP Capstone Can Help Students:

Stand out to colleges in the application process. Develop key academic skills they'll use in other classes, college, and beyond. Become self-confident, independent thinkers and problem solvers. Earn college credit: Many colleges offer credit for qualifying scores.

How many people get AP Capstone diploma? ›

The program has reached a milestone of over 100,000 students participating during the 2022-23 academic year, representing over 2,500 schools worldwide. Approximately 15,800 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 9,600 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

How hard is AP Capstone? ›

There are three AP Capstone difficulty levels: easy, medium, and hard. Easy AP Capstone tasks are those that don't require a lot of effort. Medium AP Capstone tasks may require more insight but still don't require a great deal of knowledge. Hard AP Capstone tasks may require some serious thinking and concentration.

What does the AP Capstone diploma mean? ›

An AP Capstone award signifies to college admission officers that the applicant has the skills, experience, and passion for sustained success in higher education. Colleges recognize AP Capstone students can masterfully: Build evidence-based arguments. Apply research methods.

Why is AP Capstone more expensive? ›

Having taken both exams, they cost more because AP Seminar and Research require evaluators to look at papers. AP Seminar consists of two papers one with a group and another with individual research. Each paper a little more or less 10 pages. To get someone evaluate this paper according to runbric takes more money.

Does Harvard care about AP Capstone? ›

If you want to take the class, take the class. But Harvard, and colleges at that level, will not care if you take the class or not. Again, this is in the context of Ivy League Admissions- what would you recommend dropping? AP Capstone.

Is AP Capstone better than IB? ›

Global Recognition: The IB Program enjoys broader global recognition compared to the AP® Capstone program, and is recognized by universities worldwide. While the AP® Capstone program is more familiar to US universities, the IB program is ideal for students aspiring to study outside the US.

How many schools offer AP Capstone? ›

More than 2,000 high schools are approved to offer the AP Capstone Diploma program. Use this search to find participating schools near your city, district, state, or country. If your high school is interested in participating in the AP Capstone Diploma program, apply now .

Is AP Capstone recognized nationally? ›

Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards, which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.

How many years is AP Capstone? ›

AP Capstone (properly the Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma Program) is a 2-year program developed by the College Board, which consists of two courses: the AP Seminar and AP Research.

What are the benefits of the AP Capstone diploma? ›

Benefits of AP Capstone
  • Fosters the research, argumentation, and communication skills that are at the core of college readiness and essential for lifelong learning.
  • Provides a setting to build on the knowledge and rigorous course work of AP in an interdisciplinary format.

How much does it cost to take AP Capstone? ›

If a student is participating in the AP Capstone program, the AP Seminar and AP Research exams cost $146 each. The fee does not increase for tests taken outside the US.

What grade can you take AP Capstone? ›

High school students pursuing the Capstone diploma will first take the AP Seminar class in 10th or 11th grade. This course incorporates both team and individual-based aspects, including presentations and projects on subjects of the student's choosing.

What does a student earn after completion of AP Capstone? ›

The students who are awarded the AP Capstone diploma are dedicated, independent, and effective communicators. The diploma is awarded upon completion and passing of the two Capstone courses as well as passing four other AP courses.

Is there a diploma for AP? ›

The AP International Diploma (APID) is a globally recognized certificate awarded to students who display exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines. The award certifies academic excellence to colleges and universities all over the world. (But it's not a substitute for a high school diploma.)

Is AP Capstone or IB diploma better? ›

AP is still accepted at most colleges and universities, as well. Both programs offer opportunities for students to receive post-secondary credits once enrolled at a college or university. The IB program is more widely accepted in countries outside the United States, especially in Europe.

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