I can't decide if I should take AP Seminar or AP Lang next year. What are the main differences in topics and workload? Which one would you guys recommend if I'm interested in improving my writing skills and critical thinking?
3 months ago
AP Seminar and AP Language and Composition (AP Lang) are both great classes for improving your writing skills and critical thinking abilities. However, they do have key differences in focus and structure.
AP Seminar is part of the two-year AP Capstone program, which emphasizes research skills and collaboration. The course involves exploring complex, real-world issues, translating research findings into presentations, and developing solutions. In AP Seminar, you'll work on team projects, individual research papers, and multimedia presentations. While writing is a component of the class, the emphasis is on research skills, teamwork, and communication.
On the other hand, AP Language and Composition (AP Lang) is primarily focused on the craft of writing, rhetorical analysis, and persuasive writing. In AP Lang, you'll read and analyze non-fiction texts, examine how writers use language and rhetorical devices to communicate their ideas, and practice writing in various styles. The course revolves around writing essays, including synthesis, argumentative, and rhetorical analysis essays.
When it comes to workload, both courses can be demanding, depending on your writing abilities, time management, and the teacher's expectations. AP Lang might have more regular writing assignments, whereas AP Seminar projects involve more collaborative work and research.
If your main goal is to improve your writing skills and critical thinking, AP Lang might be the better fit for you, as it directly focuses on analyzing and crafting effective essays and arguments. That being said, if you're interested in developing research skills and working on collaborative projects, AP Seminar could be a valuable and challenging experience.
Ultimately, it comes down to your academic interests and learning preferences. If possible, talk to current students or teachers in both classes to gain more insight into the expectations and experiences of each course. Good luck with your decision!
3 months ago
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AP Seminar and AP Language and Composition (AP Lang) are both great classes for improving your writing skills and critical thinking abilities. However, they do have key differences in focus and structure. AP Seminar is part of the two-year AP Capstone program, which emphasizes research skills and collaboration.
Do colleges like to see AP Seminar? ›
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.
Is AP Seminar worth taking? ›
Even if you don't go on to earn the AP Capstone Diploma, you will learn highly valuable critical—thinking and research skills in AP Seminar. Students who take it might place out of introductory college courses or earn college credits. AP Seminar can also help you avoid academic shock when you get to college.
Do colleges like to see AP Lang? ›
In summary, while your AP Language and Composition score won't have a major impact on your college admissions, it's still a good idea to report it if it's a strong score. Focus on continuing to challenge yourself academically in other courses and showcasing your strengths and interests through your application.
Is AP Seminar the easiest AP? ›
AP Seminar is considered moderate difficulty, with class alumnae rating it 5.0/10 for overall difficulty (the 17th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is much higher than other AP classes, with 88% graduating with a 3 or higher.
Does AP Seminar boost your GPA? ›
Because Advanced Placement classes are typically graded on a weighted scale, students can receive a higher GPA. Instead of being graded on a scale of 1 to 4, students are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing an A.
Is AP Seminar hard or easy? ›
Some students may find AP Seminar less difficult compared to other AP classes because the workload might be more manageable. However, others might find it challenging due to the emphasis on writing, collaboration, and public speaking. It mainly depends on your aptitudes and confidence in these areas.
Is AP Seminar a real AP? ›
AP Seminar and AP Research are part of the Advanced Placement Capstone program. Similar to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the AP Capstone program makes it possible for motivated high school students to earn an advanced diploma.
Does Harvard accept AP Lang? ›
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pick out your classes at Harvard: Harvard only accepts AP® scores of 5 for course credit. If you have 4 scores of 5, you can opt to obtain Advanced Standing. You can use AP® credits to opt-out of lower-level classes.
Why is AP Lang so popular? ›
The ability to write well is a skill that you'll draw upon for the rest of your life, no matter what career you decide to take. So many college students point back to their AP® English Language and Composition course in high school as the moment they learned to write at the college level.
Students typically take AP Seminar in grade 10 or 11, followed by AP Research. Each course is yearlong, and AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research.
What is the point of AP Seminar? ›
AP Seminar is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and academic research skills on topics of the student's choosing. To accommodate the wide range of student topics, typical college course equivalents include interdisciplinary or general elective courses.
Is AP Seminar hard in high school? ›
According to a survey,the difficulty level of AP seminars is 5 out of 10. It is moderately difficult. The course has a higher pass rate than any AP class. In 2022, 88% of the students passed, with a 3 or higher score.
Is a 3 on AP Seminar good? ›
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.
Should I take AP Research after AP Seminar? ›
Should You Take AP Research? First of all, you can only take AP Research if you take AP Seminar beforehand. Make sure you plan out your classes carefully if you want to end up in this class! If you are looking to earn the AP Research and Seminar Certificate or the AP Capstone Diploma, you will need to take this class.
