Hey guys, I'm trying to plan out my junior year schedule and I'm torn between AP Seminar and AP Research. Do colleges see one as more rigorous than the other, or do they value them both equally? Also, how different are the skills you learn and would one be better than the other depending on what I want to major in?
4 months ago
It's a common question to weigh the benefits of AP Seminar versus AP Research. Colleges typically view both AP Seminar and AP Research courses as equally rigorous, and both can demonstrate your willingness to take on challenging coursework. So, the decision is more about which one you feel will set you up better for academic success down the road, given your goals and priorities.
In terms of skill development, AP Seminar tends to focus on team projects, individual research, and developing critical thinking, analysis, and argumentation skills through a variety of media and written works. On the other hand, AP Research allows you to design, execute, and present a year-long research project on a topic of your choice.
Your decision definitely might be influenced by your intended major. If you're leaning towards a major that requires a lot of independent research and methodology, whether in the sciences (like biology) or humanities (like history), AP Research might be particularly beneficial. Conversely, if your potential major involves collaborative analysis and communication, like in business or communications, the skills from AP Seminar could be advantageous.
Consider where your interests lie and how these two courses align with them. You might also discuss your goals for college with the teacher of each one, to hear their expert opinion on how well their class aligns with those goals.
Best of luck with your decision!
4 months ago
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Colleges typically view both AP Seminar and AP Research courses as equally rigorous, and both can demonstrate your willingness to take on challenging coursework. So, the decision is more about which one you feel will set you up better for academic success down the road, given your goals and priorities.
Do colleges like 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.
Should I take AP Seminar or AP Research first? ›
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. In both courses, students investigate a variety of topics in multiple disciplines. Students may choose to explore topics related to other AP courses they're taking.
Is it worth it to take AP Research? ›
You'll have a ton of freedom when it comes to choosing your topic, so you can explore almost any idea that you find compelling. AP Research is a good choice for students who are looking for a way to enrich their high school experience with independent research and enroll in competitive college programs.
How does AP Seminar help with college? ›
College Course Equivalent
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.
Does AP Research look good on college applications? ›
While your decision whether or not to write about it in depth probably won't make or break your applications, any substantial, completed research project and paper should look relatively impressive to admission officers regardless of whether it was for a class or not.
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 worth it for college? ›
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.
What is AP Research good for? ›
AP Research is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and academic research skills on a topic of the student's choosing.
What is the difference between AP Seminar and research? ›
The program consists of two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. In AP Seminar, students learn to analyze and evaluate sources, conduct research, and develop arguments in various formats. In AP Research, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research project on a topic of their choice.
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.
How hard is it to pass AP Research? ›
Scores from the 2016 AP Research projects reveal a high pass rate (score of three or higher) but a difficult rate of mastery. While 67.1% of students taking the assessments scored a three or higher, only 11.6% received the highest score of a five, while nearly 40% received a three.
Does AP Seminar look good? ›
The answer: absolutely! One of the best benefits of AP Capstone is gaining either the AP Seminar and Research Certificate 📜 (passing both classes) or AP Capstone Diploma 🎓 (passing both classes and 4 other AP exams). You can show this off to colleges and boost your college application!
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.
Is AP Seminar NCAA approved? ›
The following advanced placement courses meet NCAA core-course legislation and the criteria for approval, provided the courses are submitted in the appropriate subject area by the high school. » AP English Language and Composition. » AP English Literature and Composition. » AP Research. » AP Seminar.
Is AP Seminar and research worth it? ›
Is AP Research worth taking? The answer is absolutely, yes! One of the best benefits of AP Research is gaining either the AP Seminar and Research Certificate 📜 (passing both classes) or AP Capstone Diploma 🎓 (passing both classes and 4 other AP exams).
Is AP Seminar and AP Research hard? ›
AP Seminar forms part of the Capstone Diploma Program in tandem with AP Research. Alumnae reviews rate AP Seminar as moderately difficult but are divided on the usefulness of the course and skills developed.
