AP Capstone

AP Capstone Program

The AP Capstone™ Program is an innovative diploma program from the College Board that helps students develop the research, collaboration, and critical thinking skills needed for success in college and beyond. Since its launch in 2014, the program has grown worldwide and is recognized by colleges and universities for preparing students to thrive in rigorous academic environments.

What Is AP Capstone?

AP Capstone goes beyond traditional Advanced Placement (AP) courses by combining subject-area learning with essential academic skills. The program consists of two foundation courses:

AP Seminar (10th or 11th grade) – Students explore real-world issues, analyze perspectives, and develop research and presentation skills through team projects, essays, and an AP exam.
AP Research (11th or 12th grade) – Building on Seminar, students design and conduct a year-long independent research project on a topic of their choice, producing a 5,000-word paper and oral defense.

In addition to these two courses, students take four AP classes of their choice in subjects they are passionate about.

Diplomas and Recognition

Students who complete both AP Seminar and AP Research and earn scores of 3 or higher in four additional AP exams receive the AP Capstone Diploma™. This prestigious credential highlights a student’s ability to:

Conduct independent research
Analyze and evaluate information
Communicate effectively in writing and speaking
Collaborate with peers

If students complete Seminar and Research but do not meet the full diploma requirements, they can still earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, which demonstrates strong college-level academic skills.

Benefits for Students

AP Capstone is more than just advanced coursework—it is a preparation for college, careers, and life. Students in the program:

Gain valuable research and problem-solving skills
Learn to communicate effectively across disciplines
Develop confidence through teamwork and public speaking
Stand out in college admissions—research shows AP Capstone students are highly regarded by universities
Earn an advanced diploma that is recognized worldwide

How Is AP Capstone Different?

Unlike traditional AP courses that focus on one subject, AP Capstone emphasizes cross-curricular learning. Students connect ideas across disciplines, apply knowledge to real-world problems, and prepare for the type of independent work expected in higher education.

Compared to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, AP Capstone is more flexible: students choose their own AP courses, select their research topics, and are not bound to prescribed subject areas.

Why It Matters for Your Child

AP Capstone equips students with the curiosity, independence, and collaborative mindset to succeed. By completing the program, your child will not only strengthen their college applications but also gain lifelong skills in research, communication, and critical thinking.

AP Capstone vs. IB Diploma vs. Standard AP

Choosing the right advanced program for your student can feel overwhelming. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the AP Capstone Diploma Program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and the Standard AP Program.

Program Overview

Feature	AP Capstone	IB Diploma	Standard AP
Structure	2-year program with AP Seminar and AP Research, plus 4 additional AP courses	2-year program with 6 subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)	Flexible; students choose individual AP courses (no set structure)
Research Requirement	5,000-word research paper (AP Research)	4,000-word Extended Essay	None
Core Skills	Research, collaboration, analysis, communication, cross-curricular connections	Global awareness, critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, writing, service learning	Subject-specific mastery
Diploma/Recognition	AP Capstone Diploma (scores of 3+ in Seminar, Research, and 4 AP exams) or Seminar & Research Certificate	IB Diploma (minimum of 24 points across 6 subjects + core requirements)	AP Exam scores; possible college credit (no diploma)

Flexibility and Course Selection

AP Capstone: Flexible—students choose 4 AP subjects in any area. Can focus deeply (e.g., all science) or broadly.
IB Diploma: Requires balance across 6 subject areas (language, science, math, arts, etc.). Three must be Higher Level courses.
Standard AP: Fully customizable; students choose only the AP subjects offered at their school.

Assessment and Workload

AP Capstone: Combination of projects, presentations, exams, and major research paper. Less time-consuming than IB but more than Standard AP.
IB Diploma: Exams, internal assessments, extended essay, and Theory of Knowledge course. Considered more demanding and comprehensive.
Standard AP: End-of-course exams for each AP subject; preparation depends on the number of AP courses a student takes.

Extracurricular Expectations

AP Capstone: No extracurricular requirement.
IB Diploma: Requires CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)—students must engage in service, creative, and physical activities.
Standard AP: No extracurricular requirement.

Global Recognition

AP Capstone: Strong recognition in the U.S., increasingly recognized internationally.
IB Diploma: Broad global recognition; highly regarded by universities worldwide.
Standard AP: Widely accepted in the U.S.; some international recognition depending on country/university.

Distinguished Scholar/AP Capstone Showcase Presentation