What's the AP Capstone Diploma program?

Hey everyone, I've come across the AP Capstone Diploma program and I'm curious about it. Can someone explain what it is and outline its benefits? Also, how do colleges view this program in the admissions process?

The AP Capstone Diploma program is a distinctive, two-year program offered by the College Board that consists of two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. The goal of this program is to develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and communication skills, which are essential for success in college and beyond.

In AP Seminar, you'll work in teams to explore real-world issues, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop evidence-based arguments. You'll be responsible for researching a topic of your choice, presenting your findings, and writing an individual research report. This course typically spans your junior year of high school.

AP Research, taken during your senior year, involves selecting a research topic, conducting in-depth, independent research, and producing a substantial academic paper or project. At the end of the course, you'll submit your paper and present your findings in an oral defense.

To earn an AP Capstone Diploma, you must successfully complete both AP Seminar and AP Research courses and score 3 or higher on the AP Exam for both courses. Additionally, you must score 3 or higher on four additional AP Exams of your choice.

Colleges typically view AP Capstone as a rigorous and valuable program, as it demonstrates your ability to think critically, conduct research, and communicate effectively. Additionally, the program requires you to complete several AP courses, which showcases your commitment to academic excellence and taking on challenging coursework.

However, it's important to note that the impact of the AP Capstone program in your college application can vary depending on the specific college and the overall strength of your application. While some colleges may view the program more favorably, it's essential to balance your AP Capstone coursework with other aspects of your application, such as maintaining a strong GPA, participating in extracurricular activities, and demonstrating leadership.

In summary, AP Capstone is a unique high school program that emphasizes essential skills for college and future careers. Successfully completing the program can indeed be an asset in college admissions, but remember that your overall application should be well-rounded and include other strong components.