What are the requirements to earn a Capstone Diploma?

I'm currently a junior and just heard about the Capstone Diploma program. Can someone provide a quick rundown on the requirements and whether it would be worth pursuing for college applications?

The College Board's AP Capstone Diploma program consists of two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. To earn the Capstone Diploma, you need to complete these two courses and score a 3 or higher on their corresponding AP exams. Additionally, you must take and score a 3 or higher on at least four other AP exams. Here's a brief overview of the two Capstone courses:

1. AP Seminar: Typically taken in the sophomore or junior year, this course focuses on developing critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills. You'll work on individual and group projects, exploring real-world issues and analyzing various sources of information. There is no specific content covered, but rather, you'll use these skills to investigate various topics.

2. AP Research: Taken after completing AP Seminar, this course involves conducting an independent research project on a topic of your choice. You'll write a research paper (around 4000-5000 words) and present your findings to a panel. This course builds on the skills developed in AP Seminar and guides you through the research process, culminating in a final project.

Pursuing an AP Capstone Diploma can be beneficial for college applications as it demonstrates your intellectual curiosity, mastery of various skills, and commitment to challenging yourself academically. Moreover, it showcases your ability to engage in independent research, which can be particularly appealing to colleges if you plan to pursue a field that involves research or want to participate in undergraduate research projects.

Remember that while an AP Capstone Diploma can add value to your college application, it's crucial to balance it with your other extracurricular activities, coursework, and personal commitments. If you're interested in the program and think it aligns well with your academic goals, it may be worth pursuing. Speak to your school counselor to learn more about how to enroll in the AP Capstone program in your school.