AP Seminar Experiences?

Okay, so I'm considering taking AP Seminar next year, but I'm not exactly sure what you do in the class. Do we just write a lot? Do research? What's the workload like? Any advice or experience would be really helpful!

Yes, AP Seminar is indeed a research-focused course which forms the first part of the AP Capstone Diploma program, followed by AP Research. In AP Seminar, you'll primarily focus on developing research skills, like identifying credible sources and constructing coherent arguments, which will form the foundation you need for AP Research.

During the course, you can expect to undertake the investigation of topics from multiple perspectives and create presentations based on your findings. It is a highly dynamic class as it is not tied to any specific set of facts or body of knowledge, like most AP classes. Instead, it is centered around fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

Your grade in AP Seminar is determined by a combination of a team project and presentation (20% of your AP score), an individual project and presentation (35% of your AP score), and a 2-hour end-of-course written exam (45% of your AP score). The individual and team projects are completed during the course and then submitted to the College Board.

As for the workload, like most AP courses, it can be quite rigorous. You'll need to be prepared to spend some significant time on independent research, understanding various viewpoints on complex issues, and crafting the ways to present your findings. Time management skills will be crucial to juggle the various components of the course work.

Most students find AP Seminar rewarding because 'how' and 'what' you learn is led by your own interests (given you have the freedom to choose what topics to explore). You will develop skills not just valuable for college, but for your future career as well. Good luck!