What Should I Expect for the AP Seminar Exam?

Hi guys, I'll be taking the AP Seminar exam this upcoming year and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Any ideas on what to expect regarding the format and kind of questions? And possibly any resources you found helpful in your preparation? Thanks a bunch!

The AP Seminar exam is quite unique compared to other AP exams, as it doesn't follow the traditional multiple-choice question and free-response question format. Instead, it's based largely on two major components: a group project/presentation and an individual research-based essay and presentation. Together, these account for 60% of your total AP Seminar score. Each project, the group and the individual, are split into two, with the first part being a written paper and the second part being an oral presentation.

However, there's also an end-of-course exam which accounts for the remaining 40%. The test consists of two sections:

1. Short Answer Questions - Here, you'll analyze an information source or sources. These may include text articles, research studies, infographics, non-text-based sources, etc.

2. Essay - Similar to short answer questions, but with a more in-depth analysis required on your part. You'll synthesize information from multiple sources to develop a cohesive argument.

As part of your preparation, it's useful to familiarize yourself with the rubrics for both the group and individual projects, as they specify what AP graders want to see in your work. For resources, consider using AP Classroom, which provides a variety of practice questions and immediate feedback. You might also benefit from reading and analyzing various research papers to hone your critical thinking and analysis skills.

Remember, AP Seminar focuses heavily on research, communication, and critical thinking skills, making it a challenging but significantly rewarding course. Take the time to work on your research and presentation skills and practice working in a team-setting to excel in the course. Good luck!