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ADVANCED PLACEMENT

academics

The Advanced Placement Program

The Advanced Placement Program® is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. Since its inception in 1955, the Program has provided motivated high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting. Students who participate in the Program not only gain college-level skills, but in many cases they also earn college credit while they are still in high school. AP courses are taught by dedicated and enthusiastic high school teachers who follow course guidelines developed and published by the College Board. (The College Board: AP Central, 2022).

There is a cost to the student for each exam taken. Students who wish to take multiple AP courses need to discuss the rigorous schedule demands with their counselor.

Things to be Aware of When Taking AP
  • AP classes are college level classes. They are not high school honors classes
  • STEM highly recommends that students DO NOT take more than 3 AP/ CE courses in a semester due to the level of rigor required for each course. Parents may be asked to sign off a consent letter for students taking more than 4 AP/CE courses in a semester.
Advantages of Taking AP Course Work
  • AP courses show colleges that you are able to complete the most rigorous courses your high school offers.
  • Collegiate institutions recognize that applicants with AP experience are better prepared for the demands of college courses.
  • Most colleges and universities will offer college credit and/or advanced placement to students earning a high enough score on an AP exam.
  • AP students may be eligible for honors and other special programs in college.

More information regarding the AP program can be obtained from any AP teacher, your counselor, and the AP website.

AP Student Profile

We recommend that students undertaking Advanced Placement ® course work:

  • have a desire to undertake rigorous, in depth study of the course content;
  • have a history of satisfactory performance within the content area;
  • possess a strong work ethic and superior study skills;
  • demonstrate strong language skills (students should be able to read and write at or above grade level);
  • advocate and take responsibility for their own learning;
  • understand that the pace of Advanced Placement® instruction requires daily attendance;
  • meet the established prerequisites for specific courses;
  • have sufficient time management skills to balance academics, and activities
  • are mature, curious, and active learners who will contribute to classroom discussions and activities.
  • Do not take more than 3 AP/CE courses in a semester
AP Scholar Awards

Each year, the College Board recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through multiple AP courses and exams. Some of the awards and their requirements are as follows:

  • AP Scholar: students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams
  • AP Scholar with Honor: students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more on these exams
  • AP Scholar with Distinction: students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams
  • National AP Scholar: students in the U.S. who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams

AP Capstone Diploma: NEW 2025 - 2026

What is AP Diploma?

The AP Capstone Diploma is an advanced diploma offered by the College Board, designed to promote college readiness and critical thinking through two specific courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Students earn the diploma by completing these courses and earning scores of 3 or higher on them, along with scores of 3 or higher on four additional AP exams of their choice.

Here’s how it works:
  • AP Seminar: In this course, students explore real-world issues through multiple perspectives, research various topics, and develop arguments through written essays, presentations, and team projects.
  • AP Research: Following AP Seminar, this course allows students to design, execute, and defend a year-long research project on a topic of their choice, culminating in a research paper and an oral defense.
  • Additional AP Exams: Students must also pass four additional AP exams in any subject to qualify for the diploma.

What is AP Research & Seminar?

AP Seminar (10th grade)

AP Seminar is the first course in the AP Capstone program, aimed at developing students’ skills in research, analysis, and presentation. In this course:

  • Focus: Students explore complex real-world issues from multiple perspectives, such as political, scientific, and ethical angles.
  • Skills Developed: Critical thinking, research, collaboration, argumentation, and communication.
  • Assessment: Students complete team projects, individual research, presentations, and written essays. The final AP score is based on both in-class assessments and a written exam at the end of the year.
  • Goal: The course encourages students to investigate a range of issues, evaluate sources, and build well-rounded arguments, preparing them for more in-depth research in AP Research.
AP Research (11th grade)

AP Research is the second course in the AP Capstone program, where students conduct a year-long research project on a topic of their choice.

  • Focus: Students design, execute, and present an original research project.
  • Skills Developed: Independent research, project management, critical analysis, data collection, and academic writing.
  • Assessment: The AP score is based on a 4,000–5,000 word academic paper, a presentation, and an oral defense of their research.

Goal: AP Research allows students to dive deeply into a topic of personal interest, using research methods and academic protocols, which prepares them for college-level research work.