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AP Research
Conduct an original, year-long research project on a topic of your choice, culminating in a 4,000-5,000 word academic paper and oral defense. You'll learn research methodology, academic writing, and how to contribute new knowledge to a field. The capstone of the AP Capstone program, demonstrating college-level research skills.
Moderate
Difficulty (2/5)
88.5%
Pass Rate (3+)
3.4
Mean Score
📝 Prep Tips
- ✓Choose a research topic you're genuinely passionate about — you'll be working on it for an entire year
- ✓Start your literature review early and use Google Scholar, JSTOR, and your school library databases
- ✓Learn proper APA or discipline-appropriate citation format from day one — sloppy citations cost points
- ✓Practice your oral defense with teachers, peers, and family — you need to confidently answer tough questions
- ✓Set monthly milestones for your paper (lit review by October, methodology by December, etc.) to avoid last-minute panic
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