AP Research
Course Information
AP Research is the second course in the AP Capstone™ program and builds on the research, analysis, and communication skills developed in AP Seminar.
Subject Area: Interdisciplinary
UC A-G Area: G – College-Preparatory Elective
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/16/2026
Course End: 5/5/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
Because students can investigate questions across virtually any academic discipline, AP Research provides useful preparation for a wide range of college pathways, including:
Pre-Medicine / Data Science / Psychology / Engineering / History / Political Science / Environmental Studies / Sociology / Business / English
Prerequisites
Students should:
- Earn an A or B in AP Seminar
Students should also be prepared for independent research, substantial academic reading and writing, long-term project management, source evaluation, data analysis, and formal presentation.
Course Units
AP Research is not organized around a single subject area. Instead, students continue developing the inquiry and research skills represented by the QUEST framework:
- Question and Explore
- Understand and Analyze
- Evaluate Multiple Perspectives
- Synthesize Ideas
- Team, Transform, and Transmit
Throughout the course, students apply these skills while designing and conducting an independent research investigation.
Comparison Table
2027 AP Assessment Information
Performance Task Deadline: April 30, 2027
Section I
Academic Paper
- 4,000–5,000 words
- 75% of Score
- Scored by College Board
- Submitted through the AP Digital Portfolio
Students develop a formal academic paper that communicates their:
- Research question
- Review of relevant scholarly work
- Research methodology
- Evidence and analysis
- Findings
- Limitations
- Conclusions and implications
The paper is evaluated on the quality of the research process, argument, evidence, organization, academic conventions, and appropriate citation of sources.
Section II
Presentation and Oral Defense
- 15–20 minutes total
- 25% of Score
- Scored by the AP Research teacher using College Board criteria
Students formally present their:
- Research question
- Research process and methodology
- Findings
- Conclusions
- Significance and limitations of the investigation
The presentation is followed by an oral defense in which students answer 3–4 questions from a panel of 3 evaluators.
Students must be prepared to explain and defend the choices they made throughout the research process.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Seminar
Build the foundational research, source analysis, argumentation, collaboration, and presentation skills required before entering AP Research.
AP English Language and Composition
Strengthen rhetorical analysis, critical reading, argumentation, and evidence-based writing skills.
AP Statistics
Develop skills in study design, data analysis, statistical inference, and interpretation that can support quantitative and mixed-methods research.
AP Psychology
Explore research methods, evidence, and behavioral science concepts that can provide useful preparation for science-based research projects.
Questions About AP Research
Where can I find official AP Research resources and assessment details?
For the official course framework, assessment requirements, scoring information, rubrics, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Research page.
Does AP Research have a traditional AP Exam?
No. AP Research does not have an end-of-course written exam. The AP score is based entirely on the yearlong research performance task: the Academic Paper accounts for 75%, while the Presentation and Oral Defense account for 25%.
What topics can I research?
AP Research is interdisciplinary, so students may investigate questions across science, social science, humanities, business, technology, or other fields.
The topic should support a focused, feasible research question that can be investigated using an appropriate academic methodology.
What happens during the oral defense?
Students present their research and then respond to 3–4 questions from a panel of three evaluators. The questions are designed to assess the student’s understanding of the research process and the decisions made during the investigation.
What is the AP Capstone Diploma?
The AP Capstone Diploma™ is earned by students who receive scores of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research, plus scores of 3 or higher on four additional AP Exams of their choice.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.