The Assessment

AP Research

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Guidance for Artificial Intelligence Tools and Other Services

Assessment Overview

In AP Research, students are assessed on the academic paper and presentation and oral defense of research. The academic paper is 4,000–5,000 words, and the presentation and defense take approximately 15–20 minutes.

Encourage your students to visit the AP Research student page for assessment information and practice.

Participate in the AP Capstone Diploma Program

To offer AP Research, schools must sign up to participate in AP Capstone, and teachers need to attend mandatory summer training. Visit the AP Capstone Diploma program page for more information.

Assessment Dates

Tue, Apr 30, 2024

11:59 PM ET

Deadline to Submit AP Research Performance Tasks

Updates to AP Research Performance Task

Given the implications of ChatGPT and other similar generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools on the AP Research performance task components, we will announce updated guidance regarding the use of these tools and any adjustments to the task by early fall. 

Assessment Format

The AP Research assessment has consistent weighting and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect.

AP Research Through-Course Performance Task—100% of AP Research Score
Component Scoring Method Weight
Academic Paper (4,000–5,000 words) College Board scored 75%
Presentation and Oral Defense (15–20 minutes total for both the presentation and 3–4 questions from a panel of 3 evaluators that follows). Teacher scored 25%

Guidance for Hosting Student Presentations

See the rules and guidelines for hosting your students’ presentations whether your school is teaching remotely, in person, or in a hybrid setting.

Academic Paper Samples and Scoring Information

2023: Through-Course Assessment

Performance Task Overview

Scoring

Samples and Commentary 

Academic Paper

Scoring Guidelines – Academic Paper

Scoring Guidelines – Research Presentation

 

Past Samples and Scoring Guidelines

Article

AP Research Past Exam Questions

View sample responses and scoring guidelines for the through-course performance tasks from past years.

Score Reporting