Important Updates
2021 Exam Information
AP Exams will cover the full content in each course, giving students the opportunity to receive college credit and placement.
Given the uncertainties of the 2020-21 school year, some students may feel unsure about completing performance tasks or taking AP Exams in spring. So that students feel comfortable registering by the fall deadline, this year there will be no fees whatsoever if a student decides not to test/submit performance tasks or to cancel their exams. Every AP student should keep their options open by registering for the exam on time because there will still be a $40 fee for late orders.
Note: The following information and resources are for AP Research teachers at participating AP Capstone™ schools. In order to offer AP Research, schools must apply through the AP Program to participate in AP Capstone, and they must first offer AP Seminar. In addition, teachers attend mandatory training. For more information, visit the AP Capstone Diploma program page.
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.
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- FRI, APRIL 30, 2021, 11:59 PM ET
Deadline to Submit AP Research Performance Tasks
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% |
Assessment Questions and Scoring Information
For sample AP Research academic papers, see the link below.
Be sure to review the Chief Reader Report. In this invaluable resource, the chief reader of the AP Exam compiles feedback from members of the AP Reading leadership to explain how students performed on the through-course performance tasks, summarize typical student errors, and address specific concepts and content with which students have struggled the most that year.
| Performance Task Overview | Scoring | Samples and Commentary | Score Distributions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Academic Paper Presentation |
Scoring Guidelines - Academic Paper |
Scoring Distribution |