The Assessment

AP Research

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2025-26 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.

Assessment Dates

Thu, Apr 30, 2026

11:59 PM ET

Deadline: Students Submit Final AP Research Performance Task

Sun, May 10, 2026

11:59 PM ET

Deadline: AP Capstone Teachers Submit Scores for Student Presentations and Complete Affirmations for Required Checkpoints

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%

AP Digital Portfolio

Review these resources for guidance on how to use the AP Digital Portfolio and sign in. 

Article

About the AP Digital Portfolio

Get an overview of what the AP Digital Portfolio is and how it works.

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.

Samples and Scoring Guidelines

Article

AP Research Performance Tasks

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

Score Reporting