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

Wed, Apr 30, 2025

11:59 PM ET

Deadline for Students 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%

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 Exam Questions and Performance Tasks

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

Score Reporting