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, this year there will be no fees whatsoever if a student decides not to test/submit performance tasks or to cancel their exams.
View the latest information on testing.
2020-21 AP Seminar Presentations Guidance
The Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense (TMP) and Individual Multimedia Presentation and Oral Defense (IMP) must be delivered live in real time, and not prerecorded. Equity and access for students is a primary goal, therefore, student presentations can be delivered in a remote, hybrid, or in-person setting. Learn more.
AP Classroom and AP Daily
Teachers and students can access short, searchable AP Daily videos in AP Classroom. These videos will cover every proficiency outlined in the CED, which you’ll see on your AP Classroom homepage. Videos can be assigned as homework to encourage students to watch on their own, so you can use class time to focus discussions where students need more help, whether teaching online, in person, or both. Sign in to AP Classroom to access the AP Seminar question bank and AP Daily videos.
Note: The following information and resources are for AP Seminar teachers at participating AP Capstone™ schools. In order to offer AP Seminar, schools must apply through the AP Program to participate in AP Capstone. In addition, teachers attend mandatory training. For more information, visit the AP Capstone Diploma program page.
Assessment Overview
The AP Seminar assessment consists of three parts: two performance tasks and the end-of-course AP Exam. All parts measure student achievement of the course learning objectives.
Encourage your students to visit the AP Seminar student page for assessment information and practice.
-
- THU, MAY 20, 2021, 11:59 PM ET
Deadline to Submit AP Seminar Performance Tasks
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- TUES, MAY 11, 2021, 8 AM LOCAL
AP Seminar Exam Day
Assessment Format
| Performance Task 1: Team Project and Presentation—20% of AP Seminar Score | ||
|---|---|---|
| Component | Scoring Method | Weight |
|
Individual research report (1,200 words) |
College Board scored |
50% of 20% |
|
Team multimedia presentation and defense (8–10 minutes, plus defense questions) |
Teacher scored (group score) |
50% of 20% |
| Performance Task 2: Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation—35% of AP Seminar Score | ||
| Component | Scoring Method | Weight |
|
Individual written argument (2,000 words) |
College Board scored |
70% of 35% |
|
Individual multimedia presentation (6–8 minutes) |
Teacher scored |
20% of 35% |
|
Oral defense (2 questions from the teacher) |
Teacher scored |
10% of 35% |
| End-of-Course Exam (2 Hours)—45% of AP Seminar Score | ||
| Component | Scoring Method | Weight |
|
Understanding and analyzing an argument (3 short-answer questions); suggested time: 30 minutes |
College Board scored |
30% of 45% |
|
Evidence-Based argument essay (1 long essay); suggested time: 90 minutes |
College Board scored |
70% of 45% |
2020-21 Guidance for Hosting Student Presentations
We know your school may be teaching remotely, in person, or in a hybrid setting this year—but AP Seminar students will give presentations as usual. See the rules and guidelines for hosting your students’ presentations no matter the instructional environment.
Assessment Questions and Scoring Information
For performance task stimulus materials and sample student responses from the 2020 assessment, along with scoring information, check out the table below.
| Questions | Scoring | Samples and Commentary |
|---|---|---|
|
Scoring Guidelines - Task 1 |
Task 1 - Individual Research Report |