Important Updates
2021 Exam Information
The AP Seminar end-of-course exams will be offered on paper in early May and as a digital exam in late May and early June. Student presentations will still be delivered live in real time (and not prerecorded) as usual, though they can be delivered in a remote, hybrid, or in-person setting.
All versions of the end-of-course exam will cover the full scope of course content, giving students the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement. Both the paper and digital versions of the end-of-course exam will consist of the typical free-response section.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Seminar only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 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.
Assessment Dates
-
- THU, MAY 20, 2021, 11:59 PM EDT
Deadline to Submit AP Seminar Performance Tasks
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- TUES, MAY 11, 2021, 8 AM LOCAL
AP Seminar End-of-Course Exam—Administration 1
-
- WED, MAY 26, 2021, 4 PM EDT
AP Seminar End-of-Course Exam—Administration 2
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- MON, JUN 7, 2021, 4 PM EDT
AP Seminar End-of-Course Exam—Administration 3
Assessment Format
Note on 2021 exams: There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Seminar only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
| 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 |