--- title: "How the AP Capstone Diploma Helps Applications | Elite Prep" description: "The AP Capstone Diploma is an innovative diploma program offered by the College Board, the same organization that administers Advanced Placement (AP) courses…" url: "https://eliteprep.com/blog/completing-the-ap-capstone-diploma-helps-high-school-students-stand-out-on-their-college-applications/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1222792192-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" datePublished: "2024-08-27T13:21:16.000Z" source: "eliteprep build" --- [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) [AP Classes](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/ap-classes/) # Completing the AP Capstone Diploma Helps High School Students Stand Out On Their College Applications August 27, 2024 3 min read [Explore AP Exam Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/ap-prep/) ![A smiling student in a wheelchair writes in a notebook while a woman beside her looks on in a library.](https://eliteprep.com/media/iStock-1222792192-webp-w800.webp) The [**AP Capstone Diploma**](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-capstone) is an innovative diploma program offered by the College Board, the same organization that administers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. The program is designed to enhance students' critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills, providing them with a rigorous academic experience that prepares them for college and beyond. To pursue the AP Capstone Diploma program, students begin by taking the foundational course, [**AP Seminar**](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-seminar), which is typically offered in the 10th or 11th grade. This course focuses on developing students' abilities to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives, evaluate and analyze information, and present persuasive arguments. Students engage in collaborative team projects and deliver individual presentations. After completing AP Seminar, students can continue their AP Capstone Diploma journey by taking [**AP Research**](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-research), the second course in the program. AP Research allows students to delve into an academic research project of their choice, under the guidance of a mentor. Students learn research methodology, gather and analyze data, and ultimately produce a research paper or create a project showcasing their findings. To earn the **AP Capstone Diploma,** students must complete - both AP Seminar and AP Research (with scores of 3 or higher) - four additional AP courses and exams of their choosing (also with scores of 3 or higher). Alternatively, students can earn the **AP Seminar and Research Certificate** by completing only those two courses (with scores of 3 or higher), even if they do not complete the additional four AP courses and exams. Only 14,108 of the more than 15 million high school students in the United States earned the AP Capstone Diploma in 2022. Thus, completing the AP Capstone Diploma is a mark of distinction achieved by a very small percentage of high school students in the country. ## **High School Students Benefit by Completing the AP Capstone Diploma** **College Readiness –** The program offers a college-level academic experience that prepares students for the demands of higher education. They develop skills such as critical thinking, research, analysis, and effective communication, which are highly valued in college. **Interdisciplinary Approach –** The AP Capstone program encourages students to approach topics from multiple disciplinary perspectives. This fosters a well-rounded understanding of complex issues and helps students develop a broader worldview. **Research Skills –** AP Research provides students with invaluable research skills that are essential in college and beyond. Students learn how to formulate research questions, gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate their findings effectively. **Collaboration and Presentation Skills –** Through collaborative projects and presentations, students enhance their teamwork and communication skills. They learn how to work effectively in groups, share responsibilities, and present their ideas in a clear and compelling manner. **Stand out in College Admissions –** Pursuing the AP Capstone program demonstrates a commitment to academic rigor and intellectual growth. It can differentiate students in the college admissions process, showing their willingness to take on challenging coursework and go above and beyond the standard curriculum. **College Credit and Placement –** Depending on the college or university, successful completion of AP Capstone courses and exams can lead to college credit or advanced placement. This can save students time and money by allowing them to skip introductory-level courses in college. The following is a partial list of colleges that offer credit for AP Seminar and/or AP Research: - **Bucknell University** - **Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo** - **Davidson College** - **Haverford College *(AP Seminar only)*** - **MIT** - **Occidental College** - **Penn State** - **Purdue University** - **Rutgers University** - **State University of New York** - **Texas A&M University** - **University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign** - **University of Nevada-Las Vegas** - **University of Southern California (USC) *(AP Seminar only)*** - **University of Washington** - **University of Wisconsin** - **Virginia Commonwealth University** View a complete list of colleges that offer credit for[ AP Seminar](https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies/course/40) and [AP Research](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-research). In the United States, only approximately 2,000 of the more than 20,000 high schools in the country offer the AP Capstone Diploma. High school students who attend schools that do not offer AP Seminar and AP Research can take these courses and complete the [AP Capstone Diploma](https://eliteprep.com/ap-capstone/) at Elite Open School, a WASC-accredited private school. Registration for AP Seminar and AP Research at Elite Open School ends on Friday, September 6. Contact your local Elite Prep branch office for more information. ## **Contact Elite Prep to discuss how we can help you succeed on the road to college!** ## Free Tools for This Topic - [Test dates](https://eliteprep.com/test-dates/) - [College roadmap by grade](https://eliteprep.com/college-roadmap/) - [GPA calculator](https://eliteprep.com/gpa-calculator/) ## More on This Topic [All posts in Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) ![Smiling student in glasses with headphones around her neck holding notebooks in a school hallway](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-990454674-webp-w400.webp) [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) ### [The IB Diploma Programme: Requirements, Advantages, and Considerations for High School Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/the-ib-diploma-programme-requirements-advantages-and-considerations-for-high-school-students/) What the IB Diploma Programme requires (six subject groups, CAS, the extended essay, internal assessments and exams) and its pros and cons for students. 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This article explains what the exam is and how high school students can benefit… February 27, 2025 ![A student wearing headphones sits on an outdoor bench with a notebook and pencil, looking up thoughtfully.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-College-List-webp-w400.webp) [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) ### [Building a Well-Rounded College List: A Guide for High School Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/building-a-well-rounded-college-list-a-guide-for-high-school-students/) Finding the right fit when it comes to colleges requires careful consideration and research. September 18, 2024 ![A group of smiling teenagers with backpacks running across a sunny park lawn beneath leafy trees](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-846462868-webp-w400.webp) [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) ### [Making the Most of Summer: Impactful Activities for High School Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/making-the-most-of-summer-impactful-activities-for-high-school-students/) Summer is a golden opportunity for high school students to focus on personal growth, academic advancement, and skill development. January 15, 2025 ## Test Dates - Next: AP: May 3, 2027 – May 7, 2027 · Arranged by your school [See all test dates →](https://eliteprep.com/test-dates/) ## Ready to Study This with an Instructor? Elite Prep offers this program at centers across the country. Review what the course covers, or find the center nearest you. [Explore AP Exam Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/ap-prep/) [Browse programs](https://eliteprep.com/programs/)