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About the Assessment
There is no end-of-course written exam for AP Research. Instead, you’ll be assessed on performance tasks you complete that are based on your yearlong research project: an academic paper (which you’ll submit online for scoring through the AP Digital Portfolio), a presentation, and an oral defense of your research. These components all contribute to your final AP score on a scale of 1–5.
Updates to AP Research Performance Task
Given the implications of ChatGPT and other similar generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools on the AP Research performance task components, we will announce updated guidance regarding the use of these tools and any adjustments to the task by early fall.
Assessment Date
Assessment Components
Academic Paper
75% of Score
The academic paper should be 4,000–5,000 words long. You’ll be evaluated on the content, structure, format, and conclusions of the paper as well as your ability to properly and accurately cite sources.
Presentation and Oral Defense
25% of Score
The culminating event of the AP Research course will be a presentation of your research question, research methodology, and findings, including an oral defense that addresses a set of questions about your research inquiry. The presentation and defense take 15–20 minutes. You will also be required to answer 3–4 questions from a panel of trained evaluators and your AP Research teacher.
- AP Research teachers use a scoring rubric designed by the AP Program.
- AP Research teachers also take part in mandatory training from the AP Program in how to score these components.
How We Score Your Work
Teacher Scored Components
Your in-class presentation and oral defense is scored by your AP Research teacher.
Here’s how we make sure that scoring by AP Research teachers is standardized:
- AP Research teachers use a scoring rubric designed by the AP Program.
- AP Research teachers also take part in mandatory training from the AP Program in how to score these components.
College Board Scored Components
After you submit your academic paper online through the AP Digital Portfolio, it is scored by trained, experienced educators called AP readers.
Assessment Essentials
Assessment Preparation
Credit and Placement
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