College Board Research
Explore published research studies and reports that provide data on College Board programs, college access initiatives, and affordability.
Trends in Higher Education
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Featured Downloads and Resources
Summary of research on the relationships between the number of aps, ap performance, and college outcomes.
This one-page summary distills evidence from research published by Beard, Hsu, Ewing, and Godfrey (2019) in the journal Education Measurement: Issues and Practice. The research demonstrates that the largest predicted increase in college grades and on-time degree completion are associated with students taking their first or second AP Exam and accruing their first or second AP Exam score of 3 or higher and that these effects on college outcomes level off after five APs.
Higher Education Brief: Classic Learning Test Concordance with the SAT
A fact sheet addressing inquiries specifically related to the concordance published by Classic Learning Test.
Student and Parent Attitudes Toward College and Admissions
Read new research on student and parent views on their readiness for college, the value of college, and the college admissions process.
Search the ERIC Database
Browse this comprehensive online library of education research and information where you can find College Board research publications by topic.
AP Research: 2021 Results
Trevor Packer
- July 20, 2021
The following data reflect the 24,049 students worldwide who submitted an AP Research academic paper.
AP Research score distributions, 2019 vs. 2021
The following table enables comparisons of student performance in 2021 to student performance prior to the covid-19 pandemic:
| AP Score | 2019 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 11% | 14% |
| 4 | 22% | 26% |
| 3 | 43% | 42% |
| 2 | 19% | 14% |
| 1 | 5% | 4% |
Of these 24,049 students, 375 achieved perfect scores of 80 out of 80 points possible from all professors/teachers across their academic paper and their presentation and oral defense.
The Academic Paper
The following information is specific to the academic paper scored externally at the AP Reading by college professors and AP teachers. Out of 10 points (each of which is then multiplied by 6; the Academic Paper is worth 60 of the 80 points possible for the AP Research score):
- 1 point: <1%
Full-Length SAT Suite Practice Tests
Find full-length practice tests on Bluebook™ as well as downloadable paper (nonadaptive) practice tests to help you prepare for the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9.
Submit AP Seminar Work in the AP Digital Portfolio
In order to have your performance tasks scored, you’ll need to submit digital files as final to College Board using the AP Digital Portfolio by no later than April 30, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT.
You’ll submit your Individual Research Paper (part of Performance Task 1) and your Individual Written Argument (part of Performance Task 2).
Submit Your Work in the AP Digital Portfolio
Instructions, sign in to ap digital portfolio..
Go to the AP Digital Portfolio and sign in using your College Board login information. This is the same login information you use to sign in to My AP.
AP Digital Portfolio
This is the secure web application where you’ll digitally submit work for AP Art and Design, AP Seminar, AP Research, and AP Computer Science Principles. Sign in using the same login information you use for My AP.
Go to your class.
From the dashboard, navigate to your AP Seminar class.
Choose the performance task.
Select the Individual Research Report or Individual Written Argument.
Upload the file.
Click Upload New and select the correct file from your computer.
Do a final review of your work.
Remember: Once you submit your file as final, you won’t be able to make any changes to it unless your teacher sends it back to you.
Submit your work as final.
Click Submit Final and go through the final submission process, which includes attesting to the originality of your work. Check the box to affirm that your work is your own and that you understand AP Capstone policies on plagiarism and related issues.
AP Digital Portfolio: Student User Guide
This guide will help you navigate the AP Digital Portfolio and submit work for AP Art and Design, AP Capstone, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP with WE Service.
AP Seminar Assessment Timeline
See dates, deadlines, and what to do when throughout the year.
AP Digital Portfolio Submission Technical Requirements
Make sure you can submit your work online.
AP Capstone Diploma Program Policies
Understand policies on plagiarism, participation, extended absence, and more for AP Seminar and AP Research students.
Wed, Apr 30, 2025
11:59 PM ET
AP Seminar Performance Tasks Due Date
Submit your AP Seminar performance tasks as final in the AP Digital Portfolio by this date.
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Browse this comprehensive online library of education research and information where you can find College Board research publications by topic. Explore published research studies and reports that provide data on College Board programs, college access initiatives, and affordability.
AP Research Performance Task Sample and Scoring Information Archive. Download sample Academic Papers along with scoring guidelines and scoring distributions. If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at ssd@info ...
AP® Research — Academic Paper 2021 Scoring Guidelines. The Response... Score of 1. Report on Existing Knowledge. Score of 2. Report on Existing Knowledge with Simplistic Use of a Research Method. Score of 3. Ineffectual Argument for a New Understanding.
AP® RESEARCH 2017 SCORING GUIDELINES Performance Task Rubric: Academic Paper. The paper identifies a broad topic of inquiry The paper identifies a focused topic of inquiry and The paper explains the topic, purpose, and focus of the and/or a purpose. describes the purpose. inquiry and why further investigation of the topic is needed by ...
From the dashboard, navigate to your AP Research class. Choose the performance task. Select Academic Paper. Upload the file. Click Upload New and select the correct file from your computer. Do a final review of your work. Remember: Once you submit your file as final, you won't be able to make any changes to it unless your teacher sends it ...
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 ...
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.
AP RESEARCH 2018 SCORING COMMENTARY. Academic Paper. Overview. This performance task was intended to assess students' ability to conduct scholarly and responsible research and articulate an evidence-based argument that clearly stated research question.
Overview This performance task was intended to assess students' ability to conduct scholarly and responsible research and articulate an evidence-based argument that clearly communicates the conclusion, solution, or answer to their stated research question. More specifically, this performance task was intended to assess students' ability to:
AP® RESEARCH 2017 SCORING GUIDELINES Performance Task Rubric: Academic Paper. NOTE: To receive the highest performance level presumes that the student also achieved the preceding performance levels in that row. ADDITIONAL SCORES: In addition to the scores represented on the rubric, readers can also assign scores of 0 (zero).
- A score of 0 is assigned to a single row of the rubric when the paper displays a below-minimum level of quality as identified in that row of the rubric.
The paper's word choice and syntax adheres to established conventions of grammar, usage and mechanics. There may be some errors, but they do not interfere with the author's meaning.
Finally, the paper didn't earn a score of 4 as it provides substantial discussion of limitations on pages 18-19 and links these limitations to the methods used; the paper also provides a number of directions for future research on pages 19-20. 2020 College Board. Visit College Board on the web: collegeboard.org.
AP Research is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and academic research skills on a topic of the student's choosing. To accommodate the wide range of student topics, typical college course equivalents include introductory research or general elective courses.
The following information is specific to the academic paper scored externally at the AP Reading by college professors and AP teachers. Out of 10 points (each of which is then multiplied by 6; the Academic Paper is worth 60 of the 80 points possible for the AP Research score): 10 points: 3% of students. 9 points: 6%. 8 points: 12%. 7 points: 21%.
AP® RESEARCH 2017 SCORING GUIDELINES Performance Task Rubric: Academic Paper. NOTE: To receive the highest performance level presumes that the student also achieved the preceding performance levels in that row. ADDITIONAL SCORES: In addition to the scores represented on the rubric, readers can also assign scores of 0 (zero).
In fact, the convincing and well-written narrative beginning with its context and continuing through the literature review, methods, and results falls flat at the end. The paper's conclusion ends abruptly. 2020 College Board. Visit College Board on the web: collegeboard.org.
Describes a replicable research method, with questionable alignment to the purpose of the inquiry. Conveys a new understanding or conclusion, with an underdeveloped line of reasoning OR insufficient evidence. Competently communicates the student's ideas, although there may be some errors in grammar, discipline-specific style, and organization.
See dates, deadlines, and what to do when throughout the year for the AP Research assessment.
Report on Existing Knowledge. Score of 2. Report on Existing Knowledge with Simplistic Use of a Research Method. Score of 3. Ineffectual Argument for a New Understanding. Score of 4. Well-Supported, Articulate Argument Conveying a New Understanding. Score of 5. Rich Analysis of a New Understanding Addressing a Gap in the Research Base.
Find full-length practice tests on Bluebook™ as well as downloadable paper (nonadaptive) practice tests to help you prepare for the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9.
any papers on the focus of basketball itself, so research on the effects of High School participation and out of school participation on the receival of Division I scholarships was
Submit AP Seminar Work in the AP Digital Portfolio. In order to have your performance tasks scored, you'll need to submit digital files as final to College Board using the AP Digital Portfolio by no later than April 30, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT. You'll submit your Individual Research Paper (part of Performance Task 1) and your Individual ...