Did you know that there are Miami High students conducting research studies without doctoral degrees? They are all part of the AP Capstone program for high-achieving students, mostly in the tenth and eleventh grades.

AP Capstone is a College Board diploma program which helps students develop specific skills necessary for success in college, such as conducting independent research, collaborating with classmates, and making oral presentations.

AP Seminar and AP Research are the two classes which are the foundation of the program. Both courses are structured to investigate real-world issues from different views by gathering information in order to make a valid argument.

Students who pass both Seminar and Research and pass four other AP exams are eligible for the AP Capstone Scholar Diploma which many colleges and universities will consider in the application process.

AP Capstone came to Miami High in the fall of 2014 with a group of 30 sophomores in AP Seminar (currently seniors) who were taught by former media center specialist Mr. Angel Hernandez. The following year, those AP Seminar students transitioned into AP Research with Dr. DeNight, while Ms. Puentes taught the new group of Seminar students (currently juniors). This year Dr. DeNight teaches both courses.

24 sophomores and 4 juniors take AP Seminar this year. Students’ AP score in Seminar depends on three different tasks: Performance Task 1, worth 20% of a student’s score, involves a 1,200-word individual research report and an 8-10 minute team multimedia presentation. Performance Task 2, worth 35% of a student’s grade, involves a 2,000-word written argument and a 6-8 minute individual multimedia presentation. A final test at the end of the year in May is worth 45% of the student’s grade.

Thirteen juniors and one senior are currently taking the AP Research class this school year. Learning how to conduct a real-life research study is the entire curriculum of the AP course. The research study is based on a topic of the student’s choosing and culminates in a 4,000-5,000 word written report which is worth 70% of their final grade and an oral defense of 15-20 minutes, which is worth the remaining 30% of the score.

Many students join AP Capstone because they are curious about the new program or because they were recommended by their freshman English teacher. Sophomore Class Vice President Ismara Corea, who is now in AP Seminar, says, “I was recommended by Ms. Suarez-Cordoves who talked good things about it.”

Junior Class President Ingrid Espinoza-Hueck, currently in AP Research, joined the program because it seemed like a challenge, and that is something she loves.

Debate team Captain Reinaldo Cardenas, a sophomore in AP Seminar, likes how the course allows him to use his creativity in the research process.

With college-level programs come challenging assignments. English Honor Society Secretary Rocio Rodriguez, currently in AP Research, says, “The group assignments in AP Seminar have been the hardest yet, simply because having different minds focusing on the same topic is hard when it comes to delivering the final product.”

AP Seminar student and Sophomore Class President Amanda Echevarria states that choosing her first research topic was a tough decision because so much thought goes into it.

For Ingrid Espinoza-Hueck, the hardest assignment was in AP Seminar when she had to write her individual research report and then put her research into a 10-minute oral presentation.

AP Research scholar and Future Educators of America Service Vice President Kelin Escobar says her hardest assignment in AP Research was her Research Inquiry Proposal, which is a complete explanation of her research study that is sent to College Board. Although she has only read about her topic, some questions were difficult to answer since she still has some decisions to make about how to conduct her research study.

Many Capstone students appreciate the skills they acquire in the AP Capstone program. Junior AP Research scholar Lucia Galeano said, “One impressive skill I have learned is how to write an argumentative essay.” Junior AP Seminar student Nicholas Brejcha says that it helps you gain communication skills as when you engage in a debate with friends.

Reinaldo Cardenas does not regret participating this program as it has improved his work ethic and understanding of news media. Additionally, Amanda Echevarria says she has improved her critical thinking, public speaking, and writing skills.

With its heavy workload and constant need for critical thinking, AP Capstone can also be very demanding. Lucia Galeano feels frustrated at times when she has to do an “all-nighter” to get her work done. Junior Class Treasurer and AP Research student Britney Alpizar says that what makes the class hard is all the deadlines you have to follow.

Many Capstone students give high marks to the program. Ismara Corea recommends Capstone to any student who is ready to always be reading and writing, but would not recommend this class to a slacker or procrastinator. Lucia Galeano says both classes teach responsibility and dedication.

On a personal note, as a former AP Seminar student and current AP Research scholar, I highly recommend for anyone that is academically proficient to join this program as it prepares you for post-secondary education.