Hi, I’m an eigth grader choosing my schedule for next year. My high school is recommending that I take AP Seminar, but I’m not sure if I should. I’m probably going to be in all honors classes and AP human geo. Can anyone who’s taken the class tell me if it is worth taking as a freshman?
Make sure you are taking the Math, English, Foreign Language, Science and Social Studies at the highest level you can do well in as described in: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/2055289-faq-high-school-college-prep-base-curriculum.html
Ap Seminar is relatively new, but according to prepscholar
"AP Seminar is one of the course requirements for the AP Capstone Diploma and the AP Research and Seminar Certificate, both of which were introduced by the College Board in fall 2014. If you take AP Seminar, AP Research, and four other AP courses and exams, you’ll earn the AP Capstone Diploma. If you take AP Seminar and AP Research, you’ll earn an AP Research and Seminar Certificate.
AP Seminar gives students an introduction to conducting independent analysis of complex ideas across various disciplines. It involves reading and understanding advanced source material in the form of texts and other media. You’re expected to synthesize information from different sources and formulate research questions based on these source materials. You’ll elaborate on these ideas through essays, oral presentations, and team projects. The goal of the class is to provide students with the tools to evaluate information accurately and make compelling, evidence-based arguments."
If your HS is recommending it, it seems like they are setting a curriculum around it and think it useful for students to getthe AP Capstone Diploma or gain skills in analysis.
What’s the pathway through senior year if you take AP Seminar? What if you don’t?
Wait until 11th unless you plan on taking dual enrollment.
I am in AP Seminar right now. I highly suggest taking AP Seminar junior year with AP Research senior year, so that you can get the special diploma that comes with it from the College Board. It’s a little known AP class, but connects with your other subjects and will take a depth of knowledge/ curiosity (which is why I suggest it for later in high school). The interdisciplinary connections are much better as a more experienced high school student. Hope this helped and best of luck!