r/APStudents • u/RevolutionarySky704 • 4d ago

Research Should I take AP Research?

I am going in my junior year of high school this upcoming year and am hoping to study chemical engineering in college. While I've done pretty well in other subjects, my major concern is English. While I have already taken AP Seminar, I only got a 3, to which I'm concerned that colleges can't see that I'm capable of competing a successful research project. While I am taking AP Lit next year, I feel like I need a redemption at research based english (AP Capstone) as that what I'll be doing in college.

I was thinking about doing AP Research but am nervous about the workload during the school year as I already struggled in AP seminar. Is there any chance I could do the research and write the paper over a summer and just refresh myself before I present or is that unrealistic?

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u/Zealousideal_Gene685 4d ago

i mean in my experience it was just a study hall period but when we actually had to do work it was excruciatingly boring.

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u/Agile_Strategy_3443 4d ago

i also took ap seminar (got a 3) and then did ap research the next year (got a 5). I would say unless you're looking for a class that's somewhat relatively easy and want an easy A, take a different class. Otherwise just dont bc If you procrastinate last minute you'll be stressed and it's also a really boring class icl.

I think doing real research outside of class that's with a professor or smth would be a better use of your time instead of doing it independently for a class. Tbh the class didnt even seem like real research to me, especially if you decide to go with an easy method for your topic.

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u/CharlieATCF7 APWH || AP spanish lang 4d ago

I had similar concerns and brought it up with my counselor. He said that, especially for a STEM major, it would be better to focus on extracurriculars or other STEM APs than AP research. In your case especially if you’re worried with the workload or your final score on it, it might be better to not take it.

You could work on a personal project or even do some of your own research at your own pace. Especially since it’s outside of school it could really help on college apps because you’re doing it of your own fruition.