Hi all, I was wondering how long the AP Seminar exam actually takes. I've been told that it's a unique test with different components. Anyone able to break down the length of each section so I know what to expect? Thanks in advance!
The AP Seminar exam does indeed have a unique format compared to other AP exams. The total length of the exam is approximately 3 hours, and it consists of two main sections. Here's a breakdown of each section and its duration:
1. Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense: This part of the exam is completed during the course itself and takes 8-10 minutes. You and your teammates will be required to present a multimedia project that you've worked on collaboratively. Additionally, you'll need to answer questions from your AP Seminar teacher during the defense portion. Although this portion is not strictly a part of the formal exam you take in May, it does contribute 20% to your final AP score for the course.
2. End-of-Course Exam: This is the portion you'll complete at the scheduled exam date in May, and it has two tasks:
a. Task 1 - Individual Written Argument: You'll have 120 minutes (2 hours) to analyze and evaluate a single stimulus provided to you by the College Board. You will then write a 2,000-word argumentative essay based on your analysis. This task accounts for 35% of your final AP Seminar score.
b. Task 2 - Individual Multimedia Presentation & Oral Defense: This task takes around 40 minutes, divided into the presentation (6-8 minutes) and the subsequent oral defense (6-8 minutes) of your individual research project. Your AP Seminar teacher will ask you questions after your presentation, which you'll need to answer during the defense section. This task contributes 25% to your final AP score.
So, to summarize, the exam is about 3 hours long, with 2 hours dedicated to the Individual Written Argument and 40 minutes for the Individual Multimedia Presentation & Oral Defense. Keep in mind that this does not include the Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense, which is completed during the course itself and takes 8-10 minutes. Good luck in your AP Seminar course and exam!
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