AP Research vs AP Seminar: which one should I choose?

I'm debating between taking AP Research and AP Seminar next year. Can anybody share their experiences with these courses and help me decide which one would be a better fit for me? I appreciate any input you guys can give!

Both AP Research and AP Seminar are part of the AP Capstone program, with AP Seminar being the first course in the sequence and AP Research being the second. Each course focuses on different aspects of research and communication skills, which can be beneficial in college and beyond. I'll provide an overview of each so you can make a more informed decision:

1. AP Seminar: This foundational course focuses on critical thinking, teamwork, research, and presentation skills. Students work in groups and individually to analyze and evaluate various texts, which can range from academic articles to speeches to documentaries. You'll then develop evidence-based arguments using these sources, both in writing and through oral presentations. The course culminates in two main projects: a team project where you and your group create and present a research-based argument, and an individual research-based essay and presentation.

2. AP Research: If you choose to take AP Research, it's typically after you've completed AP Seminar, as the skills you develop in Seminar will be quite useful in this course. AP Research dives deeper into the research process and allows you to plan and execute an independent research project. You'll learn about different research methodologies and ethics within research. The main focus is on your individual research project, which includes writing a research paper of around 4,000-5,000 words and presenting your findings to an audience (usually your class or your teacher). The AP Research project can be based on any subject that interests you.

When determining which course is the better fit for you, it depends on your goals, interests, and strengths. If you're interested in honing your critical thinking and teamwork skills while working with diverse texts, AP Seminar may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you have a strong interest in a particular topic and want to dive deeper through a comprehensive research project, AP Research may be more appealing. However, keep in mind that AP Seminar is typically a prerequisite for AP Research, and taking both courses can lead to earning an AP Capstone Diploma or an AP Seminar and Research Certificate, depending on your performance in the courses and APS.