3.1 The Sustained Investigation

15 works

The Sustained Investigation is 15 works plus writing, showing a body of related work guided by your inquiry. It's scored on inquiry, practice/experimentation/revision, and skill.

A visible thread

The works should connect — a clear through-line of question and development — not 15 unrelated objects. Viewers should sense your investigation unfolding.

Growth over time

The strongest investigations show evolution: ideas, forms, and materials that develop, deepen, or shift in response to what you discover.

Key terms

Sustained Investigation

15 works + writing guided by your inquiry

Scoring

inquiry, practice/experimentation/revision, skill

Through-line

a visible thread of question and development

Evolution

ideas, forms, and materials that develop over time

Not random

the 15 works connect, not 15 unrelated objects

Try an AP-style question

The Sustained Investigation section requires…

1. 1 large work photographed once
2. 15 images showing an inquiry-guided body of work
3. 5 finished masterpieces with no process
4. 30 quick sketches and nothing else