Taking AP Computer Science is a great accomplishment, it’s the next level in your computer science coursework and gives you exposure to college-level classes.

AP Computer Science is a stepping stone towards a degree in computer science or an academic way to explore your interest in technology and coding. This article summarizes the benefits of taking and passing the AP Computer Science exams, provides a brief overview of each exam and some helpful, free resources to practice and study for the exams, and gives tips for the best way to utilize resources to reap the most benefits.

Comparing the Two AP Computer Science Courses

There are two AP Exams students can consider in Computer Science:

• AP Computer Science exam A (APCSA) – The AP Computer Science A exam utilizes the programming language Java.
• AP Computer Science Principles exam (APCSP) – The AP Computer Science Principles exam is not language-specific. 

Earning college credit by passing the AP Computer Science (APCSA) exam or AP Computer Science Principles Exam isn’t easy – and even if you do pass the exam, there’s no guarantee you’ll be given college credit for your efforts if you score less than a five on the test. According to figures published by the AP College Board, in 2022 only 23.9% of students taking the APCSA and only 12.4% of students taking the APCSP scored a five on the test. Possible scores range from one (the lowest) to five (the highest).

Although a score of three on the exam is considered “passing”, many colleges and universities won’t grant credit for anything under a five. So, what are the advantages of taking an AP class and passing with a five? Even if your college or university doesn’t grant credit for your AP scores, your GPA can be raised enough by taking an AP course to get you accepted into a university you might otherwise not qualify for. Successfully passing an AP course with a high exam score looks impressive on any university application and is taken into account during course placement. Although credit may not be granted, you may be able to skip some lower-level classes due to your coursework and exam scores.

Recommended: Java Programming for Teens

2021 Score Distributions: Math & Computer Science

US news reported, in 2022, that …

AP Computer Science A is ideal for individuals who wish to pursue a career in areas like engineering, software development and web design. It is a great choice for students who plan to pursue a college major in computer science.

AP Computer Science Principles is ideal for students who are less interested in Java or who would like a big picture view of computing. It can be an excellent choice for various careers and majors, including economics, library and information science, and physics.

Both computer science classes have a great deal to offer high school students. Since they vary in several important ways, students should research each course before enrolling. Even if your high school does not offer the class you decide on, remember that you may be able to take it online.

To find out more about the new AP Computer Science Principles course, for example, browse this detailed PDF provided by the College Board. Knowing the changes to the course can help you decide if it will be a suitable choice for you.

Recommended: AP Computer Science Prep Courses

Know What’s On the AP Computer Science Exam

Knowing the information and having the skills to pass the test won’t get you to the finish line unless you are adept at answering the questions correctly. Knowing the format of both the APCSA and APCSP exams is a critical piece of information so you won’t be surprised by the format of the test. The AP Central website has excellent resources, including video walk-throughs, that go over the format, big ideas, topics, and unit-by-unit breakdowns of the course work. The video walk-through also points out the weighting for each unit on the exam.

In addition, find useful sites explaining the format and content of the exams are provided in the Exam Format section of this article.

Concepts Covered in APCS-A Exam

This course framework provides a description of the course requirements necessary for student success, with a focus on big ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced computer science coursework and its integration into a wide array of STEM-related fields. APCS-A teaches coding for kids using Java programming language.

The AP Computer Science A framework is organized into 10 commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as the teacher or student prefers.

More detailed information can be found in this PDF provided by the AP College Board.

Recommended: Coding Classes for High School Students

AP Computer Science Exam Format

The AP college board has changed the format of both exams, based on feedback from computer science teachers. Beginning with the 2020 exams, students can expect the following for the exam formats:

APCS-A Exam Format and Weighting:

Section I: Multiple Choice

The AP Computer Science A Exam multiple-choice includes mainly individual questions. There are 1 or 2 sets of multiple questions, typically 2-3 questions per set. Computational Thinking Practices 1, 2, 4, and 5 are included in the multiple-choice, while Computational Thinking Practice 3 is not.

Section II: Free-Response

The second section of the AP Computer Science A Exam includes four free-response questions, all of which assess Computational Thinking Practice 3: Code Implementation. All five skills are assessed within these four types of free-response questions:

1. Free-response question 1: Methods and Control Structures
2. Free-response question 2: Class
3. Free-response question 4: Array/ArrayList
4. Free-response question 5: 2D Array

APCS-P Exam Format and Weighting:

The AP Computer Science Principles computational thinking practices are assessed on the AP Exam as detailed below.

Section I: Multiple Choice

The AP Computer Science Principles Exam multiple-choice section has 70 total questions, including 65 individual questions and one set of five questions that uses a reading passage about a computing innovation as a stimulus. All computational thinking practices except Computational Thinking Practice 6 are assessed in the multiple-choice section, with the following exam weighting:

Section II: Create Performance Task

The second section of the AP Computer Science Principles Exam is done throughout the course. The performance task assesses Computational Thinking Practices 1, 2, 3, and 4 across six rubric rows.

Row 1: Program Purpose and Function assesses students’ ability to explain how a code segment or program functions. (Skill 4.A)
Row 2: Data Abstraction assesses students’ ability to use abstraction to manage complexity in a program. (Skill 3.B)
Row 3: Managing Complexity assesses students’ ability to explain how abstraction manages complexity. (Skill 3.C)
Row 4: Procedural Abstraction assesses students’ ability to use abstraction to manage complexity in a program. (Skill 3.B)
Row 5: Algorithm Implementation assesses students’ ability to implement and apply an algorithm. (Skill 2.B)
Row 6: Testing assesses students’ ability to investigate the situation, context, or task. (Skill 1.A)

A note of interest: the end-of-year multiple-choice exam APCSP. The 2021 end-of-year exam for AP Computer Science Principles contained 70 multiple-choice questions rather than 74. The questions will continue to be single-select items, which involve choosing one answer from among four options, and multiple-select items, which involve picking two answers from four options. However, some will be more complex, requiring students to consider the data and the effects of certain computing innovations. 

Recommended: Coding Classes for Teens

Concepts Covered in APCS-P Exam 

The AP Computer Science Principles Exam assesses student understanding of the computational thinking practices and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The exam consists of the Create performance task and an end-of-course AP Exam. The Create performance task requires at least 12 hours of dedicated class time for students to complete. The end-of-course exam is 2 hours long and includes 70 multiple-choice questions. The multiple-choice section will include three different types of questions (in the following order on the exam): single-select questions, single-select questions with a reading passage about a computing innovation, and multi-select questions.

As part of the exam, students will be given the Exam Reference Sheet (see Appendix), which contains both block-based and text-based programming constructs and establishes a common way to communicate programming concepts for the purpose of the exam. The details of the exam, including weighting and timing, can be found below:

AP Computer Science Exam Study Tips:

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Practice Exams

Practice tests really help you feel prepared and be prepared for your exams. The feeling of preparation and confidence as you start the exam shouldn’t be discounted. Students who prepare for an exam feel less stressed and more confident – which naturally leads to higher grades. There are several free practice test sites available for both AP Computer Science exams. The best way to utilize a practice exam (multiple-choice, or free-form) is to pay attention to your results as you go along. Frantically re-taking the practice test without a plan of how to improve your understanding of the questions does you no good. 

For all kinds of practice exams, create a paper or online notebook with the questions you answered incorrectly, along with their correct answers. Evaluate why you got the answer incorrect and make a note to yourself about what skills you need to strengthen or what concepts you need to revisit. Take the time to build the skills and knowledge needed by researching and thinking about how to improve. After you feel you’ve revisited skills and concepts, try taking the practice test again. This is a time-consuming process, but reaps the best rewards when it comes to taking the actual exams. This same process works really well for tests outside of the AP exams as well.

There are many paid test preparation sites which also include practice tests, but this article focuses on free resources. If you are enrolled in an AP class at school, your teacher may have additional resources for you.

Practice Multiple-Choice Questions

For the multiple choice questions, you will be given a question and answers A-E to select from. Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking. Evaluate the question to each answer and narrow down your responses. Eliminate the wrong answers and choose from the remaining answers for the one that best answers the question. 

• Albert.io
• Smore’s list of APCS resources and practice tests
• Varsity Tutors

Practice Free-Response Questions

For the free-response questions, you will be given a prompt and be expected to write a short program. You will call methods of classes that you have not seen before, so practice identifying the proper parameters to use when calling methods of classes that are provided to you. Pay close attention to the method descriptions and use the correct type and order of parameters when calling methods.

• Albert.io
• AP College Board APCSA Past Exam Questions
• CodeHS practice problems
• Smore’s list of APCS resources and practice tests

AP Computer Science Study Resources

We’ve vetted these free APCS-A resources to assist students in practicing exams or reviewing the content and types of questions they’ll see on the exams themselves. The AP College Board continues to add valuable videos as resources every month to help students during these particularly challenging times of remote learning.

AP CSA Free Practice Exam Resources

• AP College Board 2020 Sample Questions

APCSP Practice Exam Resources:

• Khan Academy
• AP College Board AP Computer Science Principles Course and Exam Description (page 172)

Additional Resources:

There are some resources available which are not practice exams or direct content, but can be useful to students taking the APCS-A course. Watching the videos on YouTube can give students insight into what areas they need to invest more time into studying. More videos are being posted each month, so it’s a good idea to check YouTube frequently for new additions.

APCSP NMSI Playlist on YouTube

Recommended: Free Coding Programs for Kids

CodeWizardsHQ’s AP Computer Science Program Prepares Students for the AP Exam Course

The AP Computer Science A classes are challenging. CodeWizardsHQ courses provide students with the foundational coding and programming skills required to successfully complete these courses.

Students who already have the foundational skills in coding and programming will have a much easier time making sense of the content of the AP Computer Science A course and the accompanying exams. Students who have completed CodeWizardsHQ courses have the foundational coding skills and knowledge needed, which allows them to concentrate on classwork and practice exams and strengthen weaker content areas.

See our AP Computer Science program. 

Good luck in AP Computer Science!

Whichever class you’re taking, it’s a step forward in your computer science education and we commend you for that. You’ll learn the problem-solving and logical thinking to succeed in whatever you do next. We wish you the best of luck in your class and on the final test.

More resources for AP Computer Science on the blog.

The post How to Get a 5: AP Computer Science Exam Review appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

What is AP Computer Science?

The Advanced Placement program offered through the College Board, offers college-level content and examinations which may allow for credit and placement preference at most colleges and universities. AP courses and exams are for students who are willing and academically prepared for college level work before going to college. There are currently two courses and examinations offered in the field of computer science.

What is AP Computer Science Principles?

The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to appeal to a wide range of students especially those underrepresented in the field of computer science and technology with no prior knowledge. 

AP Computer Science Principles aligns with a first year introductory course in computing or technology offered at most colleges and universities. It has no specific programming language leaving students and schools to decide what is best for them. From how bits and bytes work, to creating software, to investigating the newest current technologies from an ethical and socially responsible point-of-view, this course has lots of interest.

Students will develop the following skills:

• Computational Solution Design
• Algorithms and Program Development
• Abstraction in Program Development
• Code Analysis
• Computing Innovations
• Responsible Computing

In order to gain college credit, students need to submit the Create performance task and take a two hour multiple choice exam, and score at least a 3 or higher. More AP computer science policies in your state.

AP Computer Science Principles Create Task

The Create performance task requires at least 12 hours of dedicated class time for students to complete and can be done in any programming language. They need to make a video of a program they created and respond to written reflection questions done through the AP Digital Portfolio. This accounts for 30% of their grade.

AP Computer Science Principles Exam

The end-of-course exam is 2 hours long and includes 70 multiple-choice questions. The multiple-choice section will include three different types of questions: single-select questions, single-select questions with a reading passage about a computing innovation, and multi-select questions. This is 70% of the final exam grade.

What is AP Computer Science A?

The AP Computer Science A course aligns with a first year introductory course in object-oriented program design in Java offered at most colleges and universities. It is recommended that prior to taking this course the student has already taken and done well in a high school algebra course. Students should have a strong understanding of basic linear functions, composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. In addition, students should be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represent points on a plane. The course has a mandatory 20-hour hands-on programming requirement that is often met with labs prepared by the College Board.

The content is all Java programming. From declaring variables to controlling the flow of a program by using sequence, branching, and looping, students will work hands-on producing software solutions with object-oriented programming design. There is a strong emphasis on developing computational thinking practices to solve problems.

Students are expected to develop skills in the following areas:

• Program Design and Algorithm Development
• Code Logic
• Code Implementation
• Code Testing and Debugging
• Preparing Code Documentation

AP Computer Science A Exam

The end-of-course exam is 3 hours long and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that are worth 50% of the grade. The other 50% of the grade is from 4 free-response questions that are often multi-part with handwritten (pencil) solutions using Java. 

AP Computer Science Tutoring

When would it be helpful to get a tutor for ap computer science? Do I need a tutor for AP Computer Science?

If the student is currently enrolled in the course and is having difficulty with understanding the content or completing the assignments, then you should seek out a tutor to work one on one with the student to clarify concepts and guide program development.

If you are planning to take an AP Computer Science course in the future, then taking a prep course, like CodeWizardsHQ’s AP Computer Science classes, might be a better way to prepare for success. All of our hands-on courses are terrific preparation to take an AP Computer Science course and exam in the future.  

How do I choose an AP Computer Science tutor?

There are many reasons to decide to get a tutor and it is helpful to decide what your goal is before starting your search. Is the purpose to get more test preparation so that your student passes a test like an AP Exam? Is it to improve study skills and provide tools for future learning? Perhaps, it is to have access to content and curriculum with the ability to learn at a customized pace? Knowing your goal will help narrow your selection of tutors.

If exam prep is the goal and time is short, seek out a reputable tutor by asking your local school district for recommendations. The teacher of the high school class may also be able to suggest additional local study resources such as a former student who did well on the test last year. If there is more time consider finding a study buddy from your class or a class that meets at a different time than yours. Trade and review each other’s notes and problem sets. Worried about in person studying? You are not alone. Reach out to the companies listed here in the Are there any AP Computer Science Tutors near me? section.

If the goal is to improve overall study skills rather than content knowledge, consider the following resources:

• Huntington Learning Center Study Skills for High School Students
• Thinker Academy Study Skills Course
• The StudyPro Study Skills and Strategies Course 

If the need is for specific computer science content, look for an AP computer science tutor by searching for someone who has either studied computer science at a collegiate level, successfully worked in the field of computing as a programmer/developer, or as a mentor/tutor/instructor. Take the time to evaluate if they have a proven track record of working with students who have a variety of learning styles and needs. You want someone who makes your student feel safe, supported, and comfortable with the learning tasks and is skilled at setting achievable measurable goals.

How to be best prepared for an AP computer science tutoring session?

Be realistic about the time you have to spend preparing for the exam. Both courses are chock full of content to learn, new terms, techniques, and skills to master. Do you need help with the whole course or are you just struggling to grasp how to interpret how a program goes from input to output? 

Start by taking a practice exam to help identify the areas you need to work on. Making a list of these areas is a terrific way to come to each session prepared. With your tutor, you will find the best way to study and retain information so that you can be confident on the day of the exam.

Free Online Practice Tests:

• Free AP Computer Science A Practice Test – Java
• CS Awesome – Java
• Runestone Student CSP – Python for Principles
• Khan Academy – Principles Prep

Resources for establishing a Study Schedule

• Albert.IO – One Month Study Guide
• How to Make a No-Fail Study Timeline for Spring AP Exams

How to Study for AP Exams: 5-Step Plan

You will need to determine if an in-person or a remote tutor is best for you. Either way, you will need a dependable device to connect to the Internet as well as a means to write down notes and assignment requirements. Come to each tutoring session ready to work on mastering key concepts and developing computational thinking skills. In other words, come prepared to solve problems using technology or pencil and paper.

Are there any AP Computer Science Tutors near me? How much does it cost?

If you are looking for AP computer science tutors, consider these resources:

• Top 20 Online AP Computer Science Tutors Near Me – Varsity Tutors, in addition to tutors, offers a Free large group class of 250+ students and a small group class of 6-9 students for $25 per hour. Cost for tutoring must be requested from their website and varies depending on the tutor.
• 1:1 Online AP Computer Science Tutors | Top 10 AP Computer Science Tutors – Wyzant has many qualified tutors listed with prices ranging from $35 to $150 an hour.
• Online Computer Science Tutors – Chegg® Tutors are available to work with you for a single lesson cost of $6.95 or you can subscribe for $30/month for one single hour long session each month.
• Java Programming Tutor Online | Java Programming Homework Help – TutorMe does not have tutors specifically for AP Computer Science, but have Java and Python programming tutors available. Cost is $1 per minute of tutoring pay-as-you-go option, 2 hours to 8 hours a month ranging from $69 to $209 per month.
• Computer sciences tutors – Online Computer sciences tutors – Help with Computer sciences – Skooli offers pay-as-you-go pricing instead of a subscription or multiple session commitment. You can schedule in 15 minute increments and the cost is $0.82 per minute.

Most sites offer a filter so that you can sort these lists by city and state to see what reputable tutors are in your area. Some sites do not screen their tutors. Use caution, read the terms of use and agreement before using any online platform. If meeting in person, meet in a public location and be sure your child is supervised appropriately.

Recommended: Preparing for the AP Computer Science Exam

Are AP Computer Science tutors worth it?

There is no correct answer to this question. If time management and content comprehension is a struggle then hiring a tutor to force consistent study time is definitely worth it. One of the benefits of taking an AP course and sitting for the examination is for the potential college cost savings. Another benefit is to stand out from other college and university applicants. Taking challenging college level work at a high school level, and doing well in the course and on the exam, is a mark of distinction.

In order for preparation or tutoring to be truly successful, the student has to be actively engaged and involved in their own learning. You should congratulate your student for pursuing the rigorous topic of computer science as their learning adventure. This is one field where the learning never ends! 

CodeWizardsHQ wishes you and your child all the best in AP computer science.

The post Finding the Best AP Computer Science Tutor – A Complete Guide appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.