What is AP Computer Science A?

The AP Computer Science A course is one of two AP Computer Science courses offered by College Board. The course teaches the fundamentals of Java, one of the most popular programming languages in the world.

By the end of the course, students are expected to know how to read Java code and handwrite their own code.

What is the exam format?

The test is divided into two sections:

• Section I
  • 40 questions
  • multiple choice
  • 90 minutes
  • 50% of test score
• Section II
  • 4 Questions
  • Free response
  • 90 minutes
  • 50% of test score
• You will have access to a reference sheet with some basic Java methods

Here is a sample multiple choice question:

int sum = 0;

for(int i = 0; i < 7; i++){

   sum+=i;

}

System.out.println(sum);

What is the the value of sum?

A) 28

B) 21

C) 20

D) 0

E) 7

Answer: B) 21

Explanation:

The best way to tackle this is to create a table of i and sum .

i | sum

0 | 0 + 0 = 0

1 | 1 + 0 = 1

2 | 1 + 2 = 3

3 | 3+3 = 6

4 | 4+6 = 10

5 | 10 + 5 = 15

6 | 15 + 6 = 21

Therefore, the sum is 21.

What is required for the course?

There are two requirements:

• a Java IDE - we will be using Dr. Java for this course but feel free to use an IDE you are comfortable with
• JDK
• basic knowledge of algebra

How to Prepare for the AP Computer Science Test

First do a diagnostic test. After completing a diagnostic test, review it and identify your weaknesses. Keep on practicing then on this website. I provide actual test-taking tips on released AP CS sample problems.