AP COMPUTER
SCIENCE A
AP Computer Science A – Student Guide
AP Computer Science A - Exam Overview
The Computer Science A Exam will test your understanding of the programming concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to read and write code for computer programs.
Exam Duration
3 hours
Exam Components
Section 1: Multiple Choice - 40 questions | 1hr 30mins | 50% of Score
The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as occasional sets of 2 questions. You’ll be asked to:
-
Determine the required code segments to produce a given output
-
Identify the output, value, or result of given program code based on initial values
-
Analyze program code for correctness, equivalence, and errors
-
Describe the behavior and conditions that lead to results in a program
Section 2: Free Response - 4 questions | 1hr 30mins | 50% of Score
In the free-response section, you’ll respond to four questions with written answers. The section includes:
-
Question 1: Methods and Control Structures—You’ll be asked to write program code to create objects of a class and call methods, and satisfy method specifications using expressions, conditional statements, and iterative statements.
-
Question 2: Classes—You’ll be asked to write program code to define a new type by creating a class and satisfy method specifications using expressions, conditional statements, and iterative statements.
-
Question 3: Array/ArrayList—You’ll be asked to write program code to satisfy method specifications and create, traverse, and manipulate elements in 1D array or ArrayList objects.
-
Question 4: 2D Array—You’ll be asked to write program code to satisfy method specifications and create, traverse, and manipulate elements in 2D array objects.
AP Computer Science A Exam– Scoring
For the first section (multiple-choice), for every question you answer correctly, you will get one point each. There is no negative marking. It means that even if your answer is wrong or left blank, no points are deducted.
​
Next is the free response section. Its scoring system is a bit complicated. Rather than being graded by AI, it is reviewed by AP graders and scored following the guidelines for the AP Computer Science A Exam.
For more information about AP Computer Science A Exam and scoring, you can visit the College Board’s website.
AP Computer Science A Exam – Credit
Keep in mind, credit and advanced standing based on AP scores vary widely from school to school. Though a score of 3 is typically considered passing, it is not always enough to receive credit. Regulations regarding which APs qualify for course credits or advanced placement depend on the policy that your desired college or university has for AP exams.
AP Computer Science A Exam - Study Resources
• College Board Classroom Resources
• CodeHS
• Codiva
• Edhesive
• Repl.it
• Umletino
AP Computer Science A Exam Tips
The following strategies for answering the free-response questions will help you on exam day.
Read the questions carefully.
The questions are usually presented in three ways: in a paragraph, through code, or with an example. As you read, underline the tasks you need to accomplish as well as the variables and methods you have at your disposal. It’s important to read through preconditions and postconditions so that you’re aware of what you can expect to be true at the start of writing a method and what must be true at the conclusion of the method. Also consider the method headers carefully: they can be used to identify the parameters available to write the solution and type for the return value. While examples provide guidance and clarity in a question, avoid writing code that only suits those examples.
Keep an eye on your time.
Monitor your time carefully. Make sure not to spend too much time on any one question so that you have enough time to answer all of them. If you do work that you think is incorrect, simply put an “X” through it instead of spending time erasing it completely: crossed-out work won’t be graded.
Try to solve all parts of a question.
Many free-response questions are divided into parts such as (a), (b), and (c), with each part requiring a different response. Credit for each part is awarded independently, so you should attempt to solve each part. For example, you may receive no credit for your answer to part (a), but still receive full credit for part (b), or (c). If the answer to a later part of a question depends on the answer to an earlier part, you may still be able to receive full credit for the later part, even if that earlier answer is wrong.
Be organized and clear in your programming.
Organize, indent, assign meaningful variable names, and write neatly. Take the time to plan out your solution before beginning to write code. When writing your solution, leave room between lines of code in case you need to insert something you forgot. And remember that comments are not a substitute for correct code!
Only use classes given to you for the exam.
Avoid using classes that aren’t specifically given to you as part of the exam and aren’t part of the AP Computer Science A Course and Exam Description. While you may have developed or used other classes in your AP course (such as Date or Sort), don’t use them in your responses on the exam. The Java Quick Reference guide gives the classes and methods that are part of the AP Java subset
Practice!
Answering free-response questions from previous AP Exams is a great way to practice: it allows you to compare your own responses with those that have already been evaluated and scored. Free-response questions and scoring guidelines are available on the Exam page for AP Computer Science A.
Task Verbs
Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response. Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam:
-
Assume: Suppose to be the case without any proof or need to further address the condition.
-
Complete (program code): Express in print form the proper syntax to represent a described algorithm or program given part of the code.
-
Implement/Write: Express in print form the proper syntax to represent a described algorithm or program.
You can also view Past Exam Questions and Scoring Information for you to have a glance at what questions to expect during the exam day.
Conclusion
All of the subjects covered in the course are very important for students to understand, and I believe that the AP Computer Science A exam is a good way to show off their knowledge. I would say that this subject is very important because it teaches students how to use computers and programs to solve problems. It also helps them develop a better understanding of programming languages, which will help them in the future when they enter college or a job field that requires computer skills. You should take this exam if you are interested in pursuing a career in computer science or if you want to prepare yourself for further study. Good luck!