Is AP Computer Science a Hard Exam To Pass?

At AP level, there are actually two different AP Computer Science exams that students can opt for - Computer Science A and Computer Science Principles. Both of these subjects have a high uptake each year, with the former receiving 70,000 in 2020 and the latter receiving 116,000.

The core difference between these two AP subjects is the main goal of the course itself. With Computer Science Principles, the AP course seeks to teach students the fundamentals of computer science ideas, flowing across many different programming languages and not focusing on specific language knowledge. This is more of a general course that focuses on the foundational concepts.

Alternatively, Computer Science A focuses directly on Java, exploring how Java is used as a problem-solving language and how it can be used to build platforms. While neither one of these AP courses requires any knowledge of Computer Science to get started, AP Computer Science Principles is much more accessible to new students. This is also reflected in the much higher uptake of this subject when compared to Computer Science A.

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The results in these subjects are fairly equal, with 70.4% of students in AP Computer Science A getting a passing grade and 71.6% of students in Principles getting a pass. That said, a much higher percentage (25.6% vs. 10.9%) receive a 5 in Computer Science A, perhaps reflecting the likelihood of students with an established background in CS taking this course.

In this article, we’ll be exploring both of the AP Computer Science courses, explaining their exam structures, the specific content they focus on, and how to succeed in these AP courses. Let’s get right into it.

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How are the AP Computer Science Exams Structured?

The AP Computer Science Principles and CSA exams are fairly different, with the former being two hours and the latter being three hours.

Breaking down the two exams, students will have to move through:

• AP Computer Science Principles - 57 Single Select Questions, 5 Single-select questions based on a passage, 8 multiple select questions. This exam has a total of 70 multiple-choice questions, covering a range of the main big ideas within this subject.
• AP Computer Science A - This AP subject is split into two different sections, the first being a 90-minute multiple-choice section with 40 questions. The second section is a free-response section that has a total of four questions. Both of these two sections are worth 50% of the total exam marks on the paper.

The exams are very different, with their distinct styles leading students toward the testing of distinct ideas and skills within the world of computer science.

The main topics that these two AP exams focus on also differ. They are set up with a slightly distinct end point goal, meaning the content that is taught on the courses similarly varies.

• AP Computer Science A - Recursion, INheritance, Arrays, Writing Classes, Boolean Expressions Types and Objects
• AP Computer Science Principles - Impact of Computing, Computing Systems and Networks, Algorithms and Programming, Data, Creative Development.

While there is an extent of crossover between these two subjects, they have different main focuses, meaning you should ensure you’re working off the right curriculum when studying for your AP Computer Science exam.

Equally, you should be sure that you’re working from previous papers from the AP exam that you’re about to sit. Due to how different these exams are, you don’t want to accidentally prepare for something that has little relevance to your final test.

How To Study For AP Computer Science?

AP Computer Science has a lot of new concepts, especially for someone that’s never coded or learned about programming before. However, none of these concepts are particularly challenging, meaning AP Computer Science is all about starting early. There is a lot of content to get through, so start your study plan a week or two before you think you need to.

Equally, here are three top tips for success.

• Practice, practice, practice - One of the most effective ways of increasing your mark when it comes to the AP Computer Science exams is practicing previous papers. There are a range of different practice multiple-choice questions alongside free-response questions that you can access online. By doing that, you’re able to work through real problems that were asked in previous years, building up your skills and pinpointing any areas that you still need to work on.
• Work with a tutor - Working with an online AP Computer Science tutor is a fantastic way of building up your confidence with CS while being supported the whole way. Tutors have personal experience of sitting the exam, as well as professional experience within this field, meaning that they’re fully equipt will all the skills needed to help you develop.
• Know the Theory - By moving through the AP Computer Science curriculum for either of the courses, you’ll be able to see exactly what is going to be tested in the exam. If you methodically work through this syllabus and learn everything, you’ll have a fantastic shot of walking out of the exam with a top score.

While AP Computer Science can be a difficult subject, if you begin studying early enough and make use of the online resources, you’ll be able to secure the mark you’re hoping for.

Final Thoughts

Computer Science is an AP subject that is rapidly becoming more popular as more and more young people move into the field of tech. While this is a fantastic AP course that’s filled with useful knowledge, around 30% of students in both courses don’t make a passing mark every year.

If you’re looking to boost your chances of succeeding in these AP courses, then you could reach out to an online AP Computer Science tutor. At TutorChase, we partner with Computer Science experts that have studied at top universities in the United States. After achieving a 5 in their own AP Computer Science exams, these online AP tutors are more than equipt to help you flourish.

Best of luck in your upcoming exams!