Cracking the Code to Acing the AP Computer Science A Exam
Want to know the secret to getting that 5 on the AP Computer Science A Exam? Well, you’ve come to the right place! The AP Computer Science A class covers various topics related to the coding language, java. The AP exam itself will cover each of these topics to a certain extent, either by presenting challenging segments of code which require a proper analysis to answer the multiple choice questions or by displaying a problem and asking the student to solve it with the appropriate code.
In this blog post, we will look into how you can prepare for the AP Computer Science A Exam. You will see tips and resources you can use to help you get one step closer to a successful test score. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Analyzing the AP Computer Science A Exam
The AP Computer Science A Exam takes a total time of 3 hours. The exam consists of two sections, one being a multiple choice section and the other section being the free response section. For both of these sections, you are given access to a “Java Quick Reference” which provides the students with a variety of coding elements from each coding class such as the string, integer, double, math, arraylist, and object class.
The multiple choice section is worth 50% of the exam score and will take 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. Within this section, you will be asked questions with multiple answers related to the java coding language, here are a few things you will be tested on:
Determine the necessary code segments needed to produce a given output
Find the value, output, or result of a given piece of code based on initial values
Analyze program code to check for its correctness, equivalence, and errors
Explain the behavior and condition of a program that lead to a certain output/result
The free response section is also worth 50% of the exam score and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. This section has four questions, each of which test the student on different aspects of java and present a problem or a task that the student must solve using their coding knowledge. For each question, there will be particular requirements that must be implemented into the code. Below will be an explanation of what to expect for each question of the free response section:
Question 1: Methods and control Structures - You will be required to create program code that will construct class objects, invoke methods, and fulfill method requirements through the use of expressions, conditional statements, and iterative statements.
Question 2: Classes - You must write a program code that establishes a novel category constructing a class and meeting the method requirements through the use of expressions, iterative statements, and conditional statements.
Question 3: Array/ArrayList - You will be asked to write a program that follows the method requirements and constructs, traverses, and manipulates elements in a 1D array or ArrayList objects.
Question 4: 2D Array - You must write a program code that follows the method requirements and constructs, traverses, manipulates elements within 2D array objects.
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What Units are Tested on the AP Computer Science A Exam?
For the AP Computer Science A class, there are 10 units. Each of the units covers a fundamental part of the java language which will eventually help you understand a variety of code segments tested on the AP exam. A few of the units tend to be tested more frequently on the multiple choice exam compared to other units due to their difficulty. Below are the units and their percent weightage on the exam:
Unit 1: Primitive Types (2.5% - 5%)
Unit 2: Using Objects (5% - 7.5%)
Unit 3: Boolean Expressions and if Statements (15% - 17.5%)
Unit 4: Iteration (17.5% - 22.5%)
Unit 5: Writing Classes (5% - 7.5%)
Unit 6: Array (10% - 15%)
Unit 7: ArrayList (2.5% - 7.5%)
Unit 8: 2D Array (7.5% - 10%)
Unit 9: Inheritance (5% - 10%)
Unit 10: Recursion (5% - 7.5%)
As seen above, a few of the units, notably, unit 3, 4, and 6, are some of the units that are tested more than the other units. Though all of the units are very important to cover, the three previously stated units are key to scoring high on the AP Computer Science A Exam. Nailing down these units and fully understanding the concepts will ensure that these questions on the AP Exam feel easier.
Each of the units on the exam are utilized by using computational thinking practices. There are a few skills that should be learned in the class that help the student think and act like a computer scientist. A few of these skills are tested on the exam and have a certain percent weightage, there they are:
Program Design and Algorithm Development (30% - 35%): Determine the required program code segments needed to produce a certain output.
Code Logic (40% - 45%): Given the initial values, determine the output, value, or result.
Code Testing (12% - 18%): Analyze program code for correctness, errors, and equivalence.
Documentation (12% - 18%): Describe the behavior and conditions that are used to produce the identified results of a program.
Preparing for the Exam
There are a variety of smart ways to study and prepare for the AP Computer Science A exam. Though some methods of preparation may seem useful, they may be slowing you down as the exam day gets closer. Below, we will be going through a few of the best ways to prepare for the exam to get closer to that 5!
Practice coding: This is the best way to get comfortable with the Java coding language and improve your programming skills. In the long run, it will help you read code better on the multiple choice section of the exam and will help you write your program on the free response faster. If the time is available, you could possibly work on a challenging Java project to create a unique function for a website or even create a simple game. This will help solidify the key concepts of Java.
Practice exam questions: Solve coding problems and exercise from AP practice sources you have like AP classroom, the Barron’s textbook, and past AP exam questions. Familiarize yourself with the coding algorithms and patterns on the exam. This will help you understand the level of difficulty and timing needed for each question. This will ensure that you can ace the multiple choice section.
Reviewing the AP Curriculum: Students may sometimes feel as if they are studying without a proper direction. It is important to look at the topics tested on the exam and study each of them thoroughly. Find the areas that you are most weak at and start studying those topics the most. Review course materials, textbooks, and online resources to help reinforce your understanding of both the weak and key concepts.
Take a Practice Test: When you feel comfortable with all the material that is to be tested on the exam, take a practice test. These tests can be found in a variety of places online. Ask your teacher to enable a practice test on AP Classroom. Some tests can be found in textbooks like the AP Computer Science A Barron’s textbook or the Princeton Review textbook. Take both the multiple choice section and the free response question and time yourself accordingly. After you have finished the test, it is important to take a look at the questions you got wrong. Understand why you got them wrong, how to fix the mistake, and then look back at the unit related to the question you missed and review it.
Prepare for the FRQ: This section of the exam requires the student to write code on a paper. When practicing free-response questions, make sure to practice on a paper and not always on the computer. When taking practice exams, use a paper or the free response portion. To fully master the FRQ on the exam, use the past FRQ questions on the College Board and do as many of the questions as you can. This will provide you with the confidence necessary to ace the exam!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read through all the tips, it is time to apply this to your studying. Make sure to start preparing about 2-3 months in advance to ensure that you have the correct amount of time to study without rushing.
On the exam itself there are few simple but vital tips, here are a few:
Read the questions carefully
Keep track of the time
Try to solve all the parts of an FRQ even if you are running out of time
Be clear and organized with your programming
Only use the classes given to you for the exam
Take the time to study a little bit everyday. Remember, practice makes perfect. Try your best to not stress out on the exam and to keep calm throughout the whole experience. It is not the end of the world if you do not get a five, but hard work will guarantee you get there. Embrace your interest in coding and you will see the results!
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