Everything About AP Computer Science Exam
Taking AP Computer Science exam is the next level in your computer science coursework and provides students with the exposure to college-level classes. Certainly AP Computer Science can be a great stepping stone towards a degree in computer science or an academic way to explore your interest in technology and coding. So read further as the article unfolds the benefits of taking the AP Computer Science exams. To summarize, it provides a brief overview of the exam and tips for the best way to utilize resources to reap the most benefits.
About AP Computer Science Courses
Undoubtedly, Computer science powers the technology, productivity, and innovation. In short, it drives the world—it boosts engineering, music, app development, 3-D animation, robotics, medicine, visual design, political analysis and many more. In fact, AP Computer Science open doors for students across the globe to comprehend how computing and technology drive the world around them. Therefore studying computer science will help students learn and grow by applying ideas to create solutions.
To understand, there are two AP Exams students can take in Computer Science – first, the AP Computer Science exam A (APCSA), and second, the AP Computer Science Principles exam (APCSP). The AP Computer Science A exam is based on the programming language Java. On the other hand, the AP Computer Science Principles exam is not language-specific.
APCS-A Exam Format
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
On the other hand, 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: Methods and Control Structures, Class, Array/ArrayList, 2D Array.
APCS-P Exam Format
Section I: Multiple Choice
The AP Computer Science Principles Exam multiple-choice section consists of total 70 questions. It includes 65 individual questions and a set of five questions that has a reading passage about a computing innovation as a stimulus. The multiple-choice section assesses all computational thinking practices except Computational Thinking Practice 6.
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.
1: Program Purpose and Function- assesses students’ ability to explain how a
code segment or program functions.
2: Data Abstraction- how to use abstraction to manage complexity in a program.
3: Managing Complexity- ability to explain how abstraction manages complexity.
4: Procedural Abstraction- ability to use abstraction to manage complexity in a program.
5: Algorithm Implementation- assesses students’ ability to implement and apply an algorithm.
6: Testing- how to investigate the situation, context, or task.
Benefits of taking AP Computer Science
- Get to use your creativity and write programs as per your interest.
- Hone skills that help in wide range of fields and interests.
- Challenge yourself and become confident problem-solver.
- Explore ways to help your community through technology.
- Have command over computer science that are highly valued by colleges and employers around the country.
- Work collaboratively in problem solving.
Expanding Opportunities
Out of expected 9,000,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) occupations accessible in the following decade, half will require computer science skills and experience. Regardless of what your enthusiasm is—whether it’s human resource, medication, training, or something different—computer science can help you on your profession way.
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