how hard is college board ap computer science principles course

by Miss Rafaela Pouros Sr. 5 min read

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How to do well in AP Computer Science?

  • We have a reputation for being academically rigorous. This means that your diploma will be worth more than its weight in gold.
  • Large number of students here means more companies find it worthwhile to come and recruit.
  • Industry donors like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Blizzard, IBM, Symantec, etc. have input and understanding of our curriculum. ...

What is an AP College Board?

“AP” on your high school transcript shows colleges that you're motivated to succeed, and taking the exam demonstrates your commitment to tackle and complete college-level work. Keep Your Options Open Earning college credit with AP can give you the flexibility to change majors, pursue a second degree, study abroad, or seek internships.

Which College is better for Computer Science?

Required classes you can expect to take will include:

  • Calculus
  • Linear algebra
  • Two courses in calculus-based probability and statistics
  • Computer science
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Business
  • Actuarial science classes as available

What are the principles of Computer Science?

Principles of Computer Science is a helpful tool for students beginning to study computer science. This volume brings together the terms, concepts and applications into one accessible, comprehensive source that will provide a solid foundation for study and growth in the field. A must for all high school and undergraduate computer science programs.

What is AP class?

Is the AP Computer Science Principles exam all on one day?

Does a computer science program have to be complex?

Is AP a freshman class?

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How difficult is AP Computer Science Principles?

In 2021, the AP Computer Science Principles exam had an above-average pass rate of 66.5% and a below-average perfect score rate of 12.4%. Most students find this AP test challenging but can pass comfortably.

Is AP Computer Science Principles harder than AP Computer Science A?

The two exams differed majorly as AP Computer Science Principles was less stressful with 2/3 parts of the exam completed in class while AP Computer Science A was a classic AP exam with multiple choice sections and free response questions.

Is it easy to self study AP Computer Science Principles?

Self-studying for this exam is logistically very difficult, though not entirely impossible. Due to the exam format, which relies on prolonged in-class, collaborative work to produce 40% of its score, you will need a teacher to facilitate the submission of your work.

Is it worth taking AP Computer Science Principles?

This is a course that every serious student should consider taking, whether or not they plan on pursuing CS beyond high school or not. In short, this class is an excellent choice for anyone with even a casual interest in computing.

What is the hardest AP class?

The Three Hardest AP ClassesAP Physics 1. Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—137,229 students took it in 2021. ... AP U.S. History. AP U.S. history is one of the hardest AP classes in the humanities and in general. ... AP Chemistry.

Which AP Computer Science is easier?

Data table: AP classes ranked by difficulty hardest to easiestAP CLASSOur OVERALL ASSESSMENTSTUDY TIME NEEDED? (10=Most)Human GeographyEasy4.8Environmental ScienceEasy - but low 5 rate4.0Computer Science AEasy4.1US Comparative GovernmentEasy - but low 5 rate4.524 more rows

What percent is a 5 on AP Computer Science Principles?

For most AP exams, the cutoff is 75% for a 5 and 75% for a 4.

What is the easiest AP exam?

The five easiest exams for self-study are as follows: AP Human Geography. AP Psychology. AP US Government and Politics. AP Comparative Government and Politics.

What do I need to know for the AP Computer Science Principles exam?

1:148:5411 AP Computer Science Principles Study Tips : How to Get a 4 or 5 in ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are five big ideas when it comes to computer science principles the top big ideas are relatedMoreThere are five big ideas when it comes to computer science principles the top big ideas are related to algorithms programming data and the impacts of computing.

Should I take AP Computer Science Principles as a freshman?

For kids who have used basic blocks-based coding software like Scratch, and enjoyed it - these kids should go for AP Computer Science Principles, as I always recommend everyone, no matter, how good they are in coding to start with this course to learn the basics which they will get to learn only in this course.

Do colleges accept AP Computer Science Principles?

Will colleges and universities accept AP Computer Science Principles scores for credit and placement? Over 950 colleges and universities offer credit and placement for AP CSP. The College Board is actively working with institutions to develop and publish their credit and placement policies for AP CSP.

Is AP Comp Sci principles hard Reddit?

AP Computer Science Principles scored an average of just 2 out of 5, making it the easiest AP class to take. The lower the score, the easier the class will be.

When Should You Take AP Computer Science Principles?

If you're interested in taking AP Computer Science Principles, the next question is, when? While many schools structure their AP classes to encoura...

Should I Take AP Computer Science Principles?

Whether or not you should take AP Computer Science Principles is a personal decision. Before you register, ask yourself if you are interested in th...

Is AP Computer Science Principles worth it?

Like all AP classes, AP Computer Science Principles can help build your resume for college and potentially earn you college credit. In the class, y...

Do you need coding experience to take AP Computer Science Principles?

You do not need coding experience to take AP Computer Science Principles. Students only need a high school algebra background. However, coding is a...

Should I take AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A?

Whether you should take AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A depends on what you're hoping to learn. Students who are very inter...

AP Computer Science A Unit 7 Progress Check: MCQ - Quizlet

Start studying AP Computer Science A Unit 7 Progress Check: MCQ. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

AP Computer Science A Unit 5 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

Start studying AP Computer Science A Unit 5 Progress Check: MCQ Part A. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

StepTracker free response answer 2019 | AP Computer Science Exam Review

This particular solution has numerous problems (missing class header, the averageSteps method, etc). Using an ArrayList to store each value would work if done correctly.

AP Computer Science Principles Past Exam Questions

Sample Responses and Scoring Guidelines Note: These tables include samples and notes related to the Explore performance task as well as a prior version of the Create performance task. Starting with the 2021 exam, the through-course assessment consists of an updated version of the Create performance task only—there is no longer an Explore performance task. If you are using assistive ...

WordMatch free response answer 2021

The precondition specified that guess.length() was at least 1 and no longer than secret.length().You are still required to ensure that you don’t go out of bounds.

CSP Exam Reference Sheet - AP Central

are used to test the relationship between two variables, expressions, or values. A comparison using relational operators evaluates to a Boolean value.

What is AP computer science?

AP Computer Science A teaches computing problem solving, object-oriented programming in Java, and an overview of data structures. The newer AP course, Computer Science Principles, covers the broad ideas and foundational concepts of computer science, including programming.

What are the prerequisites for AP computer science?

The recommended prerequisites for both AP Computer Science courses are English and algebra. According to AP Central College Board, students should have a solid foundation for basic linear functions, the composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies. While you can take AP Computer Science courses with no academic experience in the topic, ...

How many questions are asked in the AP Computer Science Principles exam?

Therefore, passing the exam may be difficult, but it is certainly doable. The AP Computer Science Principles exam consists of 70 multiple choice questions of single-select items (meaning that you choose one answer from four options), as well as multi-select options where you choose two answers from four options.

What is the average passing score for AP CS?

The average passing rate for both AP courses is 69-72%, based on the College Board’s 2019 data. Therefore, passing the exam may be difficult, but it is certainly doable.

How to be a good computer science student?

First, make sure that a computer science class will lead you to your future academic and career goals. Then, think about your educational background. The more background knowledge you have in computer science, the better off you will be.

Is a 5 a good score for AP?

The odds of earn ing a 5, the highest score, are better for students in the AP Computer Science A course, according to the 2019 test data. Nearly 27% of students who took this exam scored a 5, while only 13.8 % of students who took AP Computer Science Principles earned a 5. According to the data and overview of the AP courses, ...

Is computer science hard to get?

According to the data and overview of the AP courses, Computer Science A is not as hard to earn the highest score, but it is certainly a challenging task either way.

What is AP class?

AP classes are supposed to be the equivalent of introductory courses in college. It’s supposed to be the most basic and general class in a college major. They’re supposed to set a foundation for future studies. Therefore, APCSP is supposed to teach the most basic things about computer science, because students usually don’t know much about it.

Is the AP Computer Science Principles exam all on one day?

To make it even easier, the AP Computer Science Principles exam is actually not all on one day. The first part is the Two Performance Tasks, which will be during your class time. The Explore task is more of a research project. You’ll need to create a “Computational Artifact” and answer some questions with short answers.

Does a computer science program have to be complex?

As you can see, the program doesn’t have to be extremely complex. This is, of course, an introductory course to computer science.

Is AP a freshman class?

I am flummoxed. Usually AP classes are fairly standard college freshman courses. I eye this offering with great skepticism. Here are two reasons.

What are the two computer science courses offered by AP?

AP offers two computer science courses—AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. Students can take the courses in any order. The AP Computer Science Principles course complements AP Computer Science A by teaching the foundational concepts of computer science as it aims to broaden participation in the study of computer science.

Is computer science for girls?

News outlets across the country report evidence that the course opens doors to computer science for girls and underrepresented students.

Is AP Computer Science Principles making headway in diversifying computer science participation since its launch?

Research shows that AP Computer Science Principles is making headway in diversifying computer science participation since its launch . See the 2020 research findings.

What is AP Computer Science Principles?

The AP Computer Science Principles course framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills from computational thinking practices that students should practice and develop throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like computer scientists. Emphasis is placed on creativity and collaboration as pedagogical strategies to be used to develop a diverse, appealing, and inclusive classroom environment.

What is AP computer science?

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.

What is CSP in college board?

New Curricula Available#N#We're excited to announce that College Board has endorsed additional AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) ready-to-use curricula that come with preapproved syllabi, lesson plans, and other instructional supports, delivered by endorsed providers. See the list of offerings.

What is AP CSP?

AP Computer Science Principles was created with significant support from the National Science Foundation and more than 50 leading high school and higher education computer science educators who piloted the program at their institutions. Over 750 colleges and universities offer credit and placement policies for AP CSP and more will be communicated over the next year. The College Board is actively working with institutions to develop and publish their credit and placement policies for AP CSP.

What is the College Board's job for AP CSP?

The College Board is actively working with institutions to develop and publish their credit and placement policies for AP CSP. Visit the AP Higher Education site for higher education support and resources, as well as information on recruitment, admissions, and credit and placement policies.

Can you watch AP videos on your own?

Teachers and students can access short, searchable AP Daily videos in AP Classroom. Videos can be assigned as homework to encourage students to watch on their own, so you can use class time to focus discussions where students need more help, whether teaching online, in person, or both.

How does AP class impact college chances?

How AP Classes Impact Your College Chances. The number of AP classes you take can help make your admissions profile more competitive. Ivy League colleges and other highly selective institutions often use something called the Academic Index.

What to consider when choosing AP classes?

Consider Your Strengths. When choosing AP classes, your own strengths and weaknesses are the most important factors to consider. After all, you’re likely to perform better on a test in a field that interests and excites you.

What is the AP exam score?

The College Board grades AP exams on a scale of one to five , with one representing the lowest possible score and five representing the highest. In general, a score of three is considered to be passing. However, students should note that many colleges require a score of four or five to receive credit.

What is an AP class?

Advanced Placement classes offer students the opportunity to try out college-level courses and explore advanced topics in an area of interest while they’re still in high school. In some cases, students can even earn credit for college classes, ultimately saving time and money as they pursue their degrees. To that end, choosing the right AP classes to take is extremely important.

Is AP exam difficult?

Note that the AP exam passing rate doesn’t necessarily indicate the difficulty of the actual AP course. For instance, an AP course may be generally easy and not properly prepare students for the exam, leading to a lower passing rate. While you might expect an exam with a low passing rate to have a difficult course, that’s not always the case. There is also variance in AP course difficulty by school, so be sure to seek the advice of your counselor and older friends if you’re on the fence about a course.

Is it important to take AP classes?

To that end, choosing the right AP classes to take is extremely important. With the College Board offering a large number of exams on an annual basis, it’s only natural that students sometimes struggle to decide which classes to enroll in.

Should you based your college decision on credit or placement?

Of course, this is not to say that you should based your course decisions only on credit and placement policies; your interests should first guide your choices. If you’re having trouble deciding between classes though, checking college policies can help guide your decision in a more practical way.

What is AP class?

AP classes are supposed to be the equivalent of introductory courses in college. It’s supposed to be the most basic and general class in a college major. They’re supposed to set a foundation for future studies. Therefore, APCSP is supposed to teach the most basic things about computer science, because students usually don’t know much about it.

Is the AP Computer Science Principles exam all on one day?

To make it even easier, the AP Computer Science Principles exam is actually not all on one day. The first part is the Two Performance Tasks, which will be during your class time. The Explore task is more of a research project. You’ll need to create a “Computational Artifact” and answer some questions with short answers.

Does a computer science program have to be complex?

As you can see, the program doesn’t have to be extremely complex. This is, of course, an introductory course to computer science.

Is AP a freshman class?

I am flummoxed. Usually AP classes are fairly standard college freshman courses. I eye this offering with great skepticism. Here are two reasons.

Skills and Equipment Needed For AP Computer Science Principles

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CSP doesn’t require any special skills or equipment to study. You also don’t need familiarity with coding or knowledge of coding languages to take the course because some of the programs used in CSP simulate coding without remembering lists of commands. This course is designed by the National Science Foundation a…
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What Areas Are Covered in AP Computer Science Principles?

  • The main areas covered in AP Computer Science Principles are learning the basics of a selected programming language, data handling, and problem-solving. On top of this, CSP helps you practice creative problem solving, employ practical use of technology to deal with large data sets, and learn about internet structures and essential cybersecurity issues. There are many courses …
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Assessments For AP Computer Science Principles

  • CSP is assessed via a multiple-choice exam worth 70% and a performance task taking up the remaining 30%. The multiple-choice exam covers the five major ideas, whereas the performance task can take various forms. The exam is 2 hours long and will focus on the five central ideas of the following: 1. Creative development 2. Data 3. Algorithms and prog...
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What Is Good About Computer Science Principles?

  • CSP is good due to its emphasis on the performance task. With the flexibility to choose what you do, you can work on your creative side and pick something that interests you. The course also presents seemingly impossible problems but shows you how to use technology to solve them. This won’t only challenge you but help boost confidence in your ability to work through obstacle…
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Is AP Computer Science Principles Useless?

  • CSP may look like it’s not as good as the other AP Computer Science class, as the lack of focus on Java means it may not be viewed as favorable. But is CSP useless? AP Computer Science Principles is not useless, as it’s meant as an introductory course to lead to more advanced classes at college. If your anticipated trajectory for school or work involves STEM, AP CSP is an …
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Conclusion

  • AP CSP is great for students at any ability level or interest in computer science. It introduces some vital computer science concepts and knowledge to build a solid foundation for other more advanced subjects. It also acts as a primer on the possibilities of computer science. For students who were unaware or disinterested in computer science, the practical nature of CSP allows stud…
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