AP Computer Science A - Study Guides, Flashcards, AP-style Practice & Mock Exams

The exam is a 3-hour test with two equally weighted sections. You will have 90 minutes for 40 multiple-choice questions and another 90 minutes for 4 free-response questions. The FRQs require you to write complete Java code solutions to solve specific problems, often involving object-oriented design and data structures.

The four FRQs require you to write Java code to solve problems without a compiler. These questions typically assess your ability to implement methods, design classes, and manipulate data structures like arrays and `ArrayLists`. You must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and an understanding of algorithmic design to succeed.

This course focuses primarily on object-oriented programming (OOP) using Java. You will master fundamental concepts like classes, objects, and inheritance. Key skills include developing algorithms, understanding data structures, and implementing solutions for a variety of computational problems, all covered across the course's 53 topics.

Understanding `arrays` and `ArrayLists` is absolutely critical for success on the exam. These data structures are fundamental to storing and processing collections of data. You will be expected to traverse, search, sort, and manipulate them, especially on the free-response questions where they are a central component of most problems.

Recursion is a powerful problem-solving technique where a method calls itself to solve smaller versions of the same problem. On the exam, you may be asked to analyze or write recursive methods for tasks like searching or traversing data structures. Understanding the base case and recursive step is essential for these questions.

We recommend a sequential approach to master the material over approximately 38 hours. Start by completing the topics within each of the 4 units, then test your knowledge with AP-style quizzes. Solidify your understanding with unit exams before moving on to the full-length mock exams to simulate the real test environment.

Use our 866 practice questions and 898 flashcards to reinforce concepts after each topic. The questions mimic the style of the AP exam, helping you identify weak areas. Save the 3 mock exams for the final weeks of your prep to practice time management and build endurance for the full 3-hour test.

No, calculators are not permitted on any part of the AP Computer Science A exam. All calculations required for the multiple-choice or free-response sections are simple enough to be done by hand. The exam focuses on your understanding of programming logic and algorithmic complexity, not complex mathematical computation.

Yes, you will be provided with the official AP Computer Science A Java Quick Reference sheet for both sections of the exam. This sheet lists common classes and methods from the Java library that are part of the course curriculum. You should become familiar with its contents and layout before exam day.

The best preparation is to practice writing code by hand, without a computer or compiler. This simulates the exam environment and forces you to focus on logic, syntax, and object-oriented design. Work through past FRQs to understand common patterns and scoring guidelines, paying close attention to preconditions and postconditions.