💻 2023 AP Computer Science A Study Plan
Welcome to this plethora of resources that cover everything you need to know for AP CSA! This toolkit is constantly being updated with more resources. AP Computer Science A is a college-level course in programming. You will develop an understanding of coding by analyzing, writing, and testing code while exploring concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures.
The AP Computer Science A Exam
A breakdown of the exam content by percentage.
| Unit | Exam Weighting (MCQ) |
|---|---|
| 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% |
Computational Thinking Practices
By taking AP Computer Science A, you’ll gain a variety of skills that will help you think and code like a computer scientist, engineer, or programmer.
| Skill | Description | Exam Weighting (MCQ) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Program Design and Algorithm Development | Determine required code segments to produce a given output. | 30%–35% |
| 2. Code Logic | Determine the output, value, or result of given program code given initial values. | 40%–45% |
| 3. Code Implementation | Write and implement program code. | Not assessed in the multiple-choice section |
| 4. Code Testing | Analyze program code for correctness, equivalence, and errors. | 12%–18% |
| 5. Documentation | Describe the behavior and conditions that produce identified results in a program. | 12%–18% |
Study Guides for Every Unit
➕ Unit 1 - Primitive Types
- 1.0 Unit 1 Overview
- 1.1 Why Programming? Why Java?
- 1.2 Variables and Primitive Data Types
- 1.3 Expressions and Assignment Statements
- 1.4 Compound Assignment Operators
- 1.5 Casting and Ranges of Variables
- 1.6 Multiple Choice Questions
- 1.7 MC Answers and Review
📱 Unit 2 - Using Objects
- 2.0 Unit 2 Overview
- 2.1 Using Objects Overview and Instances of Classes
- 2.2 Creating and Storing Objects (Instantiation)
- 2.3 Calling a Void Method
- 2.4 Calling a Void Method With Parameters
- 2.5 Calling a Non-Void Method
- 2.6 String Objects: Concatenation, Literals, and More
- 2.7 String Methods
- 2.8 Wrapper Classes: Integer and Double
- 2.9 Using the Math Class
- 2.10 Multiple Choice Questions
- 2.11 MC Answers and Review
🖥 Unit 3 - Boolean Expressions and if Statements
- 3.0 Unit 3 Overview
- 3.1 Boolean Expressions
- 3.2 If Statements and Control Flow
- 3.3 If-Else Statements
- 3.4 Else-If Statements
- 3.5 Compound Boolean Expressions
- 3.6 Equivalent Boolean Expressions
- 3.7 Comparing Objects
- 3.8 Multiple Choice Questions
- 3.9 MC Answers and Review
🕹 Unit 4 - Iteration
- 4.0 Unit 4 Overview
- 4.1 While Loops
- 4.2 For Loops
- 4.3 Developing Algorithms Using Strings
- 4.4 Nested Iteration
- 4.5 Informal Code Analysis
- 4.6 Multiple Choice Questions
- 4.7 MC Answers and Review
⚙️ Unit 5 - Writing Classes
- 5.0 Unit 5 Overview
- 5.1 Anatomy of a Class
- 5.2 Constructors
- 5.3 Documentation With Comments
- 5.4 Accessor Methods
- 5.5 Mutator Methods
- 5.6 Writing Methods
- 5.7 Static Variables and Methods
- 5.8 Scope and Access
- 5.9 This Keyword
- 5.10 Ethical and Social Implications of Computing Systems
- 5.11 Multiple Choice Questions
- 5.12 MC Answers and Review
⌚️ Unit 6 - Array
- 6.0 Unit 6 Overview
- 6.1 Array Creation and Access
- 6.2 Traversing Arrays
- 6.3 Enhanced for Loop for Arrays
- 6.4 Developing Algorithms Using Arrays
- 6.5 Multiple Choice Questions
- 6.6 MC Answers and Review
💾 Unit 7 - ArrayList
- 7.0 Unit 7 Overview
- 7.1 Introduction to ArrayList
- 7.2 ArrayList Methods
- 7.3 Traversing ArrayLists
- 7.4 Developing Algorithms Using ArrayLists
- 7.5 Searching
- 7.6 Sorting
- 7.7 Ethical Issues Around Data Collection
- 7.8 Multiple Choice Questions
- 7.9 MC Answers and Review
💻 Unit 8 - 2D Array
- 8.0 Unit 8 Overview
- 8.1 2D Arrays
- 8.2 Traversing 2D Arrays
- 8.3 Multiple Choice Questions
- 8.4 MC Answers and Review
🖲 Unit 9 - Inheritance
- 9.0 Unit 9 Overview
- 9.1 Creating Superclasses and Subclasses
- 9.2 Writing Constructors For Subclasses
- 9.3 Overriding Methods
- 9.4 Super Keyword
- 9.5 Creating References Using Inheritance Hierarchies
- 9.6 Polymorphism
- 9.7 Object Superclass
- 9.8 Multiple Choice Questions
- 9.9 MC Answers and Review
🖱 Unit 10 - Recursion
- 10.0 Unit 10 Overview
- 10.1 Recursion
- 10.2 Recursive Searching and Sorting
- 10.3 Multiple Choice Questions
- 10.4 MC Answers and Review
AP Computer Science A MCQ & FRQ
- ✍🏽 Ultimate Guide to the AP Computer Science A Exam: A point-by-point breakdown of the entire exam, including tips and practice prompts for the MCQ and FRQ.
Quicklinks
- 🤯 How to Get a 5 in AP Computer Science A: Tips and tricks from previous AP Computer Science A students on how to be successful in the course!
We have over 120 replays, slide decks, and study guides for AP Computer Science A! Go on and get that 5!
Related Questions
- Where can I find Fiveable's AP Computer Science A resources?
- Do you provide support for AP Comp Sci A?
- Does Fiveable help students pass the AP CSA exam?