[eker676]

This year I am taking an independent study for AP Computer Science. An independent study is basically, learn it yourself.

My main question is how should I prepare myself for the AP Computer Science exam in March? Since CollegeBoard has dropped the AB test I only have to consider topics on the A test. ( No data structures basically )

A little background (Possibly exaggerated, but I'm trying to give myself an honest evaluation):

I know C++ and C#
I consider myself acceptably versed in OOP. I'm not an expert but I've been around the block.

I don't use Java much but I have a fair understanding of what is available for me to use.
I can write classes, functions, event-driven programs, guis.

I am no noobie to Java and I can learn what needs to be learned in a year. The problem with no teacher is that I don't know what needs to be learned. I have looked over the syllabus on the CollegeBoard website but I would like an opinion from someone who has recently taken AP Computer Science.


For those who recently took AP CS, what book did you use? ( I have one but it's an outdated reference manual the school gave me )

Last question: How hard did you think the AP CS exam was?
After looking at the topics covered I don't think it will be that hard but I'm not sure.

Finally, Thanks for taking the time to read this, if you read it, I would love some feedback.

[macosxnerd101]

Moved to Student Campus.

Take a look at this thread. You should be comfortable with stages 1 and 2, minus design patterns. Basically, it's OOP with a little recursion, substring(), and maybe a question on sorting and number base conversion. If you can do that comfortably, you'll be fine, and it sounds like you're more or less there. I would also obtain a copy of GridWorld and work on the GridWorld assignments, as GridWorld makes up 5 MC and 1 FRQ. We also have the new GridWorld subforum if you need help with the assignments.

In terms of the exam, it was way too easy. It was really a nice confidence booster and power nap before the AP Stats and AP Calculus exams, and an easy 5. For the book, we were given the Blue Litvin Java book, but we hardly ever used it. It was more topical than helpful, which helpful is probably better for an intro class. I think you'll do fine, and I really wouldn't sweat it.

[eker676]

Thanks for the reply.

If the exam only covers stages 1 and 2 with a few extras I can do that in my sleep. I guess it will leave lots of extra time for Calc 2 which I have to do good on considering I only pulled a 3 on the Calc AB exam.

[macosxnerd101]

Yah, you'll do fine on the exam. I was the same way with the class. I didn't take a single note but got an easy 5.

Out of curiosity, are you taking Calc 2 in college, or BC Calc at your school?

[eker676]

BC Calc at school. Everyone calls it Calc 2 though. Probably because Calc 2 sounds better than BC Calc.

A little off topic but what did you get on the Calc AB exam?

This post has been edited by eker676: 23 September 2010 - 07:30 PM

[macosxnerd101]

I got a 4. I was a little surprised, as I got burnt out b/c I had Comp Sci, Stats, and Calc right in a row.

[eker676]

Three in a row isn't exactly ideal.

[Dogstopper]

eker676, on 23 September 2010 - 09:28 PM, said:

BC Calc at school. Everyone calls it Calc 2 though. Probably because Calc 2 sounds better than BC Calc.

A little off topic but what did you get on the Calc AB exam?

At our school, the math program is so good, that Calc2 is one of the 3 above-AP Math classes