The College Board offers two distinct Advanced Placement classes for students who are interested in computer science: AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. While it is possible to enroll in and complete both classes, high school students who have time for just one of the two AP courses should be aware of their differences before they make a decision.
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Course Content
One important difference between the two courses is that AP Computer Science A solely uses Java and emphasizes problem-solving. Students learn to assess, create and implement solutions; work with algorithms; and debug Java solutions, among other tasks. The class includes a laboratory component and is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in computer science.
AP Computer Science Principles, on the other hand, does not rely on any particular programming language. This decision is left to the discretion of your instructor. The course involves the broader ideas behind computing, such as algorithms and data, creativity, the internet, programming, cybersecurity and the social implications of the field. AP Computer Science Principles is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in computing.
In a nutshell, AP Computer Science Principles gives students a more panoramic understanding of computing practices. AP Computer Science A can be described as more narrowly focused and technical.
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Assessment Format
The two AP computer science courses also vary in terms of how students are assessed.
The exam for AP Computer Science A is three hours long, and it contains two sections: multiple choice and free response, each of which accounts for 50 percent of your grade. Students are allotted 90 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. The same timing applies to the free-response section, which contains four questions that require knowledge and the use of Java.
Your progress in AP Computer Science Principles is determined by two components: an end-of-course exam and two performance tasks.
The exam is worth 60 percent of your overall grade, takes two hours and consists of 74 single-select and multiple-select questions. The other 40 percent of your AP score involves two in-class assessments: Explore — Impact of Computing Innovations, which takes eight hours of classroom time and accounts for 16 percent of the final grade, and Create — Application from Ideas, which takes 12 hours of class time and accounts for 24 percent of the final grade.
The assessment format of AP Computer Science A is beneficial for those students who are skilled test-takers, work quickly and are comfortable with Java. The AP Computer Science Principles format may be best for students who are more confident in their ability to create a quality product in a long-term classroom environment.
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Curriculum Applicability
Students should also reflect on their future career goals when deciding which computer science course to take. Differences in course content and skill development means that each class prepares students for specific types of professions.
AP Computer Science A is ideal for individuals who wish to pursue a career in areas like engineering, software development and web design. It’s a great choice for students who plan to pursue a college major in computer science.
AP Computer Science Principles is ideal for those students who are less interested in Java or who would like a big-picture view of computing. It can be an excellent choice for various careers and majors, including economics, library and information science, and physics.
Both AP computer science classes have a great deal to offer high school students. Since they vary in several important ways, students should research each course before enrolling. Even if your high school does not offer the class you decide on, remember that you can likely take it online.
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Choose Between AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles originally appeared on usnews.com
