AP Computer Science Principles: Important Facts and Exam Prep

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a byte and a bit? Have you sat in your Algebra class and asked, “How am I going to use this in life?”

The answers to both questions can be found in a course called AP Computer Science Principles.

AP Computer Science Principles offers a comprehensive foundation to students who might be interested in a career in tech. So, if you’re just curious about computer programming or about technology in general, this is the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet.

What is the AP Computer Science Principles Course?

When taking AP Computer Science Principles, you will gain an introduction to a broad overview of this field. You will learn how to create solutions by applying different aspects of computer science. This includes designing programs and algorithms as well as evaluating their outcomes.

In addition to problem-solving, you will take abstract concepts and integrate them into your own programming. By the end of the course, you should be able to explore and explain the functionality and impact of computing systems.

As with other AP courses, Computer Science Principles follows a series of “5 Big Ideas,” which lay out the concepts and skills that you will be studying.

Creative Development

In this class, you will focus on the collaborative process of programming and development and the importance of teamwork on most assignments and projects.

Data

You will also dive into data compression and explore how computers use data to create solutions and communicate new information.

Algorithms and Programming

This component involves the development of algorithms, along with evaluating and enhancing their efficiency. You will use these skills for problem-solving or for creating something new.

Computer Systems and Networks

This exploration of systems and networks will give you the opportunity to see how the Internet works. Plus, you will learn how to improve efficiency by using multiple computers that are networked together.

Impact of Computing

Throughout the course, you will also learn about the ethics behind programming and networking. The goal is to gain a firm understanding of the economic, social, and cultural impact of computer science. Additionally, your instructor will address topics like the digital divide, computing bias, and safe ways to program.

Along with the 5 Big Ideas, your AP exam prep includes assignments, projects, and assessments that encompass the following skills and concepts:

• Computational Solution Design
• Algorithms and Program Development
• Abstraction in Program Development
• Code Analysis
• Computing Innovations
• Responsible Computing

What is the College Equivalent of AP Computer Science Principles?

AP Computer Science Principles gives you the experience and rigor that’s equal to an introduction to computer science for a non-major. If you earn a score above 3 on the exam, you will obtain three credit hours and will be able to bypass taking the intro course in college.

Which Skills Will You Gain?

As you might expect, the AP Computer Science Principles course opens a world of skills and concepts that are complex but explain how technology works in our daily lives. In general, the skills that you will be practicing include the following:

• Understanding how computing concepts connect with one another
• Building a computer program that solves a complex problem or completes a job
• Using streamlined models (or abstractions) to illustrate computations and related concepts
• Breaking down the process of a program or algorithm to better understand its outcome
• Verbally sharing ideas about technology and computers in small groups or as a presentation
• Collaborating with a team to solve problems

Moreover, the course is designed to present these skills and information in such a way that one unit builds upon the other.

Branching Out in Mathematics

For example, you will start off learning the basics, such as the purposes of bits and bytes as well as how to differentiate between the two. This also brings binary numbers into play. Thus, you will learn how binary numbers work for the purpose of storing data, converting numbers into text, and other basic functions. Other topics that you will study involve the legalities associated with digital copyrights and licensing.

Wandering Around the Web

In another unit, you will dive into the inner workings of the internet and learn about connecting networks as well as routing and transporting.

Learning Basic Programming and Data Analysis

As the course progresses, you will also pick up skills related to programming, algorithms, and data analysis, starting with learning about variables and strings (the building blocks of a program). From there, you will move on to creating and assessing algorithms. Consequently, you will solve difficult problems using these skills plus gain a firm understanding of how data is derived and how to use data tools for analysis.

Keeping the (Digital) World Safe

Other valuable skills relate to a close study of cybersecurity. For instance, students will examine various authentication methods and data encryption techniques. Also, they familiarize themselves with data tracking methods.

What are the prerequisites?

The one prerequisite you will need is the successful completion of an Algebra I course. No other science or advanced math classes are required to enroll in AP Computer Science Principles.

Advantages of Taking AP Computer Science Principles

Along with skills that transfer to almost any field in the tech world, you might discover other perks while taking this course.  For one, you can start early on your college-level studies in computer science—without having to commit to one programming language.

Here are a few more benefits.

This Course Looks Great on Applications

When you’re filling out applications for college and for scholarships, this course (honestly, any AP course), along with a great score on the exam, provides an advantage. Often, the individuals who are vetting the apps look for a well-rounded set of courses and activities. Plus, they might see this course (and its corresponding exam score) as your motivation for getting an early start in computer science, or at least your high comfort level and interest in the digital world.

Internships

And speaking of applications, taking AP Computer Science might also place you at the front of the line for internships. This course, and others like it, would convey a solid background in computer science. Plus, you would give the impression of having a strong work ethic and a collaborative spirit, as reflected by the successful completion of this course.

Long-term Career Goals

Finally, the broad scope of concepts presented in this course may prove to be helpful as you determine your long-term career goals. While some might view this year-long class and as a “make or break” moment, it is an opportunity to study different aspects of programming so that you can decide where you may want to branch out in STEAM-related areas.

For instance, the unit on cybersecurity might push you in the direction of working in that sector. Or perhaps, you might enjoy the intrigue of gathering, storing, and analyzing data. Likewise, you might catch the creative bug and go into software or website development.

Getting an Early Jump on Networking

Also, you can’t forget the networking opportunities you would gain from taking this AP class. You might not expect to keep in touch with former high school classmates and instructors, but the collaboration on complex projects does make for long-term friendships and mentoring.

Is AP Computer Science Principles Hard to Pass?

Like any other AP class, you’re looking at a challenging set of concepts and skills, so you are not alone in questioning the difficulty and pass rate. Luckily, this course does have a pass rate that’s above average: 63%. And that statistic relates to the pass rate of the exam itself.

As far as difficulty is concerned, you have many factors at hand. These include:

• The depth of the material
• The difficulty of the projects
• The instructor’s teaching style
• Your own interests and learning style.

That is to say that succeeding in this course is not impossible, but if you have dealt with difficulties in math or a large workload in the past, then you might consider making this your only AP for the year.  

Should I Take AP Computer Science A Instead?

That depends on what you wish to focus on in relation to computer science. These courses, although similar in name only, cover two distinct sets of ideas and skills. Whereas AP Computer Science Principles consists of a broad overview of computer science, AP Computer Science A focuses more on Java as the language of choice for coding. Plus, the two exams follow totally different formats. AP Computer Science A, for example, has open-ended written questions and a multiple-choice section. However, the exam for AP Computer Science Principles contains a task and an essay section related to it. (You’ll get more of those important details later.)

How to Enroll in AP Computer Science Principles

Enrolling in this AP course is simple, depending on whether you’re in public school, private school, or receive instruction at home. In any case, you would need to contact an AP coordinator.

Public School

If you attend a public school, the process is as simple as adding the course to your pre-enrollment form for the following school year. Your academic advisor might ask you to get your algebra teacher’s signature, which certifies that you are ready for the next step. Other than that, no other steps are required until the day you take the exam. Your name and those of your classmates will be submitted to the AP coordinator.

Private School

Conversely, if you attend a private school that offers this AP class, you will go through a process similar to that of a public school.

However, not all private schools offer AP courses due to a shortage of trained instructors and/or materials. So, you can visit your neighborhood public school and ask the coordinator to allow you to take the exam with the rest of the students. (In most cases, there’s no objection at all.) You can also go the route of independent study outside of school hours while taking the exam at the end.

Homeschool

Like the private school scenario, you might start inquiring about taking the exam (or even the course) at an area school. Likewise, some charter, magnet, and/or private schools may offer AP courses online. Your parents can also ask their local homeschool co-op for any guidance as some families work together to form a class that addresses specific topics.  Otherwise, you can opt for an independent study in which you utilize the exam prep materials, online supplemental resources, and tutoring.

Preparing for the AP Computer Principles exam

As we get into the pinnacle of any AP course, which is the exam, we’ll look at effective means of preparation as a supplement to your classroom instruction or independent study.

Practice and Past Exams

Every few years, the College Board releases old AP exams. When you look at these documents, you will gain a better understanding of the exam’s format. As an FYI, the test consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, in which you will have two hours to complete. There is also a Creative Performance Task, which is completed outside of the exam time. For this part, you will need to submit a detailed video and written response and of course, the programming code.

The practice tests, on the other hand, provide questions and tasks similar to those on the actual exam. You might try taking a practice test at least twice during the school year. You would not only get a firm grasp on your strong points and areas of improvement, but also “how to take the test.” In other words, gaining some testing strategies to go along with your hard work in class proves to be beneficial. So, on exam day, you won’t experience any surprises with the procedures or the test itself.  

Manuals

Study guides and manuals also provide excellent exam preparation. You can find quick notes, unit summaries, and practice questions and tasks. These manuals can be found in the format of online platforms, where you can keep track of your own progress. Or you can order hard-copy guides from Amazon or your local bookstore.

Most likely, your instructor will provide study guides and ample practice exercises. However, having an extra manual would give you extra practice in the areas where you might need more preparation leading up to the exam.

What Is the Exam Score Breakdown?

The AP Computer Science Principles exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 5. A 5 signifies a rating of “highly qualified,” whereas a 4 and a 3 signify ratings of “well-qualified” and “qualified” respectively. Many universities grant credit hours if a student scores a 4 or a 5, while others give credit for a 3.

With this information about the AP Computer Science Principles course and exam, you may feel more prepared to decide about adding this class to your schedule. With this course comes a comprehensive overview of computer science and plenty of opportunities for collaborative, hands-on projects that are sure to help you get a great start in college.