AP Computer Science Principles

Is Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles the right class for me?

Students enrolling in AP Computer Science Principles should have successfully completed a first-year high school algebra course with a strong foundation in basic linear functions and composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. In addition, students should be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represent points in a plane. It is important that students and their advisers understand that any significant computer science course builds on a foundation of mathematical and computational reasoning that will be applied throughout the study of the course.

College Board Evaluation comprises of two elements:

Create Task – Application to Ideas. The student must follow the College Board guidelines to independently write a software program. The student must submit the program to the College Board. This is 30% of the assessment score.
AP Exam – The AP Exam is comprised of 70 multiple choice questions and is 70% of the assessment score.

If you have a strong foundation in algebra and enjoy math and logic puzzles, watch the following videos and see if Computer Science should be in your future:

What is Computer Science?

Classes for Computer Science Majors

Classes for Computer Science Majors (Part 2)