In today's digitally-driven world, computer science has become a fundamental field of study, offering countless opportunities for those who dive into its depths. One way high school students can embark on this journey is by taking Advanced Placement (AP) computer science classes. These rigorous courses, offered by the College Board, provide a college-level education in computer science right in the confines of your high school. In this article, we'll explore eight reasons why you should consider enrolling in AP computer science during high school. 

What is AP Computer Science?

The course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in computer science and programming principles. Through College Board’s AP program, students are offered college level courses and exams. Here’s what you need to know: 

AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science encompasses two main classes—AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. 

- AP Computer Science A primarily focuses on teaching students the intricacies of coding, algorithms, and data structures through Java. 

- AP Computer Science Principles provides a broader introduction to computer science concepts without a specific programming language focus. It explores computational thinking, problem-solving, and the societal impact of computing.

What you will need to do well in AP Computer Science

If you’re considering taking AP Computer Science A, here are some things you should have or be interested in developing:

1. Strong Interest in Programming: If you have a genuine interest in coding and want to dive deep into programming languages like Java, AP Computer Science A is a great choice. This course focuses heavily on programming concepts, data structures, and algorithms.

2. Mathematical Aptitude: Having a good grasp of math, particularly algebra, is beneficial as you'll encounter mathematical concepts when working with data structures and algorithms.

3. Programming Experience: While not mandatory, some prior programming experience can be helpful, especially if you've already dabbled in Java or similar languages.

If you’re considering taking AP Computer Science Principles, here are some things you should have or be interested in developing:

1. Broad Interest in Technology: AP Computer Science Principles is a more accessible course for students who have a general interest in technology and computer science but may not necessarily want to become programmers. It covers a wide range of topics within the field.

2. Diverse Career Interests: AP Computer Science Principles is suitable for students interested in various career paths within technology, such as web development, data analysis, cybersecurity, or even fields like digital art and design that involve technology.

3. No Prior Coding Experience: This course is designed to be accessible to students with no prior coding experience. If you're new to programming, AP Computer Science Principles can be a great introduction to the subject.

What Does the Curriculum Typically Cover? 

College Board focuses on three key skills any beginner to intermediate-level coding student should know. In the AP computer science course, each of these focus areas truly mesh nicely with what you’d see in most programming applications down the road. The following topics are what you should expect from your AP computer science course:

1. Core Programming Skills: AP computer science A covers a wide array of programming concepts, from fundamental data types and loops in Java to more advanced topics like object-oriented programming. This thorough grounding in Java sets a strong foundation for programming in general.

2. Problem Solving: Both variants emphasize problem-solving skills. You'll learn how to approach complex problems logically and systematically, a skill that transcends coding and is invaluable in various fields.

3. Hands-on Projects: AP computer science isn't just about theory. You'll have the opportunity to apply what you've learned through hands-on coding projects. These projects not only reinforce your knowledge but also enable you to build a robust practical skill set.

How rigorous can you expect AP Computer Science to be? 

AP computer science courses are well known for their rigorous nature, demanding a strong commitment from students. They delve into complex content encompassing programming fundamentals, data structures, and problem-solving techniques using algorithms. Time management is critical, as students must invest substantial effort both inside and outside the classroom, completing challenging programming assignments and projects. Proficiency in mathematical concepts, particularly algebra, may also be necessary, depending on the course. The AP computer science exam, with its multiple-choice questions and free-response sections, assesses deep comprehension, requiring students to write code and elucidate solutions thoroughly. 

Success in AP computer science is often tied to self-directed learning, as students must independently explore new programming languages, along with their respective libraries, and frameworks. Debugging complex programs and adhering to coding standards further augment the course's difficulty. While the difficulty level can vary among schools and teachers, students who maintain organization, efficient time management, regular coding practice, and a growth mindset can find the rigor of the course both challenging and rewarding. Ultimately, their dedication pays off with valuable skills and knowledge in the field of computer science.

In order to pass the class, you must get a 3 or higher. About 65% students manage to achieve this; however, only about 12% of students who take AP Computer Science get a perfect score of 5.

Why should you take this course?

If you are a high school student with an inclination towards computer science or tech adjacent fields, you should definitely take AP computer science. Here are 8 compelling reasons why you should take the course: 

1. College Credit: One of the most significant incentives for taking AP computer science is the potential to earn college credit. If you excel in the course and perform well on the AP exam, you can often receive credit or advanced placement in college courses. This not only saves you time but also reduces the financial burden of higher education by awarding excelling students with scholarships and additional financial aid.

2. Career Opportunities: In an increasingly technology-driven world, computer science skills are in high demand. Whether you aspire to be a software engineer, data scientist, or work in any tech-related field, a strong background in computer science opens doors to numerous career opportunities.

3. Versatile Skills: While you might not become a professional programmer, the skills you acquire in AP computer science are incredibly versatile. Logical reasoning and algorithmic problem-solving are skills that can be applied in a wide range of professions, from business to healthcare to arts and sciences. For example, computational skills are invaluable in medical research. You might work with researchers to create algorithms for processing and analyzing DNA sequences, which can lead to breakthroughs in genetics and personalized medicine.

4. Solving Real-World Problems: AP computer science equips you with the ability to tackle real-world issues using technology. From designing apps to solving societal problems through data analysis, your skills can have a meaningful impact on the world. Additionally, the course teaches you how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and develop systematic solutions. 

5. Critical Thinking: AP computer science encourages critical thinking and logical reasoning. You'll learn to think analytically, which can be useful in many academic and professional contexts.

6. Innovation & Creativity: While programming, you have the freedom to create your own software and applications. AP computer science provides a platform for you to unleash your creativity and develop innovative projects.

7. College Applications: Having AP computer science on your high school transcript can make your college applications more credible, especially if you plan to major in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field.

8. Coding as a Second Language: Just as learning a second language can be valuable, learning to code is becoming a digital form of literacy. It empowers students to communicate with computers and understand the software that drives our world.

Ultimately, the decision to take AP computer science should align with your interests, career goals, and academic strengths. If you have an interest in technology and computer science, this course will provide you with a solid foundation and a competitive edge in your academic and professional pursuits.

Why did I take AP computer science?

I am Emily, a junior at Cornell University studying biomedical engineering. I am deeply passionate about technology and computers, and this passion was the driving force behind my decision to take AP Computer Science. From a young age, I had been captivated by the ever-evolving world of computers and how software plays a pivotal role in shaping our modern lives. This fascination has grown over the years, and I now see AP computer science as the perfect opportunity for students to further explore this field and gain a comprehensive understanding of computer science principles.

Coding has always been intriguing to me. I have already dabbled in coding and have enjoyed the process of creating small programs and solving coding challenges. AP Computer Science offers an opportunity to dive deeper into the world of coding, which helped me refine my programming skills and explore advanced concepts that can be applied to real-world problems. Moreover, computer science is not just about coding; it's about creativity, innovation, and finding solutions to complex issues. I am excited about the prospect of creating software, applications, or solutions that can make a positive impact on society, whether it's developing educational tools, solving environmental challenges, or enhancing user experiences.

My decision to take AP computer science was grounded in a genuine passion for technology, a desire for intellectual growth, and a clear vision for my future career. I believe that this course not only provided me with valuable knowledge but also helped me develop skills that are essential for success in the modern world. 

How to succeed in AP computer science 

For AP Computer Science as A Whole

1. Start Early & Practice Daily: Try not to procrastinate. Begin your studies and coding practice early. Programming is a skill that improves with practice. Try to write code daily, even if it's just small projects or exercises. The more you code, the better you'll become at spotting bugs and overcoming errors.

2. Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask your teacher or seek assistance online if you're stuck on a problem or concept. The computer science community and forums online are known for their collaborative spirit, with resources such as Geeksforgeeks, Stackexchange, Java Quick Guide, and plenty of online tutorials (like Khan Academy) available to help you.

3. Get Used to Reading AP Questions Carefully: Many free-response questions are divided into parts such as (a), (b), and (c), with each part requiring a different response. Credit for each part is awarded independently, so you should attempt to solve each part.

4. Understand the Concepts: Avoid the temptation to memorize code without understanding the underlying concepts. Understanding the "why" behind the code will make it easier to adapt to different programming languages and solve complex problems.

5. Study Past Exams: Reviewing past AP computer science exam questions can provide insight into the exam format and the types of questions you'll encounter. It's an excellent way to prepare effectively.

6. Join Coding Clubs: If your school has a coding club or if there are coding meetups in your area, consider joining. Collaborating with peers can make learning fun and more beneficial.

For AP Computer Science A

1. Master Java: AP Computer Science A primarily uses Java as its programming language. Ensure you have a strong grasp of Java syntax, data types, control structures (loops and conditionals), and object-oriented programming concepts like classes and methods.

2. Study Data Structures and Algorithms: Pay special attention to data structures like arrays, ArrayLists, and ArrayList-based classes. Understand sorting and searching algorithms like selection sort, insertion sort, and binary search, as they often appear on the AP exam.

3. Debugging Skills: Learn effective debugging techniques. Knowing how to identify and fix errors in your code is essential. Use debugging tools and practice tracing code step by step to spot issues.

4. Work on Efficiency: Understand the importance of writing efficient code. Learn how to analyze the time and space complexity of your algorithms and choose the most efficient approach for a given problem.

For AP Computer Science Principles

1. Explore Various Technologies: AP Computer Science Principles covers a wide range of topics, from algorithms to data analysis to the societal impacts of computing. Embrace this diversity and explore various aspects of technology to get a holistic understanding.

2. Work on the Explore Task: The Explore task is a research-based project where you investigate a computing innovation. Choose a topic you're passionate about and invest time in conducting research and presenting your findings effectively.

3. Plan for the Create Task: The Create task involves developing a program or project. Plan your project carefully, document your code well, and make sure your program addresses the given problem or task effectively.

4. Stay Current: Computer science is a rapidly evolving field. Stay current with technological advancements, especially those related to the course content, by reading tech news, blogs, and articles.

5. Review Ethical and Social Implications: Understand the ethical and social implications of computing, as this is a significant component of the course. Be prepared to discuss the impact of technology on society and privacy.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!