5 Steps to a 5: AP Computer Science A 2024 - Klipp D.B., Johnson D.R., Paymer C.A. 2023

The Five-Step Program

This guide conducts you through the five steps necessary to prepare yourself for success on the exam. These steps will provide you with the skills and strategies that are vital to the exam as well as the practice that can lead you toward the perfect 5. Reading this guide will not guarantee you a 5 when you take the AP Computer Science A Exam in May. However, by understanding what’s on the exam, using the test-taking strategies provided for each section of the test, and carefully reviewing the concepts covered on the exam, you will definitely be on your way!

Step One gives you the basic information you need to know about the exam and helps you determine which type of exam preparation you want to commit to. In Step One, you’ll find:

• The goals of the AP Computer Science A course

• Frequently asked questions about the exam

• An explanation of how you will be graded

• Calendars for three different preparation plan:

• Full School Year Plan (September through May)

• One-Semester Plan (January through May)

• Six-Week Plan (six weeks prior to the exam)

Step Two introduces you to the types of questions you’ll find on the actual test and, by identifying the content areas where you are weak, allows you to prioritize the areas you most need to review. In Step Two, you’ll find:

• A diagnostic exam in AP Computer Science A. This test is just like the real test.

• Answers and explanations for all the exam questions. Read the explanations not just for the questions you miss, but also for all the questions and answer choices you didn’t completely understand.

Step Three helps you develop the strategies and techniques you need in order to do your best on the exam. In Step Three, you’ll learn:

• Strategies to tackle the Multiple-choice questions efficiently and effectively

• Strategies to maximize your score on the Free-response questions

Step Four develops the knowledge and skills necessary to do well on the exam. This is organized into 10 key units. In Step Four, you’ll review by using:

• Complete, but easy-to-follow, explanations of all of the concepts covered on the exam

• Review questions—both basic and advanced levels—for each unit, followed by step-by-step explanations so you’ll understand anything you missed

• Rapid Reviews for each unit that you can use to make sure you have the knowledge and skills you’ll need

Step Five will give you test-taking practice and develop your confidence for taking the exam. In Step Five, you’ll find:

• Two full-length practice exams that closely resemble the actual AP Computer Science A Exam. As well as checking your mastery of the concepts, you can use these exams to practice pacing and using the test-taking strategies given in Step Three.

• Step-by-step explanations for all the exam questions so you can understand anything you missed and learn from your mistakes.

• Scoring guidelines so you can assess your performance and estimate your score in order to see if you have reached your goal.