<p>My school doesn't offer AP Econ or Computer science, and if I can't get an independent study for one of them (where you basically study with a teacher for the test), can I self study for them myself with relative ease? I'm going to be taking 7 IB classes next year, so I don't want to overload myself and then wind up failing the AP tests.</p>
<p>Even if I can't self-study for comp sci, I was wondering how people self-teach themselves computer programming (I'm a total n00b besides HTML)? I'm currently reading Java for dummies, but are there any other books you recommend? Also, what are the main programs I should know so that I have a head start in college?</p>
<p>I did an independent study for compsci(A). I really like computers, but I hated the content of the exam. I don't know my score(took it last year, long story short, CB refused to give me my score, 'nuff said), but I think I probably got like a 3 on it, maybe a 4.</p>
<p>My main gripe with the compsci exam is that it tests you on little nonimportant things in CS. For example, the test will present you with the following code(for example):
int mysteryFunction(int var1){
for(int i=0;i<var1;i++){
for(int j=0;j<i;j++){
System.out.println(mysteryFunction(i-j));
}
}
}
Then, they'll ask you what it outputs if mysteryFunction(5) is called. Is this fundamental to Computer Science? No. Does it test how well you'll do in an intro CS class? No. Would you ever be asked to do something like this at a job? No. Computers are designed to evaluate these things, not humans. Personally, I think the test needs to be retooled to focus only on writing code, and not evaluating it or judging what it can do. Perhaps the multiple choice section should be significantly reduced(to 10-15 questions) or eliminated, and the free response questions should be increased in size enormously.</p>
<p>Anyway, after that rant, you decide if you want to take it. You'd probably have a lot of trouble, though, if you haven't experienced any object oriented programming language before.</p>
<p>mikesown: I'd be really interested to hear why CB wouldn't give you your CS score. </p>
<p>I have a differing opinion about whether that kind of question relates to anything you'd have to do on a job. That is <em>exactly</em> what you might have to do as part of a comp sci job. I've worked in that industry for 26+ years and reading other people's poorly-written and/or poorly-documented code to try to figure out what it does and what it outputs is just part of the territory. It would be great fun if all we had to do is write code. Not so. </p>
<p>My daughter will be studying for and hopefully taking the CS AB exam next May. </p>
<p>To the OP, go ahead and give it a try if you don't mind really digging in and learning the material for yourself. It might be nice if there was someone to whom you could go if you have questions about the CS material. Also, plan to have your home computer set up with the compiler and possibly a GUI editor.</p>
<p>Edit to say that we'll be using the Litvin book "Java Methods A & AB" for the main textbook plus Barron's exam prep book as we get into the months coming up to the exam.</p>
<p>Don't use any of the "dummies" books. The Java one didn't work for me. First, "Java for Dummies" has nothing to do with actual programming, and "Java Programming for Dummies" didn't work for me. I used "Java Programming from the Beginning," which is a text book, to learn most of the A material, which is the stuff I think is hardest to understand without knowing any object oriented programming language. And then for the AB material, you should use Baron's.</p>
<p>Aren't IB classes supposed to be really hard? Why are you planning to self-study TWO AP's, let alone one? Give yourself a break. There's no reason to take as many AP's as you can!</p>
<p>The most AP's you're allowed to take in my school is 7, two in junior year and five in senior year. People still get into the Ivy League (sorry if my assumption is wrong, but generally the people who try to get 16 AP's are generally after them; I'm assuming this is your longterm goal). The funny thing is, Ivy Leagues are less likely to give you credit, just placement, for the exams. So it's all a waste of time!</p>