<p>So I decided this year to self-study the AP Computer Science AB test since my school doesn't offer it. When I registered for the AP test a couple weeks ago I had all the material in the Comp Sci A test covered, it was pretty easy, and I was starting to study for the AB material. At the time, I wasn't sure if I should take the A test or the AB test, and after skimming through some of the AB topics it didn't really seem that difficult, and I thought I'd be able to prepare by May for the AB test. So, I decided to take the AB test. However, I soon discovered it wasn't as easy as I thought, I'm having a lot of trouble understanding the concepts. Also, I'm getting really busy right now studying for my other APs and SATs and such, so I have increasingly little time to devote to Comp Sci AB. </p>
<p>I was wondering if I should even take the AB test? Is it possible to switch to an A test this late? </p>
<p>But I have devoted a lot of time to study for this test and I really want to take it. I'm aiming for a 5, I guess a 4 wouldn't be horrible, but I'd really really like a 5. </p>
<p>So to anyone who's taken it before or has experience with the test: What textbooks/resources did you use? Which ones were the best? </p>
<p>Also, what's the deal with the Case Study? What are the questions like? What should I do to prepare for them?</p>
<p>Sorry for all those questions, but there's only a couple weeks left before the test and I'm really starting to worry. :/ If anyone could offer any advice or help that would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Be prepared for the AP Exam or something by Maria Litvin is supposed to be pretty good. And try the Barron's book, but that's really lengthy and boring.</p>
<p>I have Barrons and Litvin... If you want a 5, definately get Barrons</p>
<p>I have one question: someone told me that the case study was different this year (Gridworld or something)... I thought that was for next year</p>
<p>Is the case study still the Marine Biology one?... If it is, Barrons is a great review for it and if you seach the CB site... they have TONS of documentation on it.</p>
<p>Also, if you are struggling it IS too late to switch (from what I know)... I recommend getting another easier book to study with it... If you google "How to think like a computer scientist Java" you can find a free e-book that is for the AP test that is really easy to understand. But, the best textbook I have is called something like "Introduction to Java Programming" by Walter Savitch. If you can block out the authors own libraries, it is an easy book to understand.</p>
<p>The Case Study questions are really simple usually. Everything you need to know about them can be learned from a prep book. Plus the reference sheet they give you on the day of the exam has codes of the classes as well.</p>
<p>Also, what topics are you having difficulty with? I'd say the big section of the AB topics are the Java Collections. My suggestion, if you have the time to study a lot, is to go out and buy Barron's book. It gives detailed explanations of everything. People say Litvin's book is great, but really I think it sucks for someone who sucks at programming. It's an EXCELLENT 'review' book though, no doubt.</p>
<p>You need to go through a lot of code, analyze it, and make sure you understand it, and Barron's does that really well. Try coding a lot of things yourself because you'll need the experience for the FRQs on the exam.</p>
<p>At our school, we use the Litvin's textbook (not AP prep book). I think it has some confusing explanations and a good teacher would've really helped me, but I think Barron's or Head First Java should be sufficient.</p>