I already took ap computer science and currently taking IB Computer science hl 2 (not part of ib diploma though), but I never got to take an AP CSP class (took regular csp class). Is it worth it to use my time to self study for this exam since a lot of colleges I’m going to give credit for this exam. Anyone who took the AP CSP exam and got credit for it, does the credit actually save a lot of time and money?
AP CS principles is useful for the knowledge gained (an overview of what CS is about, which can help you decide whether you want to major in it, and know how it may relate to other subjects), but not really for the AP credit. It is likely that any AP credit from it will just be non-specific elective credit, though that depends on the college. So if you have specific colleges in mind, check what they actually would give for the AP credit to see if it would have any value to you.
Thanks for the answer, and yeah it does seem like most colleges will actually give major focused elective credits.
Do it because it shows you the myriad ways in which CS applies to your life (and not just programming), not for the credit. However, I wouldn’t self study for it. It also won’t help with admissions (colleges don’t like self study, unless you have a compelling reason, such as your HS only offering 2-3 AP classes total).
@MYOS1634 My intended major is Computer Science, so if I self-study for the test to get credit will that still look bad? To be more specific my school does have an AP CSP class.
@MYOS1634 My intended major is Computer Science, so if I self-study for the test to get credit will that still look bad? To be more specific my school does have an AP CSP class.
My understanding is that AP CSP has an online digital portfolio component that is required for the test grade but is not part of the May testing. See the FAQ about “What can I do if my school doesn’t offer AP CSP, or if I decide to study independently without taking an AP CSP course?” at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/help#faq77
Also, if you see that the colleges you are applying to give credit for courses in the CS major for AP CSP, I would check to make sure this is credit for a course that is separate from whatever credit is given for the Java-based AP CS. Also, read the course prerequisites for whatever course is credited. In most cases, I would expect it to say something like “AP CS or equivalent programming experience.”
It sounds kind of pointless, especially if your school offers the class. Also, you’ll only get elective credit - you should save those credits to take advanced classes in your major.
@Ynotgo So do you recommend to self study? I checked most of the colleges I am applying to and they are mostly giving course credit that is equivalent to CSP (like CS10) but some just give elective credits.
Your time is better spent on something else, especially ECs.
Thanks for all the response. I think I will just hold off on doing this. Again thank you for the advice.
@Lege441 I would recommend doing ECs. Perhaps you might be interested in CS-related ECs, such as robotics or USACO.
Since the AP test for AP CSP requires a portfolio administered by a teacher, it would not work to self-study unless the teacher agrees to set up an account for you in the AP system as described in that FAQ I mentioned. Then you would be essentially auditing the class.
For any class where the prerequisite is “equivalent programming experience” you may be able to take that class without having to take whatever Intro to CS class because of your AP CS and IB Computer science hl 2 classes. I would not worry about accumulating extra credits for classes you don’t need to take.
Your other threads indicating interest in UCs and CSUs indicate that you may be in California.
UC gives 8 quarter units (= 5.3 semester units) for AP CS principles, according to http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/exam-credit/ap-credits/ . However, the various campuses generally give no subject credit, or subject credit for a low level introductory CS course (not for CS majors) or a math general education requirement.
CSU does not list AP CS principles in https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/transfer/Pages/advanced-placement-ap.aspx . Some CSU campuses do not list it in their own AP credit charts. Some that do are CPSLO (9 quarter units, no subject credit), SJSU (no credit), and SFSU (6 semester units, no subject credit).
Unless you intend to graduate college in as few semesters or quarters as possible (where a few more units of general elective credit may help), it does not look like the AP CS principles exam is worth bothering with.
If you have strong interest in CS then it can be a fun elective with AP boost on your weighted GPA and show your interest to colleges. You are also get to introduced to basic CS concepts. Not much else.
I took CSP last year as a sophomore, realizing it wouldn’t give me much credit but I was interested in learning more about computers. The GPA boost was good, and even though the AP credit won’t count for much (if anything at all), I’m hoping the 5 I got on it will show my interest/skill in CS. Since it’s a brand new class, on its second year, the curriculum will probably be a little shaky; I know my class was, but I loved my teacher and I learned a lot of general knowledge about computers, and we learned a lot of stuff that wasn’t required in the AP test. I would see what your school’s reputation for the class is, and see if people who took it last year thought it was worthwhile (if your school had it last year). I’d say it would be a pretty straightforward class to study, if you were to self study.