I’m a current sophomore in High school, and I’m debating on whether to just self study for the APCS test in junior year, or to take the course at my high school. As for my programming background, I’m a USACO Gold level contestant, but I only program in C++. However, I do feel like learning Java will not be too difficult.
Any suggestions?
You have not provided a compelling reason for just taking the course. Without that, taking a course is preferable, IMO.
Did you want to leave the slot open for some other class? From your other thread, you seem fairly advanced. If you are an experienced C++ programmer, then the Java class should be easy for you. You probably could self-study for the AP exam, but what would be the point? We don’t know unless you tell us what you are trying to accomplish. If you are very advanced, maybe take a dual-enrollment CS class in data structures instead of spending time self-studying Java.
Normally, taking the class is preferred over self-study.
The exception may be if you already know all of the material and “self-study” would be no more than a little review.
You may want to look at the AP CS A course description and sample exam questions at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-computer-science-a to see if it is worth taking the course, or if it would just be what you already know.