Should I drop AP CS A?

Hi,

Sorry if I’m doing this wrong, this is my first time posting on this website. I have a dilemma, and I would like some sound advice. I am a high school freshman, and I am currently in my third quarter of school. I have been taking all Honors classes and getting good grades. However, this quarter I have begun my AP CS A class, and I find myself not only worrying over everything, but also losing sleep and study time on my other, core classes, as I am also taking Honors Pre-Calc, Honors Civics, and Honors Biology at the same time. I currently have a C (74.03%), and I believe with my test scores added it will either drop to a D or…barely a B or C+. I have tried to understand the work, and I do know Java can be learned with enough discipline, but it just isn’t working out. The teacher is also no help, and goes by material very fast (as expected), and explains in terms that are hard for a complete beginner. They also answer in vague words that don’t answer any of my questions, and when I come in after school, they go over material in such a brief and dismissive way that I have trouble believing they want to help me at all.

I had initially signed up for AP CSP, but apparently made a mistake. Prior to beginning the class, I discussed with the teacher and she insisted that a beginner would not be lost in the class. In my case, however, I am completely lost. Most, if not all students, are in 11th grade or higher and have taken AP CSP as a prerequisite, and as a complete beginner with no significant interest in Java, I feel as if I will not improve dramatically anytime soon, especially since the exam is quickly approaching.

My question, in short, is: should I drop the class? Please note that I am trying to maintain a high GPA to be accepted to a top college. How will this reflect to them? I plan on taking 2 AP classes next year with a more balanced and open schedule. I’d appreciate serious feedback!

Thank you!

I also plan on studying over the summer and taking the AP CS A exam next year when I am more prepared!

I would drop it. If you’re serious about computer science, take AP Computer Science Principles next year, and then take AP Computer Science A. I’d suggest learning other languages in the meantime, such as JavaScript.

Drop it.

Do not do this - it will only confuse you more. Given that your school offers both Principles and A, and you’re only a freshman, I’d recommend sticking to those. If you do choose another language to learn on the side, make sure you have proper time, and consider an online course such as codeacademy.

Within that, what language you work in makes a difference. I advise against Javascript because despite the name, it shares little with Java and will likely only confuse. I’d recommend Python, as it’s simplistic and readable syntax can be helpful to beginners.

https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-python

Thank you all! I decided to talk with my counselor and for this quarter, I have signed a Pass/No Credit form. Thanks for the advice.

What are you having difficulty with in AP compsci A? I’m taking it right now as well. Is it just standard coding such as for loops and recursion? I don’t know much about what you are having trouble with yet but I would recommend doing coding bat (website) problems on java for help. Doing those helped me a lot and made me think more in a coding sense. Most of the tests at my school are structured with the same types of problems as that site.