Should I take AP Computer Science online? (FLVS)

<p>Next year is my senior year, and I'm considering taking AP Computer Science online on FLVS over the summer... or possibly next year. Mainly because I'm gonna major in electrical engineering, and I think I might have an interest in Computer Science. But, IDK, I know nothing about it, but it sounds cool. But, I'm dual enrolled at a community college too, and I'm gonna take an Introduction to Computers class in the fall semester, and then a basics in programming class the spring semester. And I'm taking AP Calculus all year next year. I want to know if I have an interest in it, but I don't know if it's worth it. Especially because I'm already taking 2 classes in chemistry and communications at college this summer. I kinda don't want to add a third class for my supposed summer "vacation". But if I take it next year, I'd be doing that on top of high school and community college classes (and this includes 2 AP classes). How different is Computer Science from an intro class and a programming class? Would it be really hard online? What do you guys think about my situation? I don't know what to do...</p>

<p>My son tried to do it online with FLVS but did not like the structure so he dropped it. Instead he self-studied it this semester and is taking the AP exam tomorrow. Ask me in July how he did. FYI - he is a 4.0/5.3 graduating senior.</p>

<p>Bump???</p>

<p>From the Course Description on College Board:</p>

<p>“The Advanced Placement Program offers a course and exam in introductory computer science. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development, and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction.”</p>

<p>So if you took the intro class as dual enrollment, and AP Comp Sci, you would be doubling credit. It seems that you would have to take one or the other. Many students like the FLVS course for APCSA. It has a good pass rate.</p>

<p>Ok, so I’m just going to write this for other students who are curious and yes I’m taking the class now. I’m in-state so FLVS is free for me. I don’t know how much it costs for out-of-state students ):
The class really does not seem that hard. I have no idea why anybody would complain (about the difficulty at least). As long as you know your algebra, this class will be a breeze. The thing is though, you can’t expect to program something and it always works the first time. Most of the time you program something, it doesn’t work the first time and you have to make some changes. So don’t angry, just try to fix it and you will get better at it. So this class does require some patience (then again, ALL CS and programming classes require patience).
The great thing (as with all FLVS courses) is that it is SELF-PACED. You can take as long as you want (or as quickly as you want). You just have to finish the class before the AP Exam in May. Like AimHigh2 said, the class has a VERY good pass rate. Over 85% of the students pass the AP Exam. And over 30% of the 5’s earned in the state on the AP Exam came from FLVS students! So you will learn alot in this class and it seems to be pretty easy so far. I think the only reason NOT to take this class would be if its a money issue (for out of state students).</p>

<p>If there’s one course you shouldn’t take online it’s, ironically, APCS. I’d just say it’s harder than the others to do online, but surely possible.</p>

<p>neh, APCS is rly easy, even for self-study. Just do it online to get credit if you need it, although most online courses aren’t effictive in teching.</p>

<p>I haven’t been taking this class for very long, but it seems pretty easy so far. Its just very time consuming somtimes. And its not like you’re completely alone. You can always talk with your teacher if you’re just not understanding something.
I’ll see how the rest of the course goes.</p>