I took AP Computer Science A sophomore year, and I can take AP Computer Science Principles next year, my senior year.
The teacher of that class said that the two classes were different, and she recommended I take the class.
However, I’ve also heard that AP Computer Science Principles is basically an easier version of AP Computer Science A.
People have told me that taking Principles next year would be a step down and that I would not learn anything new, that it would not be worth my time.
I have an interest in computer science and might pursue it in the future. I’m just conflicted, because if Principles is an easier version of AP Computer Science A, it might not be worthwhile to take.
I took Computer Science A and my computer science teacher taught both classes this year (we guinea pigged Computer Science Principles) and he said that Computer Science A was computer programming while Computer Science Principles was more the theory, logic, and science behind computer science. He also said that the two classes use different languages (Java and JavaScript), and he said that with more time teaching the class he’d be able to decide on which one should be first, but he recommended that we should take the class.
The two classes cover different materials and would provide a broader view of the field. I’d recommend you take it if you have a free period in your schedule.
Side note: I plan to take either AP Computer Science Principles or AP Environmental Science.
Both are interesting. APES is probably easier, especially if you’ve had AP Bio/chem before (in which case it’ll be really easy).
Definitely! I feel like Principles might be more helpful and catered to my future, if it’s a good class to take.
It’d clearly make more sense to take Principles considering your aspirations.
If you want to get into the computer field, then take the computer class if your teacher recommends it.
My only issue and source of confusion is that I’ve been receiving different statements.
One of my friends is a student of the teacher that teaches computer science at our school, and she told me that the teacher had said before that people who wanted to pursue computer science as a career should take AP Comp Sci A, whereas people who just want to take a computer science class and not necessarily pursue computer science as a career should take Principles.
The students I know that took Comp Sci A this year all are saying the same thing, that Principles is basically an easier version of Comp Sci A.
Can anyone clarify?
Look at the syllabi presented on the AP pages.
CS principles doesn’t teach the same things. If at your school it’s CS A lite, then they don’t follow the curriculum planned for it. And since the students took comp A, not Principles, how would they know ?
It’s not programming, but all other fields linked to CS - fields growing exponentially right now.
Look at this video :
http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/about/a-different-way-of-thinking.html
It looks like I’ll be taking Principles. Thank you, @MYOS1634, for taking time to answer so many of my questions and provide clarification. Thank you also for the video–it was incredibly engaging.
Thanks also to @bopper and @snowfairy137 for the advice! 