Hi, I’m currently a junior and I’m looking to major in computer science. I already have a lot experience with programming, and I have the opportunity to take AP Computer Science next year. My thought is that that class would be a bit of waste of time, as I have looked at free response questions on the exam from previous years, and have been able to complete them. If I was to just take the exam without taking the class, would that look worse on a college application than actually taking the class? Would skipping out on AP Computer Science hurt my chances of getting into a good school for computer science? Thanks.
The only reason to take an AP exam without taking the class is if the school that you are planning to attend will give you credit for it or allow you to skip some introductory courses. Otherwise it’s a waste of time and money.
If you think you know everything that is being taught in the AP class, maybe you could find a more advanced class at a local college to take instead.
Thanks, that sounds like a great alternative!