Taking AP Comp Sci A without prerequisite?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi,
For the AP Computer Science A course at my high school, a computer programming course is a prerequisite. I will be taking CSA next year as a senior without having taken computer programming in the past. This is the first year CSA is being taught at my school, and in case it’s relevant, I will be having a long-term sub for the first semester. How difficult will it be for me to take this class? Is there anything I can do over the rest of the summer to prepare (any good resources)?

As a point of reference, I’m in the top 5 or so students at my high school. Also, our AP CSP class is apparently pretty easy. Thanks!

2

It’s a pretty easy class. No prereqs at all.
Many kids with tech parents who started sending them to programming classes over the summer in junior high will find that this is somewhat repeat material.

3

Great, thanks!

4

Can you do some kind of online Computer programming this summer just to get some background?
Like Code Academy…nothing for credit, but just to get you started. https://www.codecademy.com/

5

That’s a good idea, thanks bopper. I’ve experimented with their program in the past, it’s pretty easy. I’ll definitely do that!

6

AP Computer Science Principles is the prerequisite in DD’s school. APCSP starts with block programming and APCSA is more or less Java programming. Not everyone finds A easy! At this point, checking some books out of the library to familiarize yourself with Java might help, but if you weren’t already a senior, I would suggest taking the prerequisite class.