AP Computer Science A or AP computer science AB?

Question

I have no knowledge on either of the course. SO which would be harder and whats the d**n difference?

Answer 1

I took CS A this year. I think it's actually a prerequisite for AB. In my class, we learned Java programming. How hard it is really depends on the teacher. Go to collegeboard.com and maybe you can find some more info on it!

btw, the AP test for it was suicide...not to discourage you or anything.

Answer 2

You must take Computer Science A before taking Computer Science AB. Both courses focus on programming in the Java language and prepare you for an AP exam in May. Past students of AB have told me that AB is not necessarily "harder," just more advanced. Also, Computer Science AB is being phased out and won't be available for the 09-10 school year and beyond.

Answer 3

I didn't take the course but if it's anything like Calculus AB vs Calculus BC then Computer science AB would be the harder course. And the difference is that you learn more in AB than in A. Because in AB you're just taking on another course of computer science. While computer science is just one course of computer science...

I hope that helped...

Answer 4

Computer Science AB will stop being offered by college board at the end of the 08-09 school year. Take it then if you want it.

AB is more difficult than A. Most AP classes require you take A before AB.

Answer 5

In CS A, you learn mostly about Java. AB covers some topics of A at an accelerated pace, such as polymorphism and recursion but AB also covers what I think is the "meat" of computer science and that is data structures/algorithms. You learn about efficient ways to store/sort/search data. In both A and AB, you have to know the case studies, which is basically just a sample program in which you learn how it works.

If you're a fast learner and you're confident, taking AB would be fine. I've seen many people take AB without previous experience and do well. Just be warned though that there are some people who have taken previous courses in Java and still do bad at AB, it seems that it's either a "you don't get it" or "you get it" type of thing. If you're having ANY doubts at all, then take A.

Answer 6

Depends on how focused and determined are you willing to be.  AP computer science AB is a lot more advanced and contains all of the essential stuff to programming.  I took the AP computer science A class but chose to take the AB exam and did surprisingly well.  I read the book, practice programming a lot, and studied a lot before the exam so if you are willing to do the same, then you should do well.  The A exam is the basics of java programming will the AB exams contains the important stuff that you will need to know for a job.

Good luck on your decision.