Bear in mind that AP Computer Science A is the second year of a two-year sequence of computer programming classes. APCS A does not reteach the content of the first-year, introductory Java Programming class. The high school's course guide recommends that you take Java Programming before taking AP CSA. Java Programming provides a full year of coding in Java, an introduction to basic concepts of computer science, and many programming challenges.
If you will be taking AP CSA without taking the Java class, you should take a Java class over the summer. If that isn't possible, you should study and learn some Java over the summer. You should also be prepared to study during the coming school year, in order to fill in gaps in your understanding. If you go into AP CSA "cold," you may be overwhelmed and unhappy.
As a part of your preparation for APCS A, complete the programming exercises below over the summer. This is required work. The exercises make use of Java concepts that you should be familiar with prior to taking AP CSA. These exercises will count towards your marking period 1 grade.
Feel free to contact me over the summer at jstevens@metuchenhigh.org with questions or comments.
