Start your AP Computer Science journey the right way with a free level assessment and a personalised roadmap — no cost, no obligation. Study with expert tutors on a fully personalised plan.
AP Computer Science consists of the College Board's two university-level computer science courses for high-school students: AP Computer Science Principles, a language-agnostic introduction to the broad foundations of the field, and AP Computer Science A, equivalent to a first-semester university programming course in Java. They are separate courses — neither is a prerequisite for the other — and many students take both. At Studrise we offer one-on-one online tutoring for each.
An AP Computer Science score is a strong signal of academic readiness in applications to computer science, engineering, data science and business programs; CS A in particular is the course that stands out for computer science and software engineering applicants. A high score strengthens your application and earns credit or exemption from an introductory computer science or programming course at many universities. Which course to start with depends on your programming experience and your target program.
Each subject below has its own one-on-one prep program. Pick yours to see the format, scoring and curriculum.
Algorithms, data, the internet and the impacts of computing, plus a programming project during the year (Create Performance Task). The ideal start for students who have never coded.
Object-oriented programming in Java, arrays, ArrayList and recursion. The course that stands out for computer science and software engineering applicants.
Every lesson is taught by expert tutors who know the AP Computer Science format inside out and focus on exam strategy.
After your level assessment, we build a personal roadmap around your strengths and weak spots.
Lessons run online and one-on-one on days and times that suit you — no clashes with school.
It starts with a free assessment and consultation — you begin knowing the plan, timeline and goal.
A short call and assessment to clarify your current level, your goal and your exam date.
We build a topic-by-topic weekly study plan and match you with the right tutor.
Start one-on-one lessons with your tutor and track progress with regular practice tests.
The two courses are assessed quite differently — one is a project plus an exam, the other a two-section coding exam:
Create Performance Task project submitted during the year (30%) · End-of-Course exam: 70 multiple choice (2 hours, 70%) plus written responses about the project
3 hours · 40 multiple choice (1 h 30 min, 50%) + 4 FRQs (1 h 30 min, 50%) · writing Java code
Principles is language-agnostic (Python, JavaScript, block-based languages…) · A is entirely Java
Principles: algorithms, data, the internet, impacts of computing · A: object-oriented programming, arrays, ArrayList, 2D arrays, recursion · both digital in Bluebook since 2025
Both exams are scored on a 1–5 scale; a 3 is generally treated as passing, while selective computer science and engineering programs expect a 4 or 5. In CS Principles the final score combines the Create Performance Task submitted during the year (30%) with the end-of-course exam (70%); in CS A the multiple-choice and free-response sections carry equal weight, and FRQ code is written without a compiler — correct syntax and clear logic directly affect the score. Credit policies vary: universities usually recognise a CS A score as credit for the introductory programming course (CS1), while CS Principles more often earns general computer science or elective credit.
The right course depends on your programming experience and your target program. If you have never coded, or want a broad view of computer science, AP CS Principles is the natural start; if you think logically and are aiming for computer science, software or engineering, you can begin directly with AP CS A. Taking both — usually Principles first, then A — builds a strong profile. The exams are in May; in Principles the Create Performance Task deadline falls during the year, so starting the project early is critical. For CS A, 6–9 months of regular coding practice is realistic for a student starting from scratch. In the free level assessment we work out together which course fits you.
Course selection by target program and experience: Principles, A or both
Algorithms, data and the internet — the core concepts of computer science
Create Performance Task: project planning, development and written responses
Java basics, conditionals, loops and methods
Object-oriented programming, arrays, ArrayList, 2D arrays and recursion
CS A FRQ coding, multiple-choice strategies and practice exams
Tutoring teaches the material; coaching manages the process. Your Studrise coach brings your study routine, goals and application timeline into one plan alongside your AP Computer Science lessons — so what you learn in class turns into results.
Weekly plan & check-ins
A study plan with regular progress check-ins.
Data-driven strategy
Targets and plans updated from practice-test results.
Motivation & test anxiety
Support with time management, motivation and exam nerves.
Aligned with applications
Planning built around your university and program goals.
FREE CONSULTATION
We look at the coaching option together in your free consultation and build a separate coaching plan that fits around your lesson schedule.
Free · no obligation
Book your free level assessment and personalised roadmap — no cost, no obligation.