AP Computer Science A
(Java) Private Tutoring
We work through the 4 units, 53 topics and 4 FRQ types of AP CS A the way the exam is actually built, in one-on-one online lessons. If you have never written Java, we start from the most basic building blocks.
What Is the AP Computer Science A Exam Format?
The exam is 3 hours long and has two 90-minute sections. The Java Quick Reference is provided throughout.
Section I: 42 Multiple-Choice
90 minutes, 55% of the score. All four units are tested, and roughly 37-53% of the questions assess your ability to analyze code.
Section II: 4 FRQs
90 minutes, 45% of the score, 25 points in total. All four questions assess your ability to write Java code (Develop Code).
Java Quick Reference
The sheet listing the Java library methods that may appear on the exam is provided in both sections, and we work with it throughout the lessons.
Approximate multiple-choice weighting by skill: Analyze Code 37-53%, Develop Code 22-38%, Document Code and Computing Systems 10-15%, Design Code 2-10%, Use Computers Responsibly 2-10%. In other words, close to half of the multiple-choice section is about reading code, predicting its output and spotting errors, so practicing only code writing is not enough.
AP CS A Curriculum: 4 Units, 53 Topics
The unit structure and multiple-choice weighting from the College Board's AP Computer Science A Course and Exam Description (Fall 2025).
Using Objects and Methods
Algorithms and compilers, variables and data types, expressions, the Math class, object creation, String methods and using APIs and libraries.
Exam weighting 15-25% • ~32-34 class periodsSelection and Iteration
Boolean expressions, if and nested if statements, while and for loops, String algorithms, nested iteration and informal run-time analysis.
Exam weighting 25-35% • ~29-31 class periodsClass Creation
The anatomy of a class, constructors, writing methods, passing and returning object references, static variables and methods, scope and the this keyword.
Exam weighting 10-18% • ~20-22 class periodsData Collections
Array and ArrayList algorithms, 2D arrays, text files, wrapper classes, searching and sorting algorithms, recursion and the ethics of data collection.
Exam weighting 30-40% • ~50-52 class periodsClass-period suggestions assume 45-minute school classes, five days a week, over a full academic year. In one-on-one lessons, the time and order are adjusted to the student's level.
4 FRQ Types — 25 Points in Total
All four questions assess Practice 2 (Develop Code).
How Do We Prepare for AP CS A in Lessons?
Unit-by-Unit Teaching with Live Java Coding
We go through the four units in order, writing code live over screen sharing. Each concept is first applied in a small example, then in an exam-style problem.
Code Tracing and Error Spotting
Because so much of the multiple-choice section is code analysis, every lesson includes tracing code line by line, finding its output and locating the error.
Solution Templates for All 4 FRQ Types
We practice Methods and Control Structures, Class Design, ArrayList and 2D Array questions using past College Board questions and their scoring guidelines.
Unit Quizzes and Practice Exams
A quiz follows every unit, and before the exam you take at least 10 multiple-choice + free-response practice exams to rehearse the real timing and format.
Student and Parent Reports
After each lesson, a short report on progress, homework and weak topics is shared.
AP Computer Science A: Frequently Asked Questions
The exam is 3 hours long and has two sections. Section I has 42 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes (55% of the exam score). Section II has 4 free-response questions (FRQs) in 90 minutes (45% of the exam score). Students are given the Java Quick Reference throughout the exam.
Approximate multiple-choice weightings are: Unit 4 Data Collections 30-40%, Unit 2 Selection and Iteration 25-35%, Unit 1 Using Objects and Methods 15-25%, and Unit 3 Class Creation 10-18%. Units 2 and 4 together make up roughly 55-75% of the multiple-choice section.
AP CS A is taught in Java, and according to the College Board it has no programming prerequisite. With students who have never written code, we start from the most basic building blocks, such as variables, conditionals and loops, and move through the units in order. In one-on-one lessons the pace is adjusted to the student's level.
All four FRQs assess writing code: Question 1 Methods and Control Structures (7 points), Question 2 Class Design (7 points), Question 3 Data Analysis with ArrayList (5 points) and Question 4 2D Array (6 points), for 25 points in total. In lessons we work through past College Board questions and scoring guidelines for each type.
AP CS A is the more technical course, focused on programming in Java, class design and data structures. AP CS Principles is a broader introduction covering algorithmic thinking, data, the internet and the societal impact of computing, and 30% of its score comes from the Create Performance Task, in which the student develops their own program. See the AP Computer Science Principles tutoring page for details.
According to the College Board's AP CS A course description, AI tools can be a useful learning aid, but understanding how code works matters more than generating it. AP assessments are taken without AI assistance, so the exam requires independent code writing, code reading and debugging. Our lessons are built around live coding and code tracing, which develops exactly these skills.
We generally recommend starting in October–November with 1–2 hours of regular study per week. Students who start in January–February follow an accelerated intensive program. The exam takes place in May.
Let's Start Your AP CS A Preparation
To build a lesson plan around your student's level, simply send a message. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
AP and Advanced Placement are registered trademarks of the College Board. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the College Board. Exam information is based on the AP Computer Science A Course and Exam Description (Fall 2025); please check AP Central for the latest details.