The AP Computer Science program is a two-year program designed to educate students in the field of computer science. This two-year program consists of AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A. Both of these classes go over a variety of topics and are very different from one another, yet both are challenging in their own respective ways.
AP Computer Science Principles is widely known as the first year of the AP CS program, though technically speaking, it is not a prerequisite for CSA. AP Computer Science Principles provides students with foundational knowledge all around computer science, ranging from app design to cybersecurity. This course is designed to give students a feel for multiple parts of the computer science field of study and prepare them with programming basics for AP CSA.
AP Computer Science A is a more advanced coding course for students interested in and previously knowledgeable about coding; hence, it is commonly recommended to take AP CSP first. This course consists solely of coding in the Java language, covering algorithms, data structures, and software design.
With computers and technology being relatively new in human society, there are still many innovations to be made. Not to mention how widespread and important technology is in society after just a little over 20 years of existence.
Ms. Lee, the teacher of both AP Computer Science courses at Aliso Niguel, mentions, “Nowadays, CS is a core STEM skill, as it is just as foundational as physics or chemistry. Additionally, it sets students apart on college apps, allowing them to build a programming portfolio and giving them important skills they need for any STEM-related career that not all academic classes provide.”
The AP Computer Science program also offers many more STEM-related opportunities to students that they wouldn’t get otherwise, due to programming’s important place in modern STEM careers. These opportunities include STEM-related research, internships, and scholarships offered solely to individuals with knowledge of computer science.
Modern technology allows for wondrous things, such as all of our favorite social media and study websites. However, it is also often used as a simulator, able to simulate many situations, and has aided many STEM-related businesses in making many of their more recent discoveries. Therefore, it is very important, especially in a STEM career or college major, to be aware of computer science and be able to work your way through it.
The AP Computer Science program is a fun, albeit challenging, way to increase one’s prestige and STEM knowledge. These courses, like physics, are also quite math-oriented, and there are, in fact, recommended level corequisites for each course. Algebra two is a prerequisite with AP CSP, and precalculus is a corequisite for AP CSA.
If you’re a student who wants to major in and excel at a STEM-based subject, or simply want to take as many APs as possible to boost your resume, you should consider taking an AP CS course. They aid students with both analytical and problem-solving skills that will be imperative for just about any field of study, so if you want a challenge or are interested in STEM, AP CS is the right choice for you.
