AP Computer Science A study plan
AP Computer Science A · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Using Objects and Methods & Data Collections
Trace method calls on String and Integer objects, predicting return values and side effects line by line
Write code that constructs and mutates ArrayList and array objects, distinguishing reference assignment from copying
Explain the difference between primitive values and object references when passed as method arguments
Identify and fix off-by-one and index-out-of-bounds errors in collection traversal code
Your checkpoint
A 25-question self-written trace-and-predict worksheet covering String, Integer, array, and ArrayList operations, scored at 90% or higher
Selection and Iteration & Using Objects and Methods
Write nested if/else-if chains that correctly order conditions to avoid unreachable branches
Convert between while, for, and enhanced-for loops for the same traversal task
Trace loop execution with a variable table, recording each iteration's values
Apply method decomposition by extracting a repeated selection/iteration pattern into a helper method
Your checkpoint
Six working programs (three loop-conversion pairs) with hand-traced variable tables that match actual output
Selection and Iteration
Implement standard algorithms from scratch: sum, count, find-max, and linear search over arrays and ArrayLists
Write nested loops that process 2D array data by row and by column
Detect and repair infinite loops and loops that skip the final element
Predict output of loop code involving String traversal and character comparison
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-minute set of 12 loop-tracing and loop-writing problems completed with 85% accuracy
Data Collections
Implement ArrayList add, remove, set, and traversal while tracking index shifts after removal
Write methods that search and filter an ArrayList of objects using accessor methods
Compare array and ArrayList implementations of the same task and justify the choice
Trace code that removes elements during forward iteration and correct it to avoid skipped items
Your checkpoint
A working 'student roster' program with add/remove/find/filter methods plus a written explanation of index-shift behavior, passing all self-written test cases
Class Creation & Data Collections
Design a class with private instance variables, a constructor, accessor and mutator methods, and a toString
Write a static utility method and explain when static is appropriate versus instance scope
Implement encapsulation by validating mutator inputs and preventing direct field access
Integrate the new class into an ArrayList-based driver program
Your checkpoint
A complete multi-class program (class plus driver) with at least five methods, Javadoc-style comments, and a passing test run
Class Creation & Selection and Iteration
Extend a class using inheritance and override a method with correct signature and return type
Write polymorphic client code that stores subclass objects in a superclass-typed ArrayList
Trace dynamic dispatch to predict which overridden method executes
Combine class methods with loop-driven processing of an object collection
Your checkpoint
An inheritance hierarchy of three classes with an overridden method and a driver that demonstrates polymorphism, plus a written trace of dispatch for four calls
Using Objects and Methods & Selection and Iteration & Data Collections
Solve mixed free-response-style problems that combine object use, loops, and collections in one method
Debug intentionally broken code by locating logic errors from failing test output alone
Write and use a helper method within a longer solution to reduce duplication
Manage time by completing multi-part problems under exam-style pacing
Your checkpoint
Four multi-part free-response-style problems completed under a 90-minute timer, self-graded against a rubric with a written error log
Using Objects and Methods & Selection and Iteration & Class Creation & Data Collections
Take two full-length timed practice sets and record per-domain accuracy
Re-teach the two weakest sub-skills by rewriting reference solutions from memory
Build a one-page reference sheet of recurring error patterns and correct idioms
Verify readiness by scoring consistently above target on mixed-topic multiple choice
Your checkpoint
A scored error-analysis report from two timed practice sets showing at least 80% overall and an identified remediation list
Milestones
Week 2: Score 85% or higher on a self-made 20-question quiz covering object methods and loop tracing without notes
Week 4: Write and run a program using arrays and ArrayLists that correctly handles removal during traversal, verified by test output
Week 6: Explain in writing, with a code trace, how inheritance and polymorphism change method resolution in a client program
Week 8: Achieve 80% or higher on two full-length timed mixed-domain practice sets with a completed error-analysis log