Customer Reviews

Barron's AP Computer Science, Levels A and AB

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is a bit useless to review this book for it's value as an AP study guide, because the AP exams were two days ago, and next year there will be a major change to the content of the exam (No more APCS-AB).

However, I can say this is a very well made study helper. A little sense of humor combined with solid writing, thorough and frequent sections of example code, practice problems for every section, full explanations of every problem, chapter recaps and a specific diagnostic test will teach you all you need to know.

The book assumes it is being used as a supplement of a Java course, or by someone with a cursory knowledge of the language. This book is a great resource for teaching yourself (or anyone, for that matter) how to program, however I would recommend you take a basic Java tutorial online first.

This book is an excellent resource for students preparing to take the AP Computer Science exam. The book is divided into chapters by topic and each topic has clear explanations as well as approximately 25 multiple choice problems per chapter. Each multiple choice solution comes with a clear explanation. There is a practice diagnostic test (both A and AB level) at the beginning of the book with an answer key that indicates which section of the book students should refer to for help. There is another practice exam (both A and AB) at the end of the book and if you buy the book with a CD, there is an additional A and AB practice test on the CD. My students find this book very helpful. As a teacher, this book has made my life so much easier.

The Barron's book is, by far, the best choice for a one-stop resource to prepare students for the APCS Exam. I have taught APCS for 8 years and each edition of this book has been increasingly helpful in getting my kids ready. Whether used concurrently with course study or as a review guide for exam prep, the Barron's text is awesome. The author is still heavily involved with the field and is very accessible for comments and questions, which is a perk.

Of all the AP review books across the board, I generally trust Barron's to give me the best comprehensive review, and not the "breathing techniques" and "guess strategy" that make up half of the Princeton Review books. This might be the best of all the Barron's books!

AP Computer Science is a tough exam, but this book gives you all you need to know in a nutshell. You will NOT need your textbook OR notes to review if you have this book! I took this course online and didn't get that great of an instruction (no offense to the teacher, but online courses just can't measure up to face to face courses), so I really thought I was going to do poorly. I ran through this textbook, took the practice tests, used the book to brush up in tough areas, and then went in and got a FIVE on this exam!

If you need a comprehensive review of AP Computer Science and want a 5 on the exam, there is no alternative - OWN computer science with BARRON'S!

Product was intended for High school students taking AP Computer Science class and had fully met expectations for this purpose.

Fantastic nuts and bolts review book for the AP exam. Very readable and educational. The author manages to get all the material in there AND provide 2 practice exams per level (A and AB) as well as exams on CD that diagnose any weak areas. The updates for GridWorld are champion efforts and Barron's should feel blessed to have this teacher on board for their review book.

I use this book for some critical thinking questions for my students. This book as well as the Litvins includes review for the GridWorld case study.

The book, contents of which I was thoroughly familiar with, arrived in a timely fashion and in excellent condition.