How to Prepare for the AP Computer Science [Paperback]

Roselyn Teukolsky (Author)

Book Description

Series: Barron's AP Computer Science

This new test preparation manual has an extensive review of all the AP Computer Science exam topics, including C++ language features, classes and objects, sorting and searching, programming methodology, algorithm analysis, recursion, and advanced data structures.

The book includes:
* 450 multiple-choice questions
* Four model AP Computer Science exams, two level A and two level AB
* Answers and explanations for all questions in the book
* Pointer implementation of stacks and queues for level AB

The book also includes the Marine Biology Case Study—a detailed review plus practice exam questions and explanations. There are 35 multiple-choice questions on the Case Study.

Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

This book is aimed at students reviewing for the AP Computer Science Exam. It would normally be used at the completion of an AP course. However, it contains a complete summary of all topics for both Level A and AB exams, and it can be used for self-study if accompanied by a suitable textbook.

The book provides a review of programming, algorithm analysis, and data structures. It can therefore be used as a supplement to first-year college courses where C++ is the programming language, and as a resource for teachers of high school and introductory college courses.

Each review chapter is followed by AP exam-style multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations of the answers.

There is a similarly thorough review of the Marine Biology Case Study.

There are four complete practice exams, two Level A and two Level AB. The exams follow the format of the AP exam, with multiple-choice and free-response sections. Detailed solutions with explanations are provided. There is no overlap of questions between the exams.

Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764105469
• ISBN-13: 978-0764105463
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,059,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best, most comprehensive book out there...., July 13, 2002

By 

Cal (IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Prepare for the AP Computer Science (Paperback)

I took the APCS AB Exam and got a 5. My teacher did NOT know any of AB material. I learned most of the A material and all of the AB material from this book. If you need to LEARN (and not just review), this is the best you can get. Remember, for many algorithms, you don't need to know the code, but you DO need to understand the concepts behind them. This book does just that. My only complaint is with the Microbiology Case Study (FISH), which you didn't get code for. A definite highlight was the .h files of a linked-list implementation of the apqueue and apstack classes. I also used the Maria Litvin review book.

I recommend using this book to learn the material (if you don't already know it) first, then using the Litvin book to review the material, using this book's practice exams, and then doing the Litvin book's practice exams. The practice tests in this book were about as hard as the AP exam for me.

I give my highest recommendation for this outstanding review book.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Source of Review Materials for AP Comp Sci Exam, April 12, 2001

By 

Roger Casey (Valhalla, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Prepare for the AP Computer Science (Paperback)

Roselyn Teukolsky has put together an excellent source of review materials for the AP Computer Science Exam. Her book is organized into the major topics covered by both the A and AB exams, including the Marine Biology Case Study, contains an excellent summary of the concepts within each topic as well as numerous review questions on each topic.

She seems to have a knack of identifying problem areas within each topic that are often the source of misconceptions. I was especially impressed with the job she did in creating a concise overview of the key concepts contained in the Marine Biology Case Study. It helps students to get the "big picture".

The questions on each review topic, as well as the questions on the two complete Computer Science A practice exams and the two Computer Science AB practice exams are comparable to the questions on the recently released 1999 AP Exam.

My students have commented favorably on the topic reviews, as well as on the explanations provided with the answer key. Not having to go over all the answers in class has also saved me valuable review time.

I would definitely recommend this review book to any teacher looking to provide a thorough review for their students, and also to any student looking for a book to help them review on their own.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only book you'll need!, July 17, 2002

By 

Nelson Hsieh (Arcadia, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Prepare for the AP Computer Science (Paperback)

This is the ONLY book you'll ever need to prepare for the AP Computer Science A Exam. I don't know about the AB Exam, but for the A Exam, this is ALL you'll need. I took the A Exam this past May and attribute my score of 5 to this book.

The book provides a detailed and descriptive review of all the A Exam topics that you'll need to know. The Book is strong in all topics including the Case Study except for the chapter on Sorting and Searching. That topic will require further study to master, as it is the hardest topic on the exam (at least for most people.) However, all other topics are covered very well and in great detail. You'll know all the details for the A Exam. The practice questions and practice exams are also great. I studied them over and over until I could answer every question correctly. The questions are harder than the actual exam, so when you get to exam day, the test will feel so easy to you.

This book, plenty of hard work in April, and detailed study of the Case Study PDF file and source code will bring you an easy 5 on the A Exam!