§ 01
Overview
Many students entering TJHSST opt to pursue the AP Computer Science 'Skip' Test, also sometimes referred to as the '9th grade CS Readiness' exam. This exam allows a student to bypass the 'Foundations of Computer Science' course at TJ, and go straight to AP Computer Science Plus Data Structures. This can be highly advantageous, as it opens the door for more advanced Post-AP coursework early-on, along with freeing up an elective slot.
Diving straight into APCS as a freshman is an ambitious and commendable goal. The preparation would be extremely rigorous. Here’s a few pointers to prepare you for the APCS skip test: Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any updates under the "CS Information for Rising 9th Graders" website. Also, discuss this opportunity with your orientation counselor once assigned. You will likely need to complete a form that gets signed by your math teacher, show "A" grades in your classes in middle school. You will want to avoid doing this last minute, and stay on top of any deadlines. Java Practice on CodingBat: Start by tackling the Java exercises on CodingBat (https://codingbat.com/java). Aim to complete one topic—around 20-30 exercises—every other day. It would be helpful to have someone, like a family member, help keep you accountable. Problem Solving with AI: Whenever you encounter challenging problems or need explanations, I recommend consulting GPT or Gemini for guidance. AI tools are known to provide step-by-step help on specific issues and they're particularly good with explaining coding concepts. This can also help you complete the 'sample program' given. Coursera Courses: To build a solid foundation in Java, work through the first three courses in the Object-Oriented Programming specialization on Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/specializations/object-oriented-programming#courses). The fourth course on Data Structures isn't required for the skip test, so you can skip that. Multiple Choice Practice: Once you feel comfortable with Java, start practicing multiple-choice questions specifically designed for the AP exam at (https://www.apcsaexam.org/mcpractice.html). General Foundations of CS Preparation: You can easily get ahead on the TJ Foundations of CS curriculum by simply completing the labs posted on TJ's foundations of computer science website. There are 5 units for students to go through, which include 'packets' and 'shells.' The packets walk a student through each lab, step-by-step. The shells provide template or starter code Fair Warning: This preparation route is intensive but will greatly enhance your skills early on. Even if the skip test does not go as planned, this prep will not be wasted, as it's a fantastic introduction to Java.
§ 01