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AP Computer Science A  ·  2026–2027

AP CS A Exam Prep

Get a head start on 2026–2027 AP CS A prep. Expert tutoring and practice resources to help you earn a 5.

Expert instruction with Namrata Poladia, College Board AP Reader and 10+ year AP CS A instructor in Seattle area high schools.

Live online via Zoom from anywhere, or in-person in Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish and the greater Seattle area.

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Know What You're Up Against

About the AP CS A Exam

The AP Computer Science A exam tests Java programming skills under time pressure. Here's exactly what's on it.

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Section I: Multiple Choice

42 questions  ·  1 hour 30 minutes  ·  50% of your score

Tests reading comprehension of Java code, tracing output, and identifying errors, all under time pressure.

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Section II: Free Response

4 questions  ·  1 hour 30 minutes  ·  50% of your score

You write real Java code. Questions cover classes, arrays, ArrayLists, and 2D arrays. Partial credit is awarded.

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Topics Tested

OOP & Classes Arrays ArrayLists 2D Arrays Polymorphism Recursion Algorithms Strings
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Why Students Struggle

Java syntax under timed conditions, subtle FRQ grading criteria, and unexpected edge cases trip up even prepared students.

Only ~22% of test-takers score a 5. Targeted prep makes all the difference.
Exam Blueprint

What the AP CS A Exam Covers

The exam is organized into 10 units. Percentages show approximate share of MCQ questions; FRQs typically span multiple units.

Unit 1
Primitive Types
int, double, boolean; arithmetic; casting
2.5–5%
Unit 2
Using Objects
String, Math, Scanner; method calls; null
5–7.5%
Unit 3
Boolean Expressions & if Statements
Conditionals; logical operators; De Morgan's
15–17.5%
Unit 4
Iteration
while, for, for-each loops; off-by-one errors
17.5–22.5%
Unit 5
Writing Classes
Constructors; instance variables; encapsulation
5–7.5%
Unit 6
Array
1D arrays; traversal; algorithms (search, sort)
10–15%
Unit 7
ArrayList
Dynamic lists; add, remove, get, size; iteration
2.5–7.5%
Unit 8
2D Array
Row-column traversal; nested loops; grids
7.5–10%
Unit 9
Recursion
Base cases; recursive calls; tracing call stacks
5–7.5%
Unit 10
Files New
Reading text files; Scanner with File; hasNext/nextLine loops; throws IOException
2.5–5%

Source: College Board AP CS A Course and Exam Description

Free Resource

Take a Practice Test

Sharpen your skills with 39 AP CS A multiple-choice questions. Practice with instant feedback or simulate real exam conditions.

AP CS A Practice Test: 42 MCQs

  • ✓ Practice Mode: instant answer feedback after each question
  • ✓ Exam Mode: 90-minute timer, answers revealed on submit
  • ✓ Filter by topic: arrays, recursion, OOP, and more
  • ✓ No signup required, runs entirely in your browser
Start Practice Test →
39
Questions
90
Minutes
10
Topics
Personalized Help

Need Help? Book a 1-on-1 Tutoring Session

Work directly with Namrata for targeted AP CS A prep. Online via Zoom or in-person in the Seattle area.

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Targeted to Your Gaps

Sessions focus on exactly what you're struggling with, not a fixed curriculum. Namrata adapts to your level in real time.

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AP Reader Insight

Namrata grades real AP CS A exams for College Board. She knows precisely which FRQ approaches earn points and which don't.

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Online or In-Person

Zoom sessions from anywhere, or meet in-person in Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, and Sammamish.

Ready to book?

View availability, session formats, and rates on the tutoring page. Questions first? Email signup@examreadyusa.com.

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Your Expert

Meet Namrata Poladia

Namrata Poladia
★★★★★
4.8
267 ratings · Wyzant

Namrata Poladia

Computer Science educator, programmer, and AP CS A and AP CS Principles specialist based in Kirkland, WA.

  • 🏫
    7 years as Computer Programming Instructor at Washington Preparatory School
  • 📅
    10+ years of experience as a high school CS instructor in Seattle area schools
  • 💻
    Specialized in AP Computer Science A (Java), multiple groups coached through the exam
  • 📝
    College Board AP Reader, selected to score official AP CS A exam submissions, giving her direct insight into exactly how answers are graded
  • ⭐
    1,000+ tutoring hours across multiple platforms, including 720+ on Wyzant where she holds a 4.8/5 rating across 267 reviews
"As an AP Reader, I grade real exam submissions for College Board; I know precisely what earns points and what doesn't. I bring that insider knowledge into every session."
Namrata Poladia
Student Reviews

What Students Say

Real feedback from real students. Reviews sourced from Wyzant.

★★★★★
Within a few lessons we see good progress in Java programming. Namrata is patient, clear, and truly knows how to break down complex concepts. Highly recommended.
A
Anita
AP CS A student · 39 sessions
★★★★★
Kind, patient tutor skilled at teaching programming. She understands the importance of active learning; we don't just watch, we code.
L
Lillian
Java student · 15 sessions
★★★★★
Ensures my son understands topics before moving on. His Java understanding and confidence improved significantly over the course of working with Namrata.
A
Annie
Parent of AP CS A student · 30 sessions
★★★★★
Best tutor ever. Her teaching makes me want to learn more; she makes programming interesting and fun instead of intimidating.
D
Dmitry
Java student · 11 sessions
★★★★★
Very prompt, well-prepared, patient, and understanding. Namrata always comes with multiple levels of prepared material depending on where I am.
S
Scott
CS student · 35 sessions
★★★★★
My son improved two full grade levels. She teaches based on real understanding; he actually gets it now instead of just memorizing patterns.
K
Keith
Parent of CS student · 14 sessions
★★★★★
Namrata assisted me through some very difficult AP Computer Science concepts and challenging Java assignments. Clear explanations every single time.
A
Anne
AP CS A student · 9 sessions
★★★★★
I went into the AP exam thinking I'd get a 2 or 3. After working with Namrata, especially the mock exam practice, I scored a 4. The FRQ section finally clicked for me.
J
Jason M.
AP CS A student · Class of 2025
★★★★★
Namrata could see exactly where I was making mistakes and fix them immediately. That kind of focused attention is impossible in a big classroom.
P
Priya S.
AP CS A student · Online sessions
★★★★★
She marked up exactly what was wrong and why. Walking into the real exam felt like I'd already done it before.
E
Ethan R.
AP CS A student · Kirkland
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The exam covers: primitive types and expressions, using objects, boolean expressions and if statements, iteration (for/while loops), writing classes, arrays, ArrayList, 2D arrays, recursion, and files (reading text files with Scanner and File; throws IOException). All code is written in Java.
The exam has two sections, each worth 50% of your score. Section I: 42 multiple choice questions in 90 minutes. Section II: 4 free response questions (you write Java code) in 90 minutes. Final scores range from 1 to 5; most colleges grant credit for a 4 or 5.
Yes. Namrata offers tutoring online via Zoom from anywhere, as well as in-person sessions in Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, and Sammamish. Visit the Tutoring page for session formats and availability.
Tutoring works well for students who are currently enrolled in AP CS A and want to fill specific gaps, students preparing for the exam with limited time, and students who struggled through the year and need a targeted review. Basic Java knowledge is expected; this is not an intro programming course.
Email signup@examreadyusa.com or use the contact form below. We typically respond within 24 hours. You can also visit the Tutoring page to learn more before reaching out.
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Whether you have questions about tutoring, want to discuss your student's needs, or just want to find out if this is the right fit, reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

📅 AP CS A Exam: May 2027
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