AP AP Computer Science A Past Papers

The 2025 AP Computer Science A Free-Response section consisted of four standard 9-point questions spanning 90 minutes. Overall performance averaged 17.86 out of 36 points (49.6%), with Question 2 (Class Design) yielding the highest mean (5.24/9) and Question 4 (2D Arrays) proving most difficult (3.96/9). Key stumbling blocks centered on self-pairing guards in 2D array traversal, two-pointer inward list traversal logic, and instance variable encapsulation.

The 2024 AP Computer Science A Free-Response section consisted of 4 standard 9-point questions totaling 36 marks across 90 minutes. It covered methods and control structures with random simulation (Q1), class design with multi-variable state tracking (Q2), ArrayList and String manipulations with prefix filtering (Q3), and a challenging 2D array non-standard path traversal (Q4). The chief reader report indicates that Question 4 (mean 3.20) and Question 3 (mean 4.33) presented significant algorithmic hurdles, specifically around off-by-one errors, 2D array boundary logic, and String prefix processing.

The 2023 AP Computer Science A Free-Response section consisted of four classic 9-mark questions totaling 36 points over 90 minutes. The paper balanced algorithmic logic, full class design, 1D ArrayList data cleaning/streak analysis, and non-standard 2D array traversals. Performance was lowest on Question 4 (2D arrays with null checks, mean 3.43) and Question 1 (control structures, mean 4.07), largely due to boundary conditions and improper null reference handling.