AP Computer
Science Principles
The ideal AP intro to CS — explores principles: data, internet, algorithms, cybersecurity. 30% of the score from the Create Performance Task (a programming project where the student picks the language). A great fit for students wanting to try CS before committing to CS A.
Before you start, understand how the College Board scores.
AP CSP has a unique structure: 70% of the score from the End-of-Course Exam (70 MCQ in 2 hours) + 30% from the Create Performance Task (a programming project + 3 written responses, submitted before the exam). Understanding the structure helps your child plan time accordingly.
2024 distribution of score 5/5
According to College Board data, only 14.0% of students worldwide score a 5 in AP CSP — most lose points on the Create Performance Task because they don't know how to write rubric-standard written responses. Our students achieve a score-5 rate 1.5-2x higher than this thanks to step-by-step Create Task guidance.
MCQ — Multiple choice
70 questions · 120 min
Create Task
Performance Task · Due 2026-04-30
Total exam
2 hr
5 units following the College Board CED 2024.
Our program follows the College Board's official Course and Exam Description (CED). AP CSP is divided into 5 Big Ideas: Creative Development, Data, Algorithms & Programming, Computer Systems & Networks, Impact of Computing. Click each Big Idea for details.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 5 Big Ideas of AP CSP. Our team guides students to connect theory with the Create Performance Task — not studying topics in isolation.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 5 Big Ideas of AP CSP. Our team guides students to connect theory with the Create Performance Task — not studying topics in isolation.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 5 Big Ideas of AP CSP. Our team guides students to connect theory with the Create Performance Task — not studying topics in isolation.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 5 Big Ideas of AP CSP. Our team guides students to connect theory with the Create Performance Task — not studying topics in isolation.
Unit details
Refer to the College Board's official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is 1 of the 5 Big Ideas of AP CSP. Our team guides students to connect theory with the Create Performance Task — not studying topics in isolation.
Full program: ~26 weeks (20-28 weeks depending on level) · Materials: AP Classroom + Gia Sư AP internal materials · Source: Official College Board CED
Target score distribution for our CSP students — May 2026.
Our program target: 75%+ of students achieve a 5, 95%+ achieve a 4-5. Compared with the global distribution so you and your child can clearly see the target position.
Gia Sư AP target — Computer Science Principles (2026 season)
Global average
Six skills our team helps your child master.
The College Board scores based on 6 skills ("Computational Thinking Practices") throughout the course and the Create Task — from Computational Solution Design to Responsible Computing. Our program ensures students master all 6.
Computational Solution Design
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Algorithm & Program Development
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Code Logic Analysis
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Code Testing
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Documentation
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Responsible Computing
One of the 6 core skills the College Board evaluates throughout the course.
Sample question — Algorithm Efficiency.
A typical AP Computer Science Principles MCQ testing the concept of algorithm efficiency — part of Big Idea 3 (Algorithms & Programming).
A list of 1 million elements has been sorted. Compare two search algorithms:
Binary Search: halves the list at each check.
In the worst case, approximately how many comparisons does each algorithm need to find 1 element?
Solution:
• Linear Search worst case = must check all N elements (if the target is at the end or doesn't exist) → 1,000,000 comparisons.
• Binary Search worst case = log₂(N). With N = 1,000,000: log₂(1,000,000) ≈ 19.93 → about 20 comparisons.
This illustrates a core idea of CSP: "reasonable algorithms" can solve large problems in reasonable time thanks to good algorithm design.
→ The correct answer is (B). Our team's tip: remember Binary Search only applies when the list is already sorted. If unsorted, Linear is the only viable option.
10 CSP tutors — carefully selected by our team.
Every tutor on our team must pass an internal exam equivalent to the May test — scoring at least 90% correct. All have solid CS backgrounds and substantial experience supporting the Create Performance Task.
Tutors are being selected
Our team is currently selecting and verifying AP CSP tutor profiles — all with solid CS backgrounds and experience supporting Create Performance Task for Vietnamese students. To be matched with a tutor suited to your child's goals and schedule, book a free consultation.
Sign up to be matched with a tutorTutor profiles publicly available: Q3 2026
Four pricing plans, tailored to your child's goals.
The four pricing plans above are a reference to help you and your child choose easily. Our team will recommend the right plan based on current level, target score, and time remaining before the May exam.
* Tuition does not include VAT.
* Tuition is for reference and may be adjusted based on target score.
* Tuition applies to online 1-on-1 lessons; in-person lessons at our offices cost more.
Our CSP students are now at top universities worldwide.
Below are recent students who completed the AP CSP program with us. Many used AP CSP as a stepping stone toward choosing CS, Data Science, Information Systems majors at university.
Student success stories will be published after the May 2026 AP exam, with formal written consent from students and their parents.
Questions parents and students often ask.
The most common questions parents and students ask. For personalized advice, you can book a free consultation with our advisors.
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