AP Computer Science A · Free response

AP Computer Science A FRQ how to write the free-response code.

The AP Computer Science A FRQ section is 45% of your exam score, and it is the real test of the course: four questions where you write working Java by hand. Here is what each question asks, how they are scored, and how to write code that earns the points.

Updated June 2026Part of AP FRQ & Writing Guides

What the AP CSA free response looks like

Section II is 4 free-response questions in 90 minutes, worth 45% of your score, and every one asks you to write Java code to a specification. You type your answers in Bluebook, and the Java Quick Reference — the list of accessible library methods — is available the whole time, so the challenge is writing correct logic, not memorizing method names.

The four questions map onto the course’s core skills: writing methods with control structures, designing a class, and working with an ArrayList and a 2D array. They build on each other in difficulty, and each is multi-part.

The four free-response questions

Q1 — Methods and Control Structures

Write methods that create objects and call methods, using expressions, conditionals, and loops to meet a specification.

Q2 — Class Design

Define a new class from a specification — its constructor, instance variables, and methods.

Q3 — Data Analysis with ArrayList

Write methods that create, traverse, and manipulate the elements of an ArrayList.

Q4 — 2D Array

Write methods that create, traverse, and manipulate the elements of a 2D array.

How the AP CSA FRQ is scored

Each question is scored point by point against a rubric that rewards specific code components — a correct method header, the right loop or conditional, correct array or ArrayList traversal, and the correct return value each earn points. The grader cares about what your code does, not its style, and partial credit is given for the parts you get right, so a method that is mostly correct still scores well.

Minor syntax slips are often forgiven when your intent is clear, but logic errors — an off-by-one loop, a wrong bound, a missing return — cost points. Write every part, even if you are unsure, because points are spread across the parts.

Where students lose the most points

Off-by-one loop errors

Getting the start or end index wrong is the most common way to miss array points.

The wrong method signature

Match the return type and parameters in the specification exactly.

Not using the class’s methods

Use the public methods you are given instead of accessing private data directly.

2D array bounds

Traverse rows and columns carefully — mixing up the indices is an easy slip.

Skipping a part

Each part carries points; attempt them all, even partially.

How to practice the AP CSA FRQ

Write code by hand, away from a compiler, because that is the test condition. Work official past free-response questions under a timer, then grade yourself against the published scoring guidelines so you learn where the points live, and get comfortable with the methods on the Java Quick Reference so you reach for them naturally.

Use the full AP Computer Science A review guide to connect the free response to the rest of the exam, drill the patterns with the Progress Check walkthroughs, and run a practice raw score through the score calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers — written by humans, not a chatbot.

How many free-response questions are on AP Computer Science A?

Four, in 90 minutes, worth 45% of your score. Each has you write Java: methods and control structures, class design, an ArrayList question, and a 2D array question.

Do you write real code on the AP CSA free response?

Yes. You write working Java by hand in Bluebook — methods, classes, and code that traverses and manipulates arrays and ArrayLists.

Is the Java Quick Reference available on the AP CSA FRQ?

Yes. The Java Quick Reference, which lists the accessible library methods, is provided in Bluebook, so you do not have to memorize method signatures.

How is the AP CSA FRQ scored?

Each question is scored point by point against a rubric that rewards specific code components — correct headers, logic, traversal, and return values — with partial credit for correct pieces.

How do I earn full marks on the AP CSA FRQ?

Match the method signatures exactly, watch loop bounds and off-by-one errors, use the class’s public methods, and write clear, correct Java — the rubric rewards what your code does.