2024 AP CSA FRQ - All 4 Free Response Questions + Full Solutions and Scoring
2024 AP CSA Free Response Questions
Complete Java solutions, scoring rubrics, common mistakes, and exam tips for every 2024 AP CSA FRQ. All question text verified from the official College Board PDF.
The 2024 AP CSA FRQs
The 2024 exam followed the standard 4-question format used since 2019. Each FRQ type appears in the same order every year, which means you can prepare specifically for each position. Here are all four questions with direct links to full solutions.
Feeder
Simulate an automated animal feeder using Math.random(), conditionals, and state tracking across method calls.
Scoreboard
Write a complete Scoreboard class managing team scores with constructors, accessors, and score-update methods.
WordChecker
Traverse and filter an ArrayList of strings, removing words that match a given pattern while tracking positions.
GridPath
Navigate a 2D integer grid to find valid paths, checking boundary conditions and computing path sums.
Quick Reference: All Four 2024 FRQs
| FRQ | Problem | Type | Difficulty | Key Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRQ 1 | Feeder | Methods | Medium | Math.random() thresholds, conditional branching |
| FRQ 2 | Scoreboard | Class | Medium | Class anatomy, OOP encapsulation |
| FRQ 3 | WordChecker | ArrayList | Medium-Hard | Backward-index removal, String comparisons |
| FRQ 4 | GridPath | 2D Array | Hard | Row/column traversal, bounds checking |
How Hard Were the 2024 AP CSA FRQs?
Overall: moderate to hard. FRQ 1 (Feeder) was accessible for students familiar with Math.random() thresholds and simulation logic. FRQ 2 (Scoreboard) was a clean class-writing problem — straightforward for students who practiced writing full classes from scratch.
FRQ 3 (WordChecker) had a significant trap: students who iterated forward while removing elements from the ArrayList lost points due to index drift. FRQ 4 (GridPath) required careful 2D array boundary management and was the most time-consuming question on the exam.
FRQ 1: Feeder — Medium
Clear problem setup. The main challenge was correctly applying Math.random() with threshold comparisons and tracking state between method calls.
FRQ 2: Scoreboard — Medium
Standard class-writing FRQ. Students who practiced the constructor + accessor + mutator pattern had no trouble. Points were lost for missing this references or wrong field types.
FRQ 3: WordChecker — Medium-Hard
The ArrayList removal trap was the key discriminator. Forward iteration with removal skips elements. Backward iteration or index adjustment was required for full credit.
FRQ 4: GridPath — Hard
Nested loops, strict boundary conditions, and path-sum accumulation made this the most demanding FRQ. Students who ran out of time often left this one incomplete.
FRQ Type Pattern (Same Every Year)
Since 2019, every AP CSA exam uses the same four question types in the same order. Knowing this pattern is a strategic advantage — you can rehearse your approach for each slot before exam day.
FRQ 1 — Methods & Control Structures
Write 1–2 methods using loops, conditionals, and expressions. Usually two parts: (a) implements helper logic, (b) calls (a) or extends it. Most students find this the most approachable.
FRQ 2 — Class Writing
Write a complete class: instance variables, constructor, accessor/mutator methods, and at least one behavior method. Tests your understanding of OOP design and encapsulation.
FRQ 3 — ArrayList Manipulation
Traverse, filter, modify, or build an ArrayList. Common traps: mutating a list while iterating, index drift after removals, and using wrong ArrayList method names.
FRQ 4 — 2D Array Operations
Navigate a 2D grid using nested loops. Tests row/column indexing, boundary awareness, and accumulation patterns. Often the most time-consuming question on the exam.
How to Use This Page
For best results: attempt each FRQ yourself first (set a 22-minute timer), then open the solution page and compare your code to the sample answer line by line. Pay special attention to the scoring rubric — you’ll often find you earned more points than you thought.
- Click any FRQ card above to open the full solution page.
- Each solution page includes the original question text, a complete Java solution, scoring rubric breakdown, and common mistakes to avoid.
- Use the FRQs by Topic page to find more practice on any specific concept.
- See all years at the FRQ Archive.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 AP CSA FRQs
What are the 2024 AP CSA FRQs?
FRQ 1 Feeder (Methods & Control Structures), FRQ 2 Scoreboard (Class Writing), FRQ 3 WordChecker (ArrayList), FRQ 4 GridPath (2D Array). Each worth 9 points, 36 total, comprising 45% of the exam score.
Which 2024 FRQ was the hardest?
FRQ 4 GridPath was widely considered the most challenging, requiring careful 2D array boundary management and path accumulation logic. FRQ 3 WordChecker also caught students who tried to remove elements while iterating forward.
What is the most common mistake on 2024 FRQ 3 WordChecker?
Iterating forward through the ArrayList while removing elements, which causes index drift and skips elements. The correct approach is to iterate backward or use an index counter that adjusts after each removal.
How does 2024 compare in difficulty to other recent years?
The 2024 exam was moderately difficult overall. FRQ 1 and FRQ 2 were accessible to well-prepared students. FRQ 3 and FRQ 4 required precision with ArrayList mutation and 2D array traversal, which are consistent difficulty spikes.
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